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Beer & Blackpool beach was how British players bonded - Pulis

BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains what Spurs will get from their team-bonding trip to Spain, and how differently managers built team morale in his day.

Beer & Blackpool beach was how British players bonded - Pulis

In the early days of British football, a unique bonding experience for players during pre-season was to take them on a trip to Blackpool beach. The players would stay in a shared guest house, train on the sand, play seven-a-side games on a local pitch in the afternoon, and enjoy a few beers in the evenings. This was a time when players were more connected to normal society, and bonding sessions often took place outside of football activities.

Today, the approach to team bonding has changed significantly, with many clubs now opting for luxurious accommodations and facilities in foreign locations. The emphasis is on physical fitness testing and group dynamics, rather than the camaraderie and shared experiences that were common in the past.

Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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