Brentford’s first-team group are in the USA this month for the Premier League Summer Series.

Club ambassador Peter Gilham is part of the travelling party and will be sharing his observations over the course of the two-week tour.

Day four: No pain, no gain

As prophesied in my previous diary entry, Thursday was indeed a double training day.

A fine sunny morning was the precursor for breakfast from 7am as it was to be an earlier start with the requisite kit - namely training, medical and analytical equipment - being transported to the training centre at 8.15am swiftly followed by the coaches who were to set up whatever laid in store for the players upon their arrival.

Training commenced after individual prep at 10am and lasted until 1.15pm. Given the humidity I’ve spoken of previously, you can imagine the exhaustion the players (not to mention the coaches themselves), must have suffered.

However, such is the excellent back up from each and every member of the support staff, the players’ health is always paramount. So much so that they are weighed both prior to training and on conclusion, to establish if anyone has lost more than two per cent of their body weight during the session. Such tests are performed to recognise should anyone have lost a significant percentage of weight and thus the results can immediately help aid recovery from excessive dehydration.

Upon returning to the hotel, it was time for lunch and a bit of a rest before it was back to the training ground for group sessions which comprised gym, classroom and pool. Needless to say, once dinner had been served on Thursday evening back at the hotel, the free time set aside for everyone was very welcome with the prospect of a good night’s sleep ahead very appealing.  

Day five: White House welcome

While breakfast at 7am may seem early for many, consider this: some 50 minutes previously 18 hardy souls had arrived outside of their pre-determined meeting point, namely The White House, in the pouring rain, having run there! Regrettably my alarm clock had a malfunction so I missed the moment.

Post breakfast the weather started to improve as the sun broke through, and we set off for our training venue.

The location has many football pitches as well as a couple of American football pitches. Upon arrival it was obvious to see how the women’s game in the US, thanks to the success of their national team, has been the catalyst for young girls and women to take such an interest in the game. Literally hundreds of school girls were setting off in all directions to join their training groups. 

But I digress. The players started with set-piece meetings before taking to the pitch to put the plans into action. The sessions were somewhat shorter as plans were afoot to give the players some much deserved time away from the training pitch. And what plans they were!

After lunch the players and staff boarded two coaches and off we went to the home of the President of the United States of America - The White House.

For 18 of our number it was their second visit in a day, but this was to be a very special one. We had been afforded a private tour of Joe Biden’s current abode. It was truly a very special time for all concerned thanks to the exceptionally informative tour leader, who was a plain-clothed member of their secret service.

Fascinating facts flowed. William Henry Harrison, the President who gave the longest-ever inauguration speech, which lasted just under two hours, was also the man with the shortest presidency - just 31 days. Cause of death: pneumonia contracted from a cold he got during his inaugural speech.

The players and staff had another treat to look forward to, if The White House visit wasn’t enough, and that was a visit to a baseball game that same evening. Washington Cardinals played host to San Francisco Giants. For oldies like me it started unfortunately in a plaintive manner because the music they play when introducing the Giants team is Tony Bennett’s classic rendition of I Left My Heart in San Francisco, and sadly the 96-year-old singer had died earlier that day. 

Highlight of the evening was Brentford Football Club being welcomed on the big screen. 

Day six: On the road

I had been really looking forward to this day.

It started in a similar fashion as previous days, that is to say breakfast followed by the 15-minute journey to the training ground.

Following the regular warm-up routines it was time for an 11-a-side match which is the norm on a day before a game.

Then it was back to the hotel for lunch and the last chance to pack for our upcoming four-day visit to Philadelphia and Atlanta.

For the journey to Philly, we went by coach which took around three hours, arriving there around 5.15pm.

As per usual following travel it was a case of dropping off our luggage and then partaking in a 30-minute walk. It only took a few minutes before a young American lad with his family spotted Bryan Mbeumo and asked for a photo with his favourite player. What was most noticeable was the warm way in which we were greeted by so many while out walking. Then it was back for dinner.

Now came the bit I had been looking forward to: a trip with Josh Dasilva and Aaron Hickey to McGillans Old Ale House. Not for the ale I should add, but something far more fulfilling, an evening in the company of Bees fans.

It had only been scheduled for a 30-minute visit, but the atmosphere was electric. A fantastic mix of home-grown Bees fans together with many new Brentford supporters from various states here in America.

I met up with a number of fans I’ve known for many years; two fans who have started up Chicago Bees; my nephew and even an American guy and his wife who has aligned himself with the club for the simple reason his name is Brent Ford!

You had to pinch yourself to see how far this club has come (no pun intended). It was everything and more that I had hoped for and now I can’t wait for similar evenings in Atlanta and back in Washington.