I hope you all had a nice Christmas and a very Happy New Year, but now it’s back to business for us at the training ground and the mice pies have to be put away for another year!

It’s been a little while since I updated the blog, so though it was time to bring you up-to-speed on events that have been taking place since the last instalment.

At last I am now back in full training and since my last blog I have played five games including two for the reserves. It is such a relief waking up everyday knowing that I am going to train or play and not having to go to the gym.

Day 3 was matchday, so with the game scheduled for the evening there was no early run.

Run, run, run.

Overall our experience so far in Spain has taught us a lot about the Spanish culture and the difference in the way football is played abroard.

I have still not returned to training since my last blog.

It has been a while since I last wrote and therefore quite alot has happened in and around the training ground.

Friday was to host out final game in Holland.

It was the day of the final and the lads were in great spirits ahead of the game and were full of confidence.

Having had a relaxing Tuesday in the city of Arnhem, it was back to work on Wednesday with a match against a local amateur side called SVV Youth.

We were up at the usual time for breakfast as we fuelled up for the morning session ahead.

After a light session yesterday it was an early start again for breakfast.

On Sunday we arrived in Papendal at the National Olympic Hotel and the facilities have been excellent.

After travelling from Utrecht to the Papendal and settling in on the Sunday, it was back to work on Monday morning to prepare for our second group game of the tournament against Wycombe.

Since my last blog, our team has moved hotels.

Once again after a reasonably light day on Thursday it was back to work this morning.

After a fantastic first week in Rotterdam, we are now looking forward to week two at the Papendal!

After the Second Years’ epic bowling performance on Thursday night, we started to concentrate on the match we had coming up on the Friday night.

Today was our last day in The Hague and it was also matchday so we were up at half eight in the morning for some breakfast and after that we had some time to finish up packing a few bits and pieces before we departed for the game.

The day had arrived for the much anticipated game against Scunthorpe United. this time we were allowed to have an extra hour in bed which gave the boys a slight buzz when they found out.

Again my alarm was set for an 8.00 call but was again ignored for an extra few minutes sleep. Breakfast was at half eight and the bus was to depart for the training complex shortly after.

Yet again another early start, meeting for breakfast at the regular time of 8.00am.

Having landed in Amsterdam on Monday 25th July at around 2 o’clock local time, we set out for our hotel in Zutphen. The team were all pleasantly surprised with the facilities at the hotel. With a pool, ping pong table and other activities available, it was safe to say that the team were very happy.

I have really been looking forward to the pre-season tour to Holland ever since we found out that we had been chosen to go.