Got a phone call this morning with an invite to the training ground along with the US supporters. Ran out of the hotel with hair still wet, no breakfast to meet up with them in time. Not much of a session as the pitch was frozen solid, snow and frost covering everything. They used the astroturf down behind the pitch they usually train on. The usual first teamers, that will be needed on Saturday, were kept indoors to work as Bobby didn't want to risk anything happening to them on the astroturf. This included Barton and Speed. The session was a mix of reserves and first teamers. A bit of warm up sprints, then they were broken into 4 teams for mini 5 aside round robin matches. We had a good time trying to identify reserves and youth players for some of our visitors...and ourselves. We couldn't figure out who Bonvin was until someone asked one of the coaches after practice. He was called "daniel" and "lundgren" and "pedro". Guess it's an inside thing. ;-)

The 'tournament' winner were the green team which consisted of LuaLua, Garry Brady, and our NEW STRIKER..some kid called Stephen Harper. Yes, really. Very well taken goal, and he doubled back to his more familiar keeper role to stop a shot on his chest. We joked with him after the session that he'll be starting on Saturday up front if Given is back in goal. We could do worse. We have done worse. Heck, the way this season is going, he could wind up playing both forward and keeper! ;-))

Well frozen after the session, we were then brought through towards the pavillion lobby, running into Bobby, Alan Oliver and a reporter from a south Shields evening paper. Introductions around, Oliver pulled our group leader aside or a brief interview, so there may be mention of us in the Ronnie in the next day or so. Bobby then spent a few minutes chatting. Very excited to meet 3 lads over from Las Vegas, saying he'd love to visit. Also telling us a brilliant story about being in colorado with the England team before the World Cup (90?) and his players being braver than US Airforce in diving off a high platform.

After that it was into the WARM!! pavillion lobby where we waited for the players to finish their lunch. Had a bit of chat with Andy Griffin before lunch. Very nice lad. He's so happy to finally be making regular appearances. Chatted with many others as they came through. Barton very proud to be acting as captain. They're all very up after Tuesdays win and looking forward to Saturday. All we asked for was more of the same, please! I just love these surprise excursions. :-D BTW....I've also finally (!!) gotten a mobile, so once it's charged up, I can actually be reached. 07960 553224 Should be on from tomorrow morning. Maybe even tonight once I'm home and plug it in.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2000

Answers

Thanks for that Ciara. Definitely one of the more successful training visits getting to talk to manager and players.

I hope you're enjoying your time in Toon and not getting too cold. Just thinking of the training groud today makes me shiver. Who are the US Mags? Are any of them conributors here? If not, presumably you've told them how to find us.

The Leeds game must be the best game we've played since you started coming over. Anyway, let's hope for more of the same this weekend.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2000

Cheers Ciarra, mucho appreciated ,as with yourself and against my wishes my daughter got me a mobile - aagghh -bt cellnet - still waiting to be registerd since Xmas Day !!!!

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2000

Very much enjoying the trip so far. Only a dusting of snow to a former New Englander. Very suprised to see none of the sidewalks cleared, even in the shopping areas! It's really going to be gross when it starts melting. Those of you coming in for the match tomorrow, don't wear shoes you care about!

Only dampener is I've come down with a bit of a cold so was in bed most of the day. Had to come out and get some photos of the Toon while there's still a bit of white snow making it all more beautiful tahn usual. :-)

None of the US Mags yet have the bbs info, will have to pass it along when I see them in the morning. We're doing the pitch inspection getting a tour in the morning. A couple of them were planning to head down to see Barnsley play tonight, one of them went to Edinburgh this morning. Intrepid lot we are. ;-)

Congrats on joining the mobile age, Buff. I'm still trying to figure my phone out. Screach was on the receiving end of my text message experimentation this morning. heh.

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2000

Bliddy YUPPIES. (U as well Ciara).

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2000