Why manager Matt Taylor expects Murcia to be nothing like the 'disaster' of Cyprus for Rotherham United

ROTHERHAM United's first-team squad fly to Murcia in Spain this weekend for a week-long training camp confident that things will run more smoothly than the last time they ventured abroad.

They will be based at the Pinatar Arena football centre, a well-established pre-season base for European and English clubs, and manager Matt Taylor is expecting a far better experience compared to the November stay at a complex in Cyprus that had been arranged before he took charge at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

"He has described proceedings then as “a disaster” because of inadequate playing surfaces.

“We've had more control over this trip,” he said. “Pinatar Arena is a venue set up for professional teams. It's a venue that hosts under-20s finals and European matches. There's a host of professional sides out there at the same time so you're guaranteed some fixtures.

“With no disrespect to Cyprus, when we first got on the pitch it wasn't even a park pitch and we had to use a 3G (artificial) one elsewhere that still wasn't ideal.

“Going to Cyprus sounds fantastic but you've got to be able to trust in certain things being right. That's the pitches first and foremost and gym facilities.

“You're not going away for the social aspect or the scenery or the hot weather, you're going for the training facilities. They will be nailed down in Murcia.”

Pinatar Arena has eight pitches and can simultaneously house several clubs who can all train separately away from prying eyes.

The Millers are planning to play in two behind-closed-doors friendlies while they're away.