Kevin Blackwell put his squad through a rigorous training session at United’s Shirecliffe training complex in the morning before the team boarded the Air Malta flight.
United’s squad will be based at the Fortina Spa Resort, which is situated in Sliema. The players were greeted by temperatures of 27 degrees, as they went for a morning run around Sliema’s harbour which boasts magnificent views across to the capital city of Valletta.
United’s latest signings, including Maltese international Daniel Bogdanovic, will no doubt be looking forward to getting a taste of first-team life with the Blades.
United’s manager Kevin Blackwell explained: “Malta has become a second home for Sheffield United. It is beneficial for my coaching staff and players to be working in such familiar and hospitable surroundings for what is an integral part of an intense pre-season training programme.
“I’m sure added attention will be given to our Maltese signing, Bogdanovic. The fact that his introduction starts in Malta will make this a special occasion for the player. However, the tour will provide an important opportunity for all our new signings to start gelling while we prepare the whole team for the start of the new season.”
United’s pre-season preparations on the island are building towards Friday’s triangular tournament between the Blades and Maltese Premiership opposition. Hibernians FC and Vittoriosa Stars FC will play each other for the first game, which will kick-off at 7.30pm local time at the ground of Hibernians.
Immediately after etching his name in the island’s history, Kevin Blackwell was escorted to the five star InterContinental hotel to greet a number of United fans that had made the journey across to the heart of the Mediterranean.
Providing plenty of encouragement on how Sheffield United’s preparations were going ahead of the new season, the large contingency of Blades fans were given the low down during the Q&A appearance from Kevin Blackwell.
The intimate affair saw Kevin Blackwell joined by club Chairman Kevin McCabe, United’s CEO Trevor Birch and new signing Daniel Bogdanovic. The panel answered questions on a variety of subjects that ranged from United’s new signings, pre-season preparations and the Blades ultimate goal of returning back to the Premiership.
“We have made so many friends with the Maltese. It is a fantastic island and everyone is so friendly. It’s been the perfect start to our trip!”
Kevin Blackwell said: “It has certainly has been an eventful first day in Malta. The welcome we have received from the Maltese people has once again been overwhelming.
“Meeting up with some of our fans that travelled across to Malta was a great way to start our visit. However, it’s important that we keep focussed on completing a crucial stage of our pre-season preparations and the hard work starts now.”
The Sheffield United Supporters Club Malta has been set-up recently. Those interested in joining the supporters club should phone 98120590 or visit the website http://sufcmalta.weebly.com/