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Hearts head coach Frankie McAvoy hailed an “excellent” warm weather training camp as the Jambos get ready for the new season.
The Gorgie squad are in Spain this week and have several training sessions in the fitness bank ahead of the friendly against Championship side Plymouth on Thursday.
Steven Naismith was handed a two-year contract following his term as interim manager at the end of last season but his title was changed to technical director. The former Scotland international is working towards his required Pro Licence coaching qualification.
Former Hearts academy director McAvoy was named head coach, with Gordon Forrest also remaining as first-team coach and all three are putting the Hearts players through their paces with a view to a positive start to the 2023/24 season.
McAvoy, who was quoted stressing that he would call the shots in terms of team selection next season – “ultimately I’ll decide who plays” – told Hearts’ official website: “The first few days have been excellent.
“The three of us have worked extremely hard with the players to bring them up to speed as quick as we can.
“We’re coming up against Plymouth on Thursday and we need to make sure they’re in the best shape that they can be in a short period of time.
“There’s been some tough sessions for them so far.
“A key consideration is building camaraderie within the group which is massive.
“These trips aren’t a holiday, far from it. We want a strong group that knows each other well. We want to identify areas where we’re strong, and areas where we need to improve.
“After the seven games at the end of last season, we can start to see that come to fruition.
“It’s early stages but we’re hopeful that we can kick on even further. The campaign we’re facing is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. Starting well, having a good pre-season, puts us in good stead.”
Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli have confirmed the signing of former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.
The 31-year-old left Anfield following the expiration of his contract after joining the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015.
He joins former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who joined the Saudi Professional League side last month.
Firmino was part of a ruthless attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and in his eight years at Liverpool the Brazilian won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup.
He was not the only player to leave the Reds this summer as James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also left the club at the end of their deals.
Mason Mount has confirmed on Instagram that he will be leaving Chelsea after 18 years at the club.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and since making his first-team debut in 2019 has gone on to score 27 goals and provide 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances.
The PA news agency understands that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder for an initial £55million.
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A post shared by Mason Mount (@masonmount)
Mount, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has earned 36 caps for England, posted a farewell message to Blues fans on Instagram.
He said: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea.
“I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years.
“I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.
“I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together.
“Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.
“I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim and Neil for being so influential to me from such a young age.
“The managers I’ve worked under, Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter), the backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers.
“My family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best.”
Swansea have signed versatile defender Josh Key from Exeter on an initial three-year deal.
The 23-year-old, who has spent the last eight years on the Grecians’ books, can play full-back, wing-back or as a winger and is Michael Duff’s second signing since taking charge of the Swans.
The Welsh club hold an option for another 12 months through to 2027 should Key impress.
As Key is 23, Exeter are due compensation, and negotiations are ongoing on a figure, Swansea said on their website.
Jul 02, 2023 EPL
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