It`s been quite a day. It wasn`t only the flags that were flying.
What was expected to be a full day started with an 8am breakfast and one of the players ended up with egg on his face….yes literally egg on his face. I won`t embarrass the youngster by naming him (I`ll leave the players themselves to do that) but in fairness when you pick up an egg, other than the weight, it`s hard to tell whether it`s hard boiled, i.e. if you squeezed it the shell may crack, or not hard boiled which can be considered hazardous squeezing for obvious reasons. Well (and I`m sure you`ve guessed by now) the egg that this particular player pressed with a bit of force was one of the latter variety and in turn it ended up on his face!
Anyway after breakfast it was time for a short walk to the training facility at the ground of SV Fortuna Leipzig 02 who were very proud to host The Bees training session which attracted a good number of locals and a few Bees fans.
The session only lasted about an hour as it was soon time to have lunch prior to checking out and heading off for Meuselwitz some 53 kilometres due south.
We arrived there about 2.15pm and were greeted by 60 plus Bees fans which was really appreciated by the players…particularly so the newcomers.
Unfortunately the team sheets which were eagerly snapped up by Bees fans to remind them of this special day, showed Meusetwitz`s opponents as FC BRADFORD.
The game as no doubt you would have read, was a good exercise but of course the main feature was the number of Bees fans in attendance. Not far short of 100 and they made their presence felt and heard throughout the match, much to the delight of the Meuselwitz FC owner and staff. There were also ten Brentford scarves adorning the fence behind one of the goals.
The host club also laid on a first class BBQ for the players and staff after the match prior to setting off for our six day training break at Bad Blankenburg`s excellent Sports Centre.
Shortly after completing the 108 kilometre ninety minute journey it was time for a mid evening snack and it was upon it`s conclusion that to everyone`s surprise new signing Tony Craig stood up to offer a karaoke rendition of "I Wish I Could Fly" as it was his first trip with the team. All I can say is, rest assured Uwe did not sign him for his singing ability….at least I hope not. But courage he has in abundance. Well would you stand up on a chair, with an audience, and sing "I Wish I Could Fly" or anything for that matter?
Talking of singing….the evening drew to a conclusion with the coaching staff discussing the training programme for Sunday whilst I enjoyed a beverage or two with ever supportive Club Director Eddie Rogers. Now there may be those amongst you who may imagine some of the Board Members to be somewhat staid. Let me assure you that is not the case, well certainly not when it comes to Eddie`s taste in music. So I will sign off today`s blog by asking…what song did Eddie say he would sing, if required, in front of the players (I hope the players are reading this)?Elvis Presley`s "Don`t Be Cruel". As I said: "It`s been quite a day".
Peter Gilham