Taken from www.droghedaunited.ie
Drogheda United will travel to Marbella in Spain on the 10th February. During their week long stay they have lined up some interesting "Friendlies" as part of their extensive preseason training program.
On Tuesday 13th the club will face FC Sibir Novosibirsk who play in the Spartak Stadium in Novosibirsk and currently compete in the Russian First Division.
Friday 16th the Drogs will have a tough test when the face Russian premier side FC Zenit St Petersburg who currently lie 3rd in Russia's top division. Zenit are managed by the much travelled Dick Advocat and the experienced Dutchman took them to the quarter final of the 2005/06 UEFA Cup.
Speaking to DroghedaUnited.ie manager Paul Doolin explains his thinking behind playing these tough games. "You always get to know more about your players when you play tough opposition. You can choose to play games were you get nothing out of them or you can line up strong opposition that's a big test for everyone involved".
Doolin on FC Sibir Novosibirsk "I don't know much about them except for their a big physical side.This game will give me a good chance to involve the new faces that have come on board this year".
Doolin on FC Zenit St Petersburg " Zenit are a top, top side who have made a big impact on the Russian premier division. They had a good run in the UEFA Cup last year and I expect them to be one of the strongest teams that we have ever faced". He added "I expect that games like this will help me and the lads prepare for the long season ahead".
Drogheda will continue their preseason program when the face Dundalk in the Malone Cup on the 20th February.
