Today was the day where routine would really begin for me. Up early, well fed and then off to training.

The session began similar to Thursday’s, with a roll out and stretch session first, before we were back to the locker room and onto the pitch. Training began with a warm up, and then a passing drill with assistant coach, Donal O’Brien. The passing drills are a great opportunity for me to focus on the little important things in my game, most of which are the simple aspects, footwork, connection, and first touch. From the passing drill we then went into some speed work, co-ordination, and explosive work with a ball. It was an intense 5 minutes of work, however what it really focused on was co-ordination with speed of play, box jumps to heading a ball and ladder work to passing a ball. It got the mind ticking over that’s for sure.

After this work was done it was now onto playing football. Two touch possession in small teams. These drills really show how much faster the speed of play is compared to previous teams and leagues I have played in. But what’s more important to allow for the speed of play is the off the ball movement. It is explosive, it is continuous, and it is tactical. The off the ball movement is so key, especially in these small sided possession games, because it allows you to find the spaces to keep the ball and to connect with your team mates. From here, we went into an 8v8 game, which really allows for the players to put in the work previously worked on. The rule is either 2 touches or less than 2 seconds on the ball. It makes for such a fast paced game, but more importantly, faster decision making. This is an aspect of my game that is always developing. Making decisions faster ensures that I know my options before I even receive the ball and then I can dictate my touch to allow for my use of the options. But this game was also a chance for me to show my defensive capabilities. Defensive headers, clearances, blocks, and tackles were all on display here, along with my continuous communication.

Another good session was in the books and we then had an hour and a half before we were to be in the gym. A good work out with the body still feeling strong and then it was off to my third and final accommodation finally. I am now staying with Keith Ward and Connor McCormack.