Former Celt Willo Flood will start his pre-season preparations tomorrow as Middlesbrough jet out to La Manga as Gordon Strachan prepares his promotion bid.
While Cardiff and Blackpool prepare for the Premiership play-off next weekend and other Championship players unwind in the sunshine the ‘Boro players will be getting put through their paces in the Spanish sun.
Strachan was deeply unhappy about the level of fitness amongst the players at his new club, amongst other things, and believes that an early start can kick-start their promotion hopes.
Flood’s season was came to a halt in March when he damaged his cruciate ligaments in a knee and is putting a brave face on his reduced close-season.
He said: “I’m still in for the next three weeks. I get two weeks off in June and I’m back in again after that.
“I’m going to Portugal with the missus and then we’re coming back for a wedding in Scotland.
“She knows I have no choice, I want to get my fitness ready and I’ve got to get it right.
“There will be plenty of other times to go on holiday in the future but this is one where I’ve just got to get fit.”
Flood was Strachan’s final signing for Celtic in the January 2009 transfer window and despite starting just two games was reunited with his old boss twelve months later.
The midfielder made a big impact in the Championship playing alongside Barry Robson but found his season cut short by injury after just eleven games at his new club.
Flood joined Middlesbrough alongwith Robson, Scott McDonald and Chris Killen and is hoping that Stephen McManus will rejoin the Celtic colony at the start of next season.
McManus made a big impact during his time at the Riverside Stadium but returned to Celtic at the end of the season.
Like everyone at Celtic McManus is waiting to find out who will be in charge of the club next season but can be assured of a warm welcome if he decides to return to Middlesbrough.
Flood added: “Wheats (David Wheaton) and Big Mick (McManus) formed a great partnership last season.
“I think it’s vital that we get Mick signed and hopefully we will.
“I’m looking forward to a few new signings and the start of the season.
“Every pre-season is hard, but I’m just looking to getting the injury sorted out and getting involved with the lads.”
Despite barely getting a chance at Celtic under Strachan Flood is full of admiration for the manager who signed him twice within a year.
“You just have to look at the gaffer’s record at Coventry and Southampton and especially at Celtic and it speaks for itself,” he added.
“You don’t go to Celtic, slash the wage bill and win three league titles on the bounce without being a top, top manager.”
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Good luck to all the Bhoys down at Middlesbrough. We wish Willo well and hopefully big Mick will re-ignite his career. Robbo will be Robbo and Strach will hopefully show everyone what we already know-like Willo said, he is a top manager. Hail Hail.
Well said brother Ed.
Fancy meeting you here!