For all the talk back home of Newcastle United facing an intense battle to sign the forward Eddie Howe feels he needs to boost his squad, spirits are still high about 1,200 miles away with the Magpies now settled in their Austrian training camp.
Howe has mixed things up with some tough double training sessions and some fun and games "after work" with United players enjoying a go-karting session last night in pleasant balmy temperatures. It's certainly a stark contrast to just 12 months ago when Newcastle arrived in rainy York and knowing there wouldn't be much money to spend as former owner Mike Ashley kept the purse typically tight.
There will certainly be more money to spend this time around but despite competition for places intensifying this summer morale in the camp seems excellent as we build-up to the opening game against 1860 Munich right here on Friday afternoon.
