WELL pre-season has arrived and we are now back into the swing of things. As always the first few days are hard with testing and medicals needed to be completed.
Tests that we do include strength, flexibility and physical tests. Although tests vary, most things are similar – but as usual it remains very hard.
With the adverse weather conditions we are training indoors and then doing our strength work back at our training facility in the afternoons.
We are set to be here in New York for 10 days before we take our first trip to Cancun in Mexico, and I am sure it will be a lot warmer there.
That is where we are set to play our first matches with three games arranged against top Mexican teams.
I am hoping that my family joins me in the next few weeks as they wait on their visas to be processed. That is so important for me to have them with me, as any footballer will tell you, because if you’re happy off the field then you are happy on the field.
I must mention ‘King Kenny’s’ return for Liverpool and the attitude around the whole place. Enjoyment, desire, happiness, confidence are just a few words that come to mind but how and why?
This is the same group of players, no different, but they seem to be a new team.
That is no criticism of Roy Hodgson, but sometimes managers just don’t work for clubs, whether it be because they don’t buy into the manager’s methods or just don’t have confidence in him.
What has happened there has been a shock, but Liverpool deserve success and everyone involved seems happy that they have their man back in charge. Time will tell if he gets the job long-term but don’t bet against it.
Will Manchester United ever lose this season? Well Blackpool certainly gave it a go, and sadly fell at the last hurdle. They just are too strong, although not playing well they grind out results and know how to win. Sir Alex really is a genius and the best ever manager. This is not my opinion but FACT!
I must say congratulations to my pal Kenny Miller who completed his move from Scotland to Bursapor in Turkey. Now this is a massive move for him and his family and will be a big change and something that they will have to adapt too.
Finally I see that Robbie Savage has turned down the chance to move to Vancouver Whitecaps. For whatever reason Sav wants to stay in the UK to carry on his playing and media career. He is very much liked on the 606 phone ins and is great to listen to.
Will he be in Gary Speed’s next Welsh squad though is the next big question that everyone will wait too see.