This week I had the pleasure of linking up with the Aston Villa squad for my first taste inside a pre-season training camp.
Our media team were granted access to our Algarve base to gather interviews, shoot video features and generally catch up with coaches and players after a six-week break.
It's been an eventful time since Wembley on 26th May – one that's required plenty of reflection by all associated with the club. Hence, I was intrigued as to the atmosphere that would await in Portugal.
Within the first hour of arrival, the likes of Conor Hourihane, Tommy Elphick, James Bree and Jordan Lyden were all knocking around the foyer and welcomed us in – as did Strength and Conditioning coach Oli Stevenson and Club Doctor Ricky Shamji.
The manager, Steve Bruce, then passed through to exchange handshakes. His demeanour was the one I was most keen to assess. To little surprise, he was his normal self – buoyant and full of energy, even at 10pm.
After a day of travel, it was time to get some early shut-eye ahead of Monday's busy schedule. We've got features with the backroom staff to prepare for, as well as the big interview with the boss himself.
We grab breakfast and then make the short walk down to the training pitches the next morning, where we meet up with the squad for the first time properly.
And it's already noticeable that there's no shortage of intensity during sessions. The coaches push them hard, demanding the best. The players themselves are highly vocal – screaming for possession, barking instructions and occasionally expressing displeasure at a misplaced pass. Standards remain high.
At its conclusion, we speak to two key figures in camp – Coach Steve Agnew and Lead Sport Scientist Jack Sharkey.
It's the first time we've interviewed Agnew since his arrival at the club last December. He's a great coach and the most affable man you could wish to meet. His attention to detail is second to none and it's easy to see why so many individuals had improved second halves of the campaign last time around.
In fact, it was the first sort of media work Agnew had done since Middlesbrough's relegation season, where he took charge as interim manager for their final games of a forgettable campaign. It's safe to say he enjoyed this one a bit more!
Sharkey, meanwhile, offers us great insight into the physical demands and assessment methods that pre-season entails.
A man who knows his stuff and carries great passion for his work, he outlines the objectives and behind-the-scenes activity that ensures Villa are ready for the new term. No stone is left unturned.
With six hours to fill until the afternoon session begins, the video team head back to base to put together the interviews and training edits. For me, it's time to prepare questions for our sit-down with the manager at 4pm.
Given everything that's gone on since the Play-Off Final, this will be no standard pre-season conversation. It's agreed that to supplement Dr Tony Xia's statement from last week, we give the boss the opportunity to address some of the key issues such as his future and the transfer window.
A nice, easy start to a season of interviewing him, then...
Amid a picturesque backdrop, Bruce delivers those honest truths. He clears up the Financial Fair Play situation, potential comings and goings and his commitment to the Villa job.
It's a brave, frank interview that adds some clarity on matters. He handled it brilliantly and wants to use all of his experience to help move the club forwards again. The chat only strengthens my opinion that he is the best man for the job in these testing times.
After the second session, we see the day out in the hotel. Some players head to their room after dinner and call it a night. Others gather in the foyer to catch the latest episode of Love Island. My preference lies with the former!
The next day consists of two player interviews, as well as some more creative content gathering. Keinan Davis is the centre of attention in our 'Day in the Life' feature and we slip into Henri Lansbury's boots for a training session – which is captured by our GoPro.
Hourihane and James Chester are the men selected for interviews, both of which are can be seen now on our Official YouTube channel. Much like Bruce, they can be applauded for their honesty and and positive sentiments after what has been a difficult few months.
To assess the mood in the squad overall, it remains positive and competitive among the players. It's still a dressing room with a lot of quality and experience.
As Bruce alluded to in his interview, not all of them will be there come the end of the transfer window. That is the harsh reality. But their commitment and professionalism cannot be questioned.
The U23 players have added to that good vibe, too, and they will get their chance. The likes of Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Jack Clarke and Mitch Clark looked sharp. As did Bree – another youngster in search of a big season.
At the helm of it all, of course, are a coaching team who've overseen thousands of football matches between them. Their input will be as vital as ever this season.
I, for one, now can't wait for it all to start again. It's Telford United away in our first pre-season friendly for me this weekend, and Twenty-four days and counting until our opening league game at Hull City...
