Report: Barrie McAuliffe

Welcome back to my Cardiff City blog, covering pre-season as we continue our eleven day tour in Portugal . Since my last update we've done our 'reccy' in the stadium, continued preparations for the opening match of the Algarve Challenge Cup and returned the following day to claim a solid points haul to make Thursday night all the more interesting, even if it's only a pre-season competition.

I'm sure you're keen for the latest as I try to out word-count Lord of the Rings, so let's get you up to speed with life inside the City training camp in the Algarve. We begin where we left off, as the team train at the stadium before the Tuesday night game against Guimaraes.

Monday evening came to allow us a chance to see the Estadio do Algarve first hand ahead of the match the following day. The media contingent, namely Julian, Jamie and I travelled ahead of the first team in the cherry red hired Nissan Micra (difficult for two six plus footers to squeeze into with gear, but we managed it) to check the facilities to see if commentary would be possible. We figured this a vital test as the stadium is largely unused for football since Euro 2004, the tournament it was built in 2003 to facilitate three matches.

It's a little geeky, but approaching Estadio do Algarve in its solitary location, you couldn't help but be impressed with its architecture. The stadium is effectively comprised of two adjacent and monstrous stands, with the massive white roof structure making it look like a mechanical clam or two metal gear solid style castanets (and no, I've not been drinking). At either end there were two temporary style single tier stands, creating an interesting aesthetic - one that we discovered the following night would be enhanced by lighting effects to really make the structure stand out on the horizon.

Inside the tunnel and adjacent dressing rooms were quickly reached, leading out to the pitch that at that time was half way covered by shadow. It took a little time to navigate our way to the press and gantry area, but on inspection and some help from the BBC we figured that our interweb broadcast was green for go. From that point the lads arrived and ran through their session before Middlesbrough turned up for their turn. The only concern was a dip in the centre circle that could have been dangerous to play on, but assurances were made that it would be resolved in time for kick-off, along with the quite long grass being cut to make for better football conditions.

Following a few interviews, we packed up and jumped back on the bus for the return journey to Vale Do Lobo, following with a quick evening meal and a quiet night ahead of match-day. The only event worthy of note was in Sparky (Mark Kennedy) being stitched up by the lads for a fine as he had left his boots behind. As ever when fines are concerned, there are no loyalties in football.

Tuesday in fairness was a long day, with a single session pre-empted by yet another coaching staff injury. Following Marge's Lisbon pitch-side mishap, Fitness & Conditioning Coach Alex Armstrong went one better by flying off his mountain bike at high speed on the way to training that morning.

Alex took quite a knock as he came off the bike on a corner, landing and skidding on his head - but knowing him for being as tough as old boots, the medical attention required was minimal compared to us mere mortals. The bruising and grazes are still evident now, enhancing his action/drill sergeant man look even further, while we're hoping that the bad luck of staff injuries don't come in threes.

We were joined ahead of departure by City director Steve Borley, who took up residency with yours truly and Cameraman/CC World editor Jamie in our villa. So far he's been the perfect houseguest, graciously putting up with two slobs who had already taken over the majority of the villa with strewn clothes, cables and various broadcast technology gadgets.

The 7:15pm match meant that the afternoon was a lazy one as we effectively waited to leave for the stadium at the complex. Following a full head-count of twenty players plus extras, we set off to Estadio Algarve to meet Vitoria de Guimaraes in our opening match - details of which I'll leave you to view my match report rather than duplicate here.

Outside of the 2-1 victory it was great to see the travelling City fans take up residency in the stadium, and although the numbers weren't at their highest, the banter and noise were in fine form. I spotted a number of die-hard familiar faces in the crowd, including Cardiff City groundsman Simon, who asked if I could photograph his travelling blue sheep on the pitch. "I've done dafter things," was my reply before obliging the request by crouching on the track and snapping away.

Not being Manchester United, my media duties were in conflict due to the numbers present. Ideally I wanted to get some action shots with my limited lens, but with Julian needing a comedy side-kick for World commentary, I instead enlisted the help of a local photographer before jumping upstairs, donning the head-set and simultaneously scribbling match report notes while attempting to inform and entertaining those listening. Those listening know that our line was cut midway through the second half, but with the assistance of Celtic who were placed behind us, our ISDN link was re-established, allowing commentary to be completed.

Following the match we had a mad dash downstairs, ready to interview the key face and facilitate the travelling media requirements. During the process it seemed that the pre-ordered post match pizzas were missing in action, but following a quick call to the brilliant Vale do Lobo resort, the tables for a late meal were reserved and waiting for us on our arrival. We returned to the complex without Dave, Terry and Wilko who had all remained at the stadium to catch the Celtic and Middlesbrough 1-1 draw. Food eaten and reports/pictures uploaded, I crashed into bed for a solid night's sleep.

Wednesday was an altogether different day, as the morning training session was effectively comprised of a warm down run and some further core-fitness training. That was then followed by the players breaking up into golf factions, while the staff were invited to a meal with event organisers findutickets.com and Vigia Group in a remote, but amazing Portuguese restaurant. The food, wine and chatter were all top notch as we got to know more about out hosts, and how living and working in the Algarve is a truly unique experience.

We've reached Thursday after what has been a whirlwind nine days, as I now type out this blog on increasingly hot keys as I foolishly attempt to work outside to catch some final rays. Next on the agenda is to pack up to around ninety percent before we board the bus to play Celtic in the final match of the 2008 Algarve challenge Cup. It's going to be a great night, and I hope you can all join us afterwards for the write up and more.

This is the penultimate blog of my Portugal opus, with the final instalment coming on the weekend after we (touch wood) make it back to South Wales, fingers crossed with the pre-season trophy in Dave's hand luggage. I hope you've enjoyed it so far.