PREPARATIONS for the forthcoming 2010-11 Barclays Premier League campaign continue as the Potters spend eight days in Central Austria on their annual pre-season training camp.

stokecityfc.com are out in Irdning with them so be sure to keep logging on throughout the duration of the stay for all the goings on from within the camp. (please note - we are one hour ahead of UK time here in Austria).

Monday (July 12)

22:49pm - Well it's time to shut down here ahead of another 6:30am wake up call tomorrow for a biking session. Be sure to log back on tomorrow for all the goings on live and direct from Austria.

22:38pm - While sitting down stairs, I was surprised to see Dean Whitehead making his way to speak to the gaffer and company. After a few frantic phone calls it was soon clear that 'Deano' was jetting back home. The reason... his wife is about to give birth. 'Good luck Deano' was the message from all of us down there as he rushed off to pack ahead of a 2am flight back to the UK.

20:14pm - It's off to their rooms for the majority of the players who will look to recover from a gruelling day's work ahead of day two tomorrow.

20:10pm - Some kind of meeting has just taken place with the players and management, I can only guess it was held to formally introduce Nash to the rest of his team-mates. He seems delighted to be back here, after jetting in from Australia. Though he is without his suitcase, which was unfortunately left behind in Germany after failing to be transported from his connecting flight. I'm sure that will be with us tomorrow.

20:03pm - There was a new guest at the dinner table too in Carlo Nash. The former Everton stopper arrived at the hotel just in time to eat, but beforehand he made his way around the room to introduce himself to each and every one of us in there. From what I remember from his time with us before he was a top guy, and things seemed to be exactly the same this time. Keep an eye out on the website tomorrow for an exclusive interview with the 36-year-old.

19:55pm - Fresh trout, grilled chicken breast with potatoes and pasta was on offer this evening, along with all the usual vegetables and salad. There was also fresh fruit for desert, which was soon demolished by the lads.

19:05pm - Dinner time for the squad now. I'm not sure what's on the menu tonight, but as ever I'm sure it will be something lovely and nutritious for the players.

18:11pm - As you may not yet know former loanee Carlo Nash is linking up with the squad this evening with a view to completing a free transfer to the Club following his departure from Everton.

18:01pm - The players have just had another dip in the pool to warm down following their first day of training out here. Temperatures have continued to soar today,reaching a staggering 36 degrees at around 3.00pm. The lads have been feeling it and I'm certain not many will make it past 9.00 or 10.00pm this evening.

17:45pm - A little mention for Asmir Begovic too, who liked absolutely top notch during the session. His handling, kicking and awareness was very impressive.

17:28pm - That was a somewhat easier session for the lads, who continued to build up their fitness with some running, before the balls came out for some one touch football. Players were split into four teams, with two matches taking place. The aim of the game was to retain possession of the ball for as long as possible. Whoever strung the most passes together won, with the losers having to do 20 press ups.

15:38pm - Well I'm off to meet the lads at the coach. Should be back at around about 5:30pm, so speak to you then.

15:25pm - A few of the lads can be heard making their way down to the reception area a little early as they get ready for their final training session of the day. Apparently, there will be a little bit more ball work being done; something which will please the lads.

15:03pm - The kit has arrived back from the training ground all fresh and clean and is now being taken around the rooms to the players by Giff and Gary.

14:01pm - Just had a little chat with Liam Lawrence in the lift and he confirmed this morning's shuttle run was the hardest session he has ever done.

13:54pm - The Club have also confirmed a behind-closed-doors training game against Turkish Supacell Champions Bursaspor this coming Thursday. More details can be found on the news page about this fixture, but rest assured, we will be there to bring you all the action as it happens.

13:26pm - Several of the players have gone back to their rooms for an afternoon rest before this evening's session, whilst one or two have taken a walk down to the driving range to polish up their skills.

13:02pm - The gaffer takes on Mamady Sidibe on the table tennis table, with Pulis seemingly coming out on top. Tom Soares and Liam Lawrence are next on, and from what I can hear Lawrence, or Federer as he is calling himself, is the victor.

13:00pm - Lunch is served and the players begin to arrive at the dining area. Fish and chicken are the order of the day with the chicken especially going down well amongst the party.

12:25pm - Swimming session over as the players depart back to their rooms for a quick shower before lunch is served at 1.00pm. One of the players who didn't travel here, Diego Arismendi, has just left to join Barnsley on a season long loan deal. Assistant Boss Dave Kemp says the move should be hugely beneficial for him.

11:40am - The players and staff have gathered at the swimming pool, where the players will spend the next 30 to 40 minutes undertaking a series of exercises. Tony Pulis leaves his coaching team to it, as he sets off to check a possible biking route for tomorrow.

10:34am - As the players continue to rest, the work continues for Giff and Gary, the two kit men, who are off to the local training ground to wash the kit ahead of this afternoon's session. The backroom staff, physios, coaches etc continue working too, dealing with a couple of the lads with minor niggles.

9:20am - Breakfast is served, before the lads have been told to go back to the rooms and rest up before a lunchtime session in the swimming pool. The footballs will be out this afternoon apparently, and that has pleased the lads.

8:58am - Whilst their were a few grumbles during the session, Assistant boss Dave Kemp assures us the lads will look back on these sort of things and say they miss them when they retire. I'm sure the lads would beg to differ right at this very moment, but he is probably right as the lads continue to congratulate each other for getting through it.

8:53am - Well, according to the players that was the most difficult run they have ever had to do. The coaching staff really put them through their paces with a series of shuttle runs up an outrageously steep hill. They had to do three lots of 525 metre runs, three sets of 400 metre runs and three each of 300 metre and 200 metre runs. The sweat coming off them is unbeliavable. Fair play to them though because they all stuck together and helped each other through it. That was tough to even watch.

6:50am - Time to make my way down to reception to see what the gaffer has got in store for the players this morning. He did mention some kind of extreme running exercise. I'm sure it won't be pleasant.

6:20am - Welcome back for those of you checking the website at this crazy hour. No official wake up call for another ten minutes, but my alarm was set early to make sure no fines come my way after the gaffer excused no one from the system, including us press corps.