As our Premier League existence hangs in the balance, the club's hierarchy thought it would be a good idea for the squad to get some warm weather training under their belts. Many fans see it as the players being rewarded despite their poor form, but several of the team - Steven Taylor in particular - have come out to say the trip will aid their preparations. So what exactly can the break achieve? The club's enforced break due to not being able to progress in the cups - again - gave them the perfect opportunity to get away from the doom and gloom that often surrounds the club and come together as a team. If a bit of warmer weather can help the team get a smile on their face and come back in brighter spirits, then why not? On the footballing side of it, the club were able to get in a friendly to keep the match sharpness up. Two weeks without a game could have seen rust set in and, known for being slow starters (three goals against Chelsea in the first 17 minutes to be precise) we can't afford to let that happen at the Britannia. Yes, it can be argued that we could have organised a friendly on home soil - let's not mention the 'secret derby' - but Lillestrom will offer a decent standard of competition and it will give the players who are returning from injury a chance to get some vital minutes in.
