The third part of fitness coach Dean Riddle's Malta blog takes in two training sessions, a beach barbecue with the fans, and how to embarrass a visitor...

"On Wednesday we trained in the morning and had a short break in the afternoon before another session at 5.30pm - earlier than normal because we were due to attend a fans beach barbecue afterwards. It was baking hot as we warmed-up with some running to get some of the stiffness out before getting down to some solid football related work.

"The high intensity stuff was modified, using different drills, team-shape and tactical work, but we still did a full session even though the groundsman told us it was 40 degrees in the sun and 36 in the shade. The boys are tired owing to a culmination of the travel, heat, different food, hard exercise, dehydration, and the heat in their rooms if they don't use the air conditioning etc.

"We talk to the players about all these things and they are very aware of how to handle them, but they have to make the right choices themselves. For example, air con can cause sore throats for some which can upset their training so they have to decide whether to have it on, or off, maybe with the windows open - but it will still be hot.

"This tiredness I talk about is a state we know they will get to and, because we know that, we can manage it properly. You cannot train or play in a comfort zone so the work has to be hard, but we ensure that it is balanced by ensuring the lads get the right rest as well.

"After the session on Wednesday night it was compulsory cold showers to try and stop everyone sweating and on the bus to the barbecue which was a brilliant night. It was well-organised, the food was ready which was important, and in a great setting. The fans were great to us and Richard Cresswell was given a trophy as Player of the Year by the Maltese Sheffield United Supporters Club.

"When we returned to the hotel some of the players even ate again, and doing what they are doing at the moment you literally cannot eat enough - only the wrong stuff is a problem but, again, they are very trustworthy with regard to their diet.

"We left at 8.30am on Thursday for training but were delayed just slightly by a broken down truck. It was a session open to the supporters who saw a good range of activities, including the defenders and attackers working in separate groups at one stage. Trouble was every time Ched Evans or someone blasted the ball into the top corner all the fans cheered, but a powerful Chris Morgan headed clearance would be ignored - it pays to be a striker in this game!

"Knowing that the players needed a down day we lessened the intensity a bit through passing drills, unit work and shadow play.

"The young Maltese player who was given the chance to join in a couple of training sessions got a bit of surprise before training - and an introduction to the sense of humour you have to have in this game. Kozzy suddenly announced that it was the guest's birthday and instinctively all the lads followed Chris Morgan's lead by giving three cheers and a chorus of 'Happy Birthday'. But Rob had made it up and the lad (nineteen incidentally) had to stand and listen before saying in a very embarrassed fashion, "But my birthday is not until 16th September."

"At the end of the session the boys did some group photographs with competition winners who got to squeeze up close to some very sweaty footballers."