Day Four
There was plenty of talk over breakfast about the previous evening’s entertainment as we sat outside in the warm early morning sunshine. It really is the perfect way to start any day – that is waking up to such beautiful mornings.
The day ahead was to be fairly straight forward.
Once breakfast was complete and those who had any minor ailments or concerns had been to see the medical staff, it was the walk up the road to the training pitch. As per usual there was the regular warm up session prior to the main training programme.
Whilst regular training was taking place, I went to the Vale do Lobo gymnasium (which must be my first visit to a gym for a year) with one of the Conditioning coaches, Tom Perryman. Tom led the gym activities, which included an individualised alternate session for a couple of the players. Four others took to the bike which was an off feet conditioning session with the aim of getting a similar heart rate response to those who were on the training pitch, but without the joint loading that goes with high volumes of training. Three others were doing a light recovery spin to ensure they were ready for training tomorrow. Then we made our way back to the hotel for a short session in the pool. Now that session I did join in with.
That was followed by lunch and directly afterwards the opportunity for all and sundry to have some free time. This was spent in a number of different ways, with some heading for the nearby beach, others heading for a shopping mall and 18 of the party heading for one of Quinta Do Lago's three pristine golf courses, called Laranjal.
This beautiful course was a challenge for all, but some rose to the occasion whilst others went somewhat quiet when the conversation turned to who scored what. But regardless of each individuals golfing capabilities, all agreed it was a terrific experience to have played there. I played to my handicap though - my two aged and dodgy knees. Had it not been for them I would have had to have made another excuse for my woeful performance. However my three air shots on the very first tee caused amusement to all who were told about it later.
It was then back to the hotel for dinner at 7pm, followed an hour later by a thought provoking and interesting staff meeting led by Performance Coach Tom Bates.
It was then pretty much time for bed and so I did.
Day Five
For the reader it must get very boring to hear me drone on, day after day, about a beautiful morning etc etc. But believe me, the weather allied to the scenery and the whole ambience of the place is exceptional and I'm sure during the long winter and the early mornings at Jersey Road, many a mind will be thinking if only.
Following breakfast there was another meeting, this time for the players alone with Tom Bates doing the talking. But for Willo [Paul Williams, the newly appointed Logistics Manager] and myself, if was the first of two trips back to Faro Airport to meet two additional players. Stuart Dallas was given special dispensation to join the squad a bit later following his international appearances for Northern Ireland, and it was he who came through first with new signing Josh McEachran following on some 25 minutes later off of the same flight. The difference it makes not having luggage to collect off of the carousel is amazing.
We then drove back to the hotel in perfect time for lunch whereby Josh was introduced to his new team mates and Stewart was welcomed back like a long lost son.
Then after lunch if was back to the airport again, this time to welcome our record signing Andreas Bjelland who had flown in from Amsterdam. This time when we got back, the players had just finished two sessions at the hotel with free kick coach Giavanni Vio. Gianni as he's known, comes to Brentford with quite a reputation. He has used his experiences with the likes of Catania, Fiorentina and most recently AC Milan.
The sessions had just finished upon our return, and having dropped his bags, Andreas was keen to go to the Training Pitch to meet his new team mates. Part of this training session was putting Gianni's ideas into practice.
Then it was back to the hotel for dinner. After dinner both players and staff were given just a few hours to enjoy some free time together and in doing so take in some of the flavour of this lovely region of Portugal.
On our return it was straight to bed.
Peter Gilham.