Clocking on

Blues are back in the groove. On return to training, there was a quiet determination about the management and players at Wast Hills.

Only a couple of new players were assimilated into the squad, plus more youngsters making the step up from the Academy.

Enric Valles (pictured) and Ben Foster were finding their way, while Nikola Zigic checks in on Monday to begin his Blues career.

Garry O'Connor was there too, as he prepares to agree a new short-term contract after a miserable time due to injury.

Marcus Bent, despite being frozen out last season, was ready for duty and eager to make an impression.

This year, there were no late arrivals or misunderstandings (Aliou Cisse, Franck Queudrue anyone?).

New fitness coach and head of sport science Nick Davies (below) was given the reins and put the players through their paces initially.

Although Blues also got the balls out to do a bit of passing work and break the monotony of running-based drills, something which always goes down well with the players.

The pervading mood was definitely one of focus and down to business.

Not that it had the makings of a boot camp; moreover Alex McLeish has constantly stressed that there cannot be any complacency after Blues tremendous performance in 2009-10.

That message appeared to have got through immediately.

Blues were resplendent in the new Xtep training gear as well and Wast Hills has undergone a bit of a makeover during the summer.

Undersoil heating has been installed and general work on improving pitch drainage was started.

Having had a brief chat with McLeish, he still has two to three players in mind to bring in. That much has been obvious considering the recent bids.

The management vacuum at Fulham hasn't helped and I still have a sneaking suspicion that Charles N'Zogbia will end up at St Andrew's at some stage.