Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' invite to training was taken up enthusiastically by Sunderland fans tonight. The Black Cats' owner sent out an email to supporters inviting them to watch Alex Neil put his players through their paces for an hour-and-a-half at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira.
And at the end of the session, the Sunderland players were happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. Luke O'Nien even volunteered to go in goal as two young lads took potshots at him!
There was also a chorus of 'happy birthday' directed at Ross Stewart, who turned 26 today.
The open training session was a nice touch by Louis-Dreyfus, Neil, and the players to show their appreciation for the fans who had travlled out to Portugal - particularly give their friendly against Rangers on Saturday night was cut short after 45 minutes due to a powercut.
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No go
As for that abandoned game, it was surprising that the teams did not return to play it to a conclusion on Sunday morning. Apparently the suggestion was put forward, but Rangers weren't keen...
Everything but the confirmation
The departures of David Preece and Phil Jevons from the Sunderland coaching staff have seen Mark Prudhoe and Michael Proctor working at first team level during pre-season and now out here in Portugal. Hugely respected academy goalkeeping coach Prudhoe and highly-rated U23 coach Proctor are expected to be promoted full-time, as revealed by ChronicleLive last month, but as yet there has been no official announcement.
Asked about their situation, Neil smiled: "I don't know - well, it's yet to be confirmed."
Roma expect to draw a crowd
Roma are due to train at the stadium tomorrow and by the looks of things the Serie A side are also intending to allow their fans to attend. I'm not sure how many supporters they are expecting, but juding from the stack of red crush barriers that were stacked at the ground they are taking no chances!
Sunderland and Jose Mourinho's side will share the stadium tomorrow, one training there in the morning and one in the afternoon, on the eve of their game on Wednesday morning.
READ NEXT:
- Kyril Louis-Dreyfus invites Sunderland fans to watch training in Portugal
- Albufeira loses its spark, Sunderland's Aussie rules, and a first look at Dan Ballard
- Luke O'Nien taking the positives from Sunderland's aborted friendly with Rangers
- Alex Neil ready to help new boys Dan Ballard and Jack Clarke realise their potential
- Alex Neil on why patience is the key to Sunderland's summer strengthening
