Training Friday 31/12

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Happy New Year even though we aren't there yet. Nice today before the players came out when Kiddo came over to me and NMT to pass on season's greetings.He said some of the stuff we have heard from him lately but I think also he was saying it's keep your feet on the ground time. Wise words. Good of him to come over.

When I arrived the coaches were out and the only player was Mario but he soon went inside not to be seen again. Must have a little something they need to be careful of.Everyone else was out for the start as far as I could see apart from RSC who I havent seen for a while. A few jogs to warm up before they split and Mancini took the team for tomorrow ( subject to Mario who I expect would play if deemed fit) Nothing special done but some work on the shape as usual and a few attacks. The other "team" did some warm up exercises before they switched over.

Then it was into a pass and move game with 2 small nets at each end to score in. A few players didn't carry on into this session, MJ,DS and Ade. I hadnt detected any problems with them so I assume just precautionary. After this and while some had a drink and did an exercise or 2 ,Mancini got the defensive group together to work on one or two things in preparation for Blackpool.I got the impression it is something they had probably talked about inside and now were just demonstrating and working on on the field.

So then onto a game on half a pitch. Overall quite a fast session with plenty up for it and none more so than Carlos. SWP very lively as well. Best goal of the day came from Jo when he shrugged off Nigel , and left Vinnie and Milner on the floor before firing past Joe.
A penalty at the other end and Nigel stepped up as he does. I don't think I have seen him miss before but this time he hit the bar and the ball flew away.

At the end Boateng went off to do some fitness work with a physio, Kolo stayed to do a bit extra as well and Milner and AJ stayed for shooting practice.There was some worrying bad news though! Sadly with the extra weight I must have put on over Xmas my steps buckled and died :) I could still see but it wasn't as comfy so time I treated myself.

Roll on Blackpool to start the year as we mean to go on.

[Original Dub]

Cheers mate and happy new year!

[brite blu sky]

Thanks Doug, sounds good.. Carlos back fit etc.

Really good of Kiddo to come and chat and pass the message on.. although it seems you took it literally smashing your steps up!


Happy New Year Doug!

[Andy, lincs]

Excellent stuff Doug, thanks. And its probably time for a new campaign. "If your not going to give Doug a pass, at least replace his step ladder" Catchy stuff!

[Swales4ever]

Great stuff as usual, DH Sir.
May the forthcoming year bring You the same joy that Your brave reports from frozen Carringhton bring to all us overseas.
Thanks for Your committement.
Cheers.
r.

[Kladze]

Good report as always Doug.

Happy New Year to you :-)

[ruralblue]

Well in as usual Doug. All the very best to you and yours.

Jim x

[Blue Blood]

Cheers for another year of top notch work doug, it's much appreciated by all :D

Happy (early) new year mate!

[AFKAE]

Thanks Doug.

Happy New Year!

[shortagain]

Excellent work Doug all season thanks for your efforts. Whilst you no doubt enjoy going down, it makes us all feel a little closer to the action. All the very best for the New Year hope your wishes come true as no doubt they will be the same as many of us.

[Ted Hughes]

Happy New year Doug & thanks for all your excellent reports throughout the year.

[lets all have a disco]

Excellent work Doug seriously thank you for all your fantastic reports this year you are an uber legend.

Happy new year pal.

[Crossie]

Thanks Doug!

For some reason while I was reading that I had a feeling Silva might be kept on the bench until needed. Sneaky feeling Blackpool would knock the shit out of him.

AJ can fill in nicely

[craigmcfc]

12 months since you became a legend, flown by eh? Thanks for the training reports throughout 2010, happy new year Doug

[1664agreatyear]

Cheers Doug,
im not a prolific poster on this forum but i always read and look forward to your reports.
Happy New year blues !

[everyonehatesus]

Thanks as always DHB

[Redna]

Happy New Year Doug and all others. Maybe we all could put in a tenner or so for renting a sky lift. Painted in sky blue of course.
CTID!!

[gillie]

Great report as usual Doug.Happy New Year to you and your family.

[Dameerto]

Happy New Year, don't do what I did and contract 'flu on New Year's Eve.

[CityGer]

Cheers Doug and thanks for your sterling efforts this year. Top man.