Yesterday West Bromwich Albion travelled up to Scotland to begin their four-day training camp and the message from head coach Darren Moore was simple – time to step up our fitness even further now.
Having opened our pre-season campaign with a 3-0 victory over Barnet at the weekend, we have headed to St Andrew’s University to take advantage of their equipment with more gruelling sessions planned by the management team and with no games planned whilst we are north of the border all our efforts and attentions will be spent on the training pitches and the gym.
With news of James McClean not turning up for the flight up and West Brom confirming he will now face internal disciplinary proceedings as he no doubt looks to grease a move through to Stoke City given their reported interest in him, a number of other players have also not made the trip – but they had permission.
Kieran Gibbs and Sam Field have remained behind as they are undergoing treatment for respective thigh and groin strains, whilst new dad’s Craig Dawson and Hal Robson-Kanu have been given permission to stay behind for family reasons.
I imagine a few fans will no doubt raise an eyebrow at Dawson.
James Morrison has travelled with the group as he continues his recovery from the Achilles injury that got in the way of his campaign in 2017/18 and he’s set to take part in full training with the group and he may get minutes when our next friendly against Swindon Town comes round.
You would hope that more incomings are decided this week but I guess we’re still awaiting news of which players with release fees might be targetted now the World Cup is coming to a close and things begin hotting up more on a domestic football front.
