THE skies were their usual cloudless blue when the Hornets woke up for breakfast and then training on Sunday morning.

Everyone jumped on the bus for the ten-minute trip to UE Lleida's stadium, the site that has been perfect for Watford's needs so far.

Most of the sessions have taken place on the main pitch in the stadium, a facility built around ten years ago.  Because of the clement climate in Spain, there is little need for a roof on the stadium, although one side is covered.

There is also another training pitch across the car park which has also proved useful for when Malky has wanted to split part of the group off to do different work. 

The UE Lleida staff could not have been more helpful in preparing excellent surfaces to work on so it should be an interesting match when the sides meet on Monday night.

During the morning session, Academy graduate Michael Bryan continued to shine, as he has done since his stunning goal two weeks ago in Borehamwood. 

He belies his slight frame with a determination and skill that will stand him in good stead for his career.

Don Cowie's fitness has also been a feature of the work in Spain. 

Despite the punishing temperatures, the Scot has motored around the pitch untroubled by the conditions - surely not something he would have been used to in Inverness!

Don Cowie: Not letting the heat get in the way of his pre-season preparations in Spain

After the session, it was back to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon of rest and recovery.  The hotel has been an excellent base for the team with great facilities and again staff who couldn't be more helpful.

The manager and his assistant, Sean Dyche, took the opportunity for a relaxing round of golf on the stunning local course before everyone was back together for dinner in the evening.

Tomorrow there will be one session and then the match against UE Lleida in the evening before everyone heads back to Hertfordshire as pre-season enters its final lap.