Pre-Season Tour

[silverfox]

Malta Pig Match?

Reports in the UK media yesterday suggested that English Champion-ship teams Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday are planning a pre-season warm-up in Malta next summer.

The Star reported that the two rivals are mulling a proposal to play a 'friendly derby' in Malta before the 2009/10 season.

Malta has established close links with Sheffield United following the signing of a shirt sponsorship deal with the Malta Tourism Authority at the start of the current season.

The deal, worth €350,000, has now been extended by another year. The signing of the extension was made at the end of a four-day training camp the Blades had here at the end of last month.

During their stay, players and officials from the Bramall Lane club, who have Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber on their books, also found time to visit young patients in hospital and distributed various mementoes to promote Sheffield United FC.

 

[The One]

From the united website. But they may just be playing it down.

No Maltese derby game
Posted on: Fri 10 Apr 2009
Sheffield United have dismissed as pure speculation that they will play city rivals Wednesday in the holiday island of Malta.

Reports in the media had suggested a revived steel city cup game would be played on the island in the build up to next season.

Sheffield United chief executive Jason Rockett said: "We were aware of Wednesday's interest in visiting Malta, and the game is a nice idea but as far as we are concerned pure speculation.

"We have not been consulted by Sheffield Wednesday on the proposed game which of course would have security implications which would need to be seriously considered.

"We would not wish to jeopardise the excellent relationship built up between Sheffield United, the city of Sheffield and our sponsors the Malta Tourism Authority.

"Our Malta sponsorship has not only brought awareness of the island as a holiday destination but also to other football clubs of the first class facilities on the island. We are pleased that as a result Wednesday are thinking of going to Malta."

 

[Linz]

I did hear that the piggies were going over there. When do the leagues in Hungary, China and Australia finish? Could have a mini-tournament

 

[SotonBlade]

the mini tournament would be a good idea, and would be a good excuse for a holiday, it's a nice place!

 

[Linz]

Some piggies aren't too impressed at LS for this one... they seem to have got it in their heads that due to our links, they're helping us fund another player signing

 

[Foxy]

I liked the rocket man's little dig ...

We are pleased that as a result Wednesday are thinking of going to Malta.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

If the won that one they could build a wall with little crosses on it!

 

[Linz]

Where are we fancying this year?

There's been some good fun in the past... camping trips to Scotland and a week's jaunt round Ireland. What do you think this pre-season will have in store?

I think we'll play at least one match in Malta... and this time, I have some holidays saved!

 

[DazBlade88]

If we do manage to go up, I can go on the pre season tour this year because I know it'll mean less night away games, if we stay down I won't be going

 

[matth]

I'd like them to perhaps go to Riviera Maya in Mexico, from about the 1st - 15th June

 

[Come from away]

If they won they would be the number 1 team in the country so I can see why they would like to join our training sessions in the sun.

 

[Samantha]

There's talks of Australia, Malta is pretty much guaranteed and there's talk of somewhere else too but can't remember as yet... will let you know when I remember ;-)

 

[Ballinpigpubs13]

I hope the lads are in cuba for pre- season

 

[dingledog]

Huddersfield suits me best!!!

 

[silverfox]

Huddersfield suits me best!!!

Wonderlust eh?

 

[SheepdipBlade]

Would have thought Fradi would appear on the list somewhere - especially if they make it back to the top flight. Quite fancy a couple of days in Buda Pest in the sunshine.

 

[happyhippy]

Huddersfield suits me best!!!

Huddersfield away - don't do it.

One day I will exorcise the ghosts of that day, and write the story up ...

 

[Sensiblade]

It's gotta be Belgium, Hungary, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil & then Dronfield to cover all associated clubs.

 

[happyhippy]

It's gotta be Belgium, Hungary, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil & then Dronfield to cover all associated clubs.

Ha ha ha! That reads a bit like the side of Delboy's Reliant Robin!

 

[Linz]

Well Malta sounds like its on... from Monday 6th July to Friday 10th.

Can anyone find any other details about this yet?

 

[keenzy]

im booking my dates in at work tomorrow

 

[Linz]

Well the pigs were hoping to play us on 11th July... must try harder

http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~1623216,00.html

 

[Samantha]

Australia is still high on the list... I just can't blummin' remember where the other place is... Somewhere out of Euro zone anyway

 

[silverfox]

im booking my dates in at work tomorrow

I've been in this morning to fill mine in!

 

[dutchblade]

Still hope they ll visit Belgium and Netherlands again as well.

 

[DazBlade88]

Well Malta sounds like its on... from Monday 6th July to Friday 10th.

Can anyone find any other details about this yet?

They couldn't have had a weekend game

 

[shorehamview]

They couldn't have had a weekend game

Cheaper flights if they go on a monday and come back friday.