Spent an hour at CLS this morning - typed a full report earlier; my PC crapped out before i could post, and I lost it all. So, condensed version before I hit the hay - big day tomorrow.

A largish squad were limbering up when I got there. Quick check to see who was missing - DD, CC, and Glass. Minor heart attack when momentarily I couldn't locate AS, but there he was clowning with Nobby - seem good mates these two.

Noticed a tall, young, dark-skinned player with a pony-tail that I didn't recognise - turned out to be the new French blerk, Olivier Bernard. The Chilean Acuna was also there.

Moved onto a drill in two large groups, whereby one player passed the ball from the centre circle to someone widish, then on to another player going down the line and a first time cross in to 2 or 3 on-rushing strikers. Variable success frankly - some good crosses from Nobby and Gavilan in particular, but some bloddy awful ones also. Finishing was also highly variable, with "tit of the day" clearly going to Dessy H.

Noted BR having an extended and animated conversation with YKD at this point, who didn't look very happy - I just wonder if he's miffed at being moved out of centre m/f after having played so well there.

They then played a practice match - 1st team v the stiffs; played at a high tempo and not a little skill. CC showed up at this point but didn't take part, and I think you can forget him for tomorrow. There was a nasty collision between Given and YKD at a corner and neither got straight up - oh bugger! Eventually they both got up - BR put a fatherly arm around YKD and he seemed OK, but still seemed very sullen and rather disinterested. Given seemed to be hurt, and although he continued, he was still limping at the end with what looked like a knee injury, hopefully just a knock. I also noticed RL in deep conversation with BR at the end of the kick-about, and he seemed to be limping slightly as he wandered off, presumably for treatment.

Big Al looked lively and happy. GS & WB looked like the great pros they are, enthusiastic and involved in everything.

Mick Wadsworth then announced he wanted everyone in the Video Room in 30 minutes to watch a video of Chelsea, and the players wandered off, although AS, GS and Nobby stayed behind with BR for some fairly impressive shooting practice against 'Big John' Karelse.

Enjoyable hour, although I came away concerned over Given, and in particular Rob Lee's fitness for tomorrow, and also troubled by YKD's generally dark demeanour.

Sorry no piccies gang.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2000

Answers

Thanks Clarky. I reckon you only went there to show off the new wheels. A worry about Shay, and possibly Rob Lee and LKD - they're all in my Teampick!

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2000

Thanks for the report Clarky - great stuff, but I am sooooo envious! (;o)

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2000

Thanks for the report, Clarky! Much appreciated. A bit worried that Dyer seems to keep getting in a snit when things don't go his way. He could easily get in his own way if that keeps on. Hope Given is ok, it'd be terrible for the guy to go out with another injury. Though I won't be too upset to see Harper back in goal again :-)) Was he at training, Clarky? You mentioned Karelse.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2000

Ciara,

Yes, Harper was also on duty and looked in decent form.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2000