With the squad back in for training at Shirecliffe this morning on their return from Malta, fitness consultant Dean Riddle brings us up to date with his final report, commencing on Friday after training in the morning...

"We switched to match mode and everyone was under instructions to relax, stay out of the sun and prepare for the evening's games. Some, like Monty, always sleep, others just mooch about, but it is really what suits the individual best. Others who were not ready to be involved yet, had treatment for knocks, such as Darius Henderson, Steve Simonsen and Ryan France who had put in a very serious running session in the morning.

"We have our pre-match meal three hours before kick-off so this was at 5.30pm and it was a bit strange to have a Mediterranean version which was a bit spicier than our usual pasta and bolognaise sauce, chicken breast and mashed potato - stuff that doesn't lie heavily on the stomach. It wasn't a problem and the food at the Taste restaurant was fantastic, not surprising as the Fortina Spa hotel is very health conscious and they are used to top athletes staying there.

"The bus left at 7pm and we arrived easily in time for the first game which was between the two Maltese teams so we watched some of that before warming-up behind one of the goals. It was still very hot out there but the dressing rooms were like a sauna! There was a nice atmosphere and although the pitch was a bit brown it was okay to play on. We would always prefer the grass to be shorter and well watered to make the surface zippy but that is difficult and expensive to do over there, but it was better than last year.

"Two wins did us no harm at all and players got some good minutes under their belts. We target everyone clocking up a minimum of 400 during pre-season, including at least one ninety minute game. The exercise benefit and competition was excellent for all concerned, and it meant a lot to the younger lads, particularly the ones whose parents had made the trip and were in the crowd.

"There was a good feed back at the hotel at 11am and then the lads had the rest of the evening to themselves, happy in the knowledge that they didn't have training in the morning! On Saturday after breakfast some of them went swimming, others just relaxed, and it is vitally important that after putting in such huge volumes of really intensive training the lads have some downtime.

"Our flight back landed in Manchester at around 7.15pm and we split up after a very successful trip, meeting up again at the Academy for the return to work on Monday morning."