I presume the internationals are being given a longer break. I mean the likes of Shay, Speed et al will only have been on hols for three weeks. I mean, I know they are all over-paid Jessies but three weeks is a bloody short break...

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Answers

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Lets see now, show up for a few hours work/play a day, huge amounts of money, free international travel, length of time off dependent on ability. Any takers? It's not as if these lads are demanding better working conditions, three weeks is plenty. How can shay get worn, all he does is pick the ball out the back of the net.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

These players are supposed to be highly-tuned athletes, operating in a high contact sport, and who are expected to perform at their peak perhaps 60 times in a 9 month season, and 70-75 times per season if they are internationals.

We may not care to accept it, but the reality is that their bodies need a reasonable recovery period away from the game each season.
The alternative is the situation AS finds himself in where after 10 seasons with virtually no break, his body is prematurely letting him down. There is no way a top racehorse would be treat this way.

How much they get paid has no relevance to this equation whatsoever.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

I agree Clarky - I've often spoken to Dr Bill about this. The reality is that the human body is only capable of so much and it wouldn't make them any better equipped to endure the ravages of the season if they were paid a million a week.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Talking about the resumption of pre-season training, the Ronnie carries the following tonight:

"Newcastle, incidentally, have not renewed their contract at Chester-le-Street for first team training, which got under way again today, although their academy site remains at Maiden Castle in Durham until Darsley Park is ready for them to move in (not until September I believe).

In the meantime United's top stars will alternate between St James's and another site in the city".

Leazes Park or the Town Moor perchance? Jumpers for goal posts?

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

I guess my point wasn't taken too well, so be it. Ice Hockey is a high contact sport as is basketball, they often play 2-4 times a week in a season. Injuries are limited by advanced training methods and facilities. I am a fan of neither, however I am sure that there are athletes that put themselves through more hard work than our prima donnas do and complain less.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Other venue .... Baha beach club?

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Apologies if I sounded overly critical syme - didn't intend to. This particular subject is simply a "bee in the bonnet" thing for me.
Please also note, I'm not saying our physical preparation/conditioning and fitness levels couldn't be better, because I firmly believe they could.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Alan Shearer's estate? They are welcome to use our front lawn - the daisies might help with offside...

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

The squad have the option of training at British Gas's Blue Flame ground and there is a distinct possibility they will buy the complex because it would suit their academy. Newcastle could also use the University grounds. (from team talk ....who reckon Newcastle used to train at Maiden castle)

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Nee probs clarky, once again I write with my heart on my sleeve inasmuch that I would've done anything to be in the position they find themselves in. Of course the body needs recovery time, physicians recommend a minimum of 4-6 weeks in between Marathons/triathlons yet those at the top manage to travel, train and compete in perhaps two a month.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

"the daisies might help with offside"

At last, a use for Marcelino!

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Most professional players are married with young families. While I agree they are pampered, it is only fair on their wives and their children that the family is allowed some time together on vacation.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

Dyer sounds like he wasn't getting the chance to do a little training at home.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001