7.00 a.m.
Although the alarm was set for a 7.00 a.m. start, I woke naturally before then anyway. It’s going to be a long – but blessed – day today. I enjoy football-related travel very much.
First though, shower, change and two pieces of toast and a cup of tea. Then, the drive from the Black Country to Oswestry.
9.20 a.m.
Arrived at Park Hall, the home of The New Saints. First task is the press conference with manager, Scott Ruscoe, as we look ahead to tomorrow’s game against Cardiff Metropolitan University FC.
10.00 a.m.
Following the press conference (which went well), joined the players as they had their meeting, where Scott runs through tactics etc.
11.15 a.m.
A session on the pitch, as the players train. Focused on Ryan Harrington, so several clips of him that I’ll produce a video of later.
Following Ryan, captured some footage of Blaine Hudson, for another video. The players have now finished training and we’ll be on the coach shortly, making our way to Cardiff.
We’re on our way to the capital. I’ve done Blaine’s video and posted it on the club’s social media platforms. Hoping to get the second one done before we hit poor signal areas on the journey.
2.15 p.m.
Using the coach journey to continue working. Training videos are both public and here’s the press conference that we did with Scott Ruscoe earlier.
3.00 p.m.
Driving through Hereford, past Hereford FC’s football ground and over the River Wye with the cathedral visible, as per the image below.
5.00 p.m.
Croeso i Gaerdydd – Welcome to Cardiff. Staying in the city centre, with Cardiff Arms Park and the Principality Stadium on the one side and Bute Park on the other.
My room overlooks the latter. The bridge over the Taff looks nice with white lights across it.
7.30 p.m.
We had our evening meal and then, afterwards, we did an interview with TNS’ strength and conditioning coach, Ed Harper.
The hotel has plenty of places where you can chat, and it makes the backdrop more interesting, as we’re usually not far from a football pitch.
9.30 p.m.
The interview with Ed has been uploaded and can be viewed below.
10.15 p.m.
My final entry comes from a walk round the capital with my media partner-in-crime, Sam Wood. There’s a video to end with and I hope you’ve enjoyed the insight into today’s football-related adventures.
I’m now looking forward to tomorrow’s game very much, as we travel the short distance to Cyncoed Stadium, to take on Cardiff Metropolitan University FC in the JD Cymru Premier.
Nos da. Good night.