Update From Holland

As reported last week on the website, the under-19 squad got off to an excellent start on their Dutch visit, recording a fine 4-2 win over their hosts FC Dordrecht in what was the first of a series of three games against them.

Following on from their win last Saturday, the youngsters were in action again on Wednesday and came away with a creditable 0-0 draw against the Dordrecht side that contained a couple of Dutch Youth Internationalists.

For some more info on both matches, click here to go to the U-19s fixture page.

On Saturday, the lads were scheduled to face game three against Dordrecht, who are more than determined to put one over us, with the likelihood being that they featured some of their reserve team and first team fringe players. Details to follow.

Further games against Capelle Amateurs and FC Utrecht Youth are due to take place this week.

GENERAL INFO

Coaching and playing staff alike were quick to praise the fantastic hospitality demonstrated by hosts FC Dordrecht. The complex is excellent as is the food, which is essential. The training facilities are 1st class, putting what is on offer in Scotland to shame, and the lads were surprised to realise that this was very much the norm throughout Holland.

In the first week of arrival David Winnie had the lads doing double training sessions, both to get them used to the heat and to improve their sharpness.

The Dutch, somewhat surprisingly, have been amazed at the abilities, technique and the sharpness displayed by the lads at training. When you consider that the Dutch are considered as a “model” to emulate regards training, this is indeed a compliment.

Away from the training ground, the boys have been to see Feyenoord play Celta Vigo and were going on a trip to view the facilities at the home of top Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

Look out for a further update on the boys’ progress sometime this week.