After what was an amazing 17-day UK tour, the Club would like to thank Manchester City FC for their warm hospitality.
The tour saw Melbourne City FC travel to Manchester thanks to the Club’s major sponsor Etihad Airways, with the team based at the Marriot in Worsley for the whole trip.
With two draws against League Two outfit Bury FC and League One side Oldham Athletic, the Club finished its tour with an impressive 5-1 win against a developmental Bolton Wanderers side, which capped off a successful three weeks.
The trip also allowed the team to meet up with new signing Damien Duff. The Republic of Ireland international trained for the first time with the squad at Carrington in what was a landmark moment for the Club.
Foundation team member Jason Hoffman said the tour was an incredible experience for all involved.
“It was an experience that the whole Club I’m sure will never forget; it was a pre-season that only a player could dream of,” Hoffman said.
“To train at Carrington and play the matches we played and obviously for those new players to the group, they got a lot out of it and hopefully it is a good building platform for the season to come.”
Head Coach John van’t Schip felt the trip will pay dividends coming into the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.
“It’s been great, I think we would have liked to stay longer. I think everyone has been spoiled in every aspect; the pitches, the equipment, the food, the gym, the people,” van’t Schip said.
“The people have been really fantastic in helping us and giving us all of the support that we needed, so I think for sure we are going to miss Carrington and Manchester.”
Once again, the Club would like to show its gratitude towards Manchester City FC for the use of their facility and their hospitality during our pre-season trip.
