Down to business

It was down to business with a vengeance at the Waldstadion, Westendorf's football ground, for Blues.

A double training session was held during the first full day here in Austria.

After fitness coach Ben Rosenblatt put the squad of 23 through their paces, coaches Andy Watson and Roy Aitken took over for various football drills.

At another part of the field, Dave Watson worked with goalkeepers Maik Taylor, Joe Hart and Colin Doyle.

Watson has the 'keepers out training before the main group, and they go through a whole host of spefically designed drills to improve agility, flexibility, reactions and concentration.

In my time covering Blues, I've not seen the goalkeeper worked as hard and as meticulously as they are under his command.

Talking of flexibility, head physio Tim Williamson has brought something different to the training regime - Thai massage.

He spent a few weeks in Thailand during the summer learning the ways of an art that has its roots in the traditions of Buddhist culture.

Here it may look as if he is doing things he shouldn't to Franck Queudrue, but the various stretching disciplines it encompasses are designed to increase players
vitality, flexibility, mobility and tranquility.

The former Celtic phyios says that Henrik Larsson is a fan and undergoes a series of exercises before every game, which he believes has contributed significantly to
his career longevity.

Having spent much of the summer recharging the batteries and lounging in the sun, it's common for players to be sporting nice tans on their return to pre-season training.

Mind, Scott Hiley had a permatan that made him glow like David Dickinson in December.

Sebastian Larsson's hair looks suspiciously blonder but he insists he has not bleached it; it was down to the sun. I suppose he is Swedish after all.

And as for Martin Taylor, he has succumbed to the inevitable thinning on top and had his head shaved. He cuts quite a menancing figure, which probably suits the Arsenal stereotype.

In our picture, I'm not sure what exactly he's thinking; he's either been already broken by the exertions of the training or is next up for the Thai massage . . .