Spain Day One
Oxford United trained for the first time in Spain this morning as their Spanish pre-season training camp got under way.
Michael Appleton and his squad flew in to the La Cala resort last night and were out early for the first training session of the day at 9 this morning.
With temperatures rising the U’s enjoyed a 90 minute training session before returning for a little relaxation by the pool. They will be back out for a second session at 7pm tonight. The only missing player is Callum O’Dowda who misses the trip through illness, but the rest of the squad are all fit with no injuries reported ahead of Tuesday night’s first game of the tour.
Michael said:
“It’s a fantastic place to come and train for a week. The facilities are first class and training was good this morning. The pitch is well prepared, the players were in good spirits and you can see the new faces already starting to settle in.”
United take on Spanish fourth division side Alhaurin de la Torre on Tuesday at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm in the UK). Full commentary will be available in Yellow Player. Entry at the stadium is 5 Euros, with under 16s free.
Wednesday will see the players training once more before the Yellow Army host a Beach Club Party for fans and staff on the Thursday evening at the Forever Beach Club in Benalmádena.
Johnnies Bar in Bonanza Square in Benalmádena is already busy with the Yellow Army enjoying a day in the sun
On Tuesday or Wednesday morning there will also be an 11-a-side fans v fans match in Benalmádena (at Campo Futbol El Tomillar). With Steve’s blessing the match has been named the “Steve Dyer Fans Match” and the Yellow Army will be looking to match Steve’s wonderful donation to Helen & Douglas House by asking those who take part on the day to make a donation themselves. The date and time will be announced on the Yellow Army website.
Friday evening will see the focal point of the week, a game against UD Marbella at La Cala. Kick off is at 7pm and the game will be free to watch.
Transport to and from the games is available from Benalmadena. Over 400 fans have already told us they are coming and we are busy booking transport to help everyone get to the game.
To help us get numbers right for this please email Sarah Gooding (sgooding@oufc.co.uk) and tell us how many are in your party. Please note that we will only be able to offer transport if you tell us you require it in advance!
Full coverage will be available every day, with exclusive behind the scenes coverage in Yellow Player where we will also have both games live.