Source: Northern_Echo
McMahon happy after a tough week
MIDDLESBROUGH'S exhausted squad head back from La Manga today satisfied the hastily arranged training camp has been worth breaking up their summer holidays for. Boro have spent the last six days in Spain as manager Gordon Strachan has attempted to keep fitness levels high ahead of restarting pre-season training in full on June 28. Strachan was worried that, with such a long lay-off after their season ended at Leicester on May 2, his players' fitness levels would wane. News of the six-day trip to Spain was initially met with disbelief among the players, but full-back Tony McMahon insists it has been a worthwhile exercise ahead of flying back to Newcastle Airport today. It was a bit of a shock when we heard we were training in the middle of May, said McMahon, after enduring double sessions for the best part of a week in soaring temperatures. But to be honest, it's been a good trip. We have all worked really hard so hard, in fact, that all I want to do when we get back to the hotel in the evening is go to bed. There were three aims to the training camp. While Strachan was keen to keep the fit players at the same levels they ended the season on, he also wanted the injured men to continue their rehabilitation or improve their fitness levels. McMahon falls in to the latter category, having been out of action since January 30 with a broken foot, sidelined alongside Emanuel Pogatetz, Seb Hines, Matthew Bates and Willo Flood. This has been a good chance for players like them to come back into the group, said Strachan. Especially as they have been undergoing their rehab in the same spot for six months or whatever. It helps them to feel part of the team again. That's important. It's good to see some of the lads getting stronger. Matthew Bates and Seb Hines have done well. McMahon started the season as Gareth Southgate's first choice right-back, but lost his place under Strachan until he was recalled in December. His injury put him out for the last three months of the campaign. I aim to be fit for the start of the season, he said. It's been a long job but I am getting stronger all the time. I've just started running again but I'm confident I will be ready for August. The players have been put through their paces for the last week by new coaches Jim Blyth and Gary McAllister, along with Strachan and his assistant Gary Pendrey. Andy Halliday, signed from Livingston, has been the only new recruit, although Strachan will now attempt to up his pursuit of further new additions. He has, however, been warned off making a move for Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson, after being told he is not for sale, while there continues to be interest north of the border in Hearts' Andrew Driver, plus Dundee United pair Craig Conway and Morgaro Gomis. Renewals deadline for season card holders is 5pm on June 4, after which prices increase by up to £35. Renewals cane be done online at mfc.co.uk, but existing season card holders can also call the ticket office on 0844 499 1234 or return their paper application form. The Riverside will open up next month when England take on Slovenia in their third and final World Cup Group C match on Wednesday, June 23 (3pm). For £35 a person or £300 for a table of ten fans can watch the match from a Riverside suite, where they will have a meal. Doors open at 1.30pm and the suite will be hosted by Sky Sports News' North-East football reporter David Craig and guests. To book, or for further details, call 01642 757657 or email events@mfc.co.uk