The first instalment of the Blades Fitness Consultant Dean Riddle giving his slant on events in Malta as United slog it out in the sun commences with a look back at how things have started...

"Monday started cloudy on two fronts as we gathered early on Monday afternoon at Shirecliffe; the weather was drizzly and dull, and our mood was deepened by our concern for Simon Walton. Wally had only been with us a few days, the lads had taken to him, he had trained hard and then he does his knee at Mansfield. We were all hoping for the best from his scan results later that day.

"The session began with further fitness tests, the results of which confirmed that our programmes are heading in the right direction and that the squad is coping with it. With our flight not until 9.30pm it was going to be along day but we were all prepared and the lads were looking forward to it.

"The ones who came last year were telling the new ones how good it is over here, how great the hotel is - and about the stifling heat.

"At Manchester Airport, incredibly, none of the party had forgotten their passports and it was now that the young professionals in the group could really feel what is like travelling with the senior players. It's a great experience for them to train and travel with them but the heat is on for them because they have to show that they can cope.

"Despite physio Paul Teather being spotted in Burger King the flight was on time, but there was a tiny hiccup waiting for us on the other side - no coach waiting so the Gaffer had to pay for taxis after he had brushed the cobwebs from his wallet! The taxi journey was a life-changing experience because they drove seriously fast and we got to the Fortina Spa Hotel at around 2.30am.

"And - get this - the coach driver was found asleep in his coach at the airport three hours after the plane had landed!

"After a lie-in on Tuesday morning it was great to see so many friendly and familiar faces amongst the staff when we came down for breakfast, and the lads soon settled in.

"Then it was team briefing, short but necessary, letting the lads know how seriously they should look after themselves with regard to sun cream usage (and only one hour's sunbathing a day), avoiding dehydration and eating correctly. They are being worked tremendously hard at the moment, building fitness for a long campaign, and they all want to make the team; a stupid mistake can wreck their progress because if they can't train because of it they fall behind.

"The work began with a half hour run along the seafront to get everything moving again and the party was divided into three groups - the old and the infirm which was Sam Ellis and 'Quinny' who is recovering from a toe operation, basically walking; the slow and old, comprising Steve Simonsen and the goalkeeping coach, and then everyone else!

"Running (or walking) for thirty minutes in this heat is tough going and everyone was motivated by the thought of jumping in the sea at the end of it. Ironically, that is the prefect way to aid recovery, although I don't think we could have stopped them anyway!"

Now they were ready for rest and the evening session later on Tuesday - read that in part two...