Nick Hurt has announced that training will commence on Tuesday 7th July 2008 at 6.30PM at Balleira Road, Kirk Michael and then every Thursday. Once the nights close in training will revert to an astra pitch twice a week (venue and nights to be announced).

In Nicks words " with commitment to training and a few more players to strengthen the squad the club is not that far off being able to compete at the top level of the Premier League"

Michael United.COM is pleased to announce that in conjunction with Nick a scheme has been put in place to reward the players not just in terms of ability but who also demonstrate commitment to training and this will come in operation on the first session.

A player attending training will be awarded 10 points. During the session four activites will be assesed as a competition with the best player in each activity being awarded the equivalent number of points to the number of players attending training that evening and the worst player in that activity will recieve 1 point.

Example - Dribbling exercise against the clock

22 people at training

Player X first 1minute 22 points

Player Q second 1 minute 10 seconds 21 points

Player R third 1 minute 12 seconds 20 points

All the way down to 22nd place who would be awarded one point.

Points total will be calculated after each training session and shown on this website on a weekly basis.

Any player who attends training but is not ready to commence training at 6.30PM will be deducted 1 point for every 5 minutes late or part five minutes.

Prizes will be awarded at the end of the season to the top 20 trainers and these include return fights to Liverpool for two, acommodation for a saturday night for two at a Douglas hotel, Evening meals for two at top Island restaurants, Crate of beer, Leisure Club day for two, etc,etc A full list will be issued on this site over the next month.

Nick has also stated that he intends to have four friendly matches pre season and if possible the first will be on Saturday 11th July 2009.

Could all players please notify M Blackburn of all known future holiday/family commitments so Nick is aware of his available squads for matches which also goes for Tony for the combination team.