Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Tim Nash’s daily Wolves tour diary
Tuesday 5th July 2011, 3:12PM BST.
Returning to the same Maynooth training camp as Wolves were at 12 months ago brings back poignant memories of Matt Murray.
This time last year, the retired goalkeeper was making one final attempt to get fully fit again after almost two years out with a knee injury.
Murray looked sharp working out with the other goalkeepers, with his booming voice demanding to be involved when the games started.
Within seven weeks of those sessions, he had retired.
So it was with mixed feelings that Murray reflected on hearing of his former team-mates being back in training.
He tweeted: “Another two-hour gym session done today. Getting back in shape slowly.
“Seems funny not reporting back for pre season. First time in 15 seasons!
“Really hit home I’ve retired now. Didn’t think I’d miss pre-season so much!
“Actually envious of the lads with sore legs from the running!”
Good to see Murray, who shared a coaching course this summer with Robbie Fowler, remaining so positive.
But Wolves boss Mick McCarthy might have felt like royalty in the Republic of Ireland, as manager of the national team.
McCarthy have thought those days had returned on his welcome back to Carton House Hotel, the team’s four-star headquarters for the week.
After driving up the 1.4 mile-long driveway through spectacular scenery, he was greeted by the sight of a red carpet at the palatial entrance to the hotel, which was built in 1739.
Prices range from £112-a-night bed and breakfast to £604 for the presidential suite.
After working out on the pitches used by Real Madrid and described as some of the best in Europe, players can soothe their aching limbs with a luxurious spa or play on two of Ireland’s finest championship golf courses.
And they say pre-season’s a grind!
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