Liverpool Football Club were in Malta for a three day training camp from the 26th January to the 29th January, 2000. Here is what happened during those memorable three days:

26th January: The Reds arrived in Malta on Air Malta flight KM101, which landed at 1600 (CET). Hundreds of Maltese fans gathered at Luqa Airport in the hope of catching a glimpse of their heroes.

For security reasons, the contingent was passed through the VIP area and not through the normal arrivals lounge.

The players and management were immediately taken to their hotel, the San Gorg Corinthia which is situated in St Julians. The first training session was scheduled to start at 1730, and by 1630 a lot of fans were already waiting by the training grounds gate, defying cold weather and sporadic showers.

The team coach did not turn up at the grounds before 1845. Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson, together with Sammy Lee and other member of the coaching staff, conducted a light training session, which consisted mainly of some jogging, basic physical exercise and an improvised match between the players. Jamie Redknapp, Steve Gerrard and Vegard Heggem did not take part in any of the training exercises.

The session lasted till 1945, but the players did not leave the training grounds before spending some time signing autographs and posing for photographs with their adoring fans.

27th January: The Reds arrived punctually at the training grounds at 1000 (CET), and immediately started off an intensive 90-minute training session. Regrettably the players had to stay far away from the fans due to bad pitch conditions in some areas. It has to be said that yesterday's raining and high-level humidity rendered the turf water-logged and unplayable.

Jamie Redknapp did not take part in today's training session, for which reason is not yet clear. Due to the fact that the players stayed very far from where we stood, we could not really follow what was actually going on.

One certain thing is that today's session was certainly a rigorous one as opposed to yesterday's light one-hour session. At the end, the players found time to once again sign autographs and pose for photographs with the patient fans.

As planned, Gerard Houllier, Phil Thompson and Jamie Redknapp addressed a Press Conference at San Gorg Corinthia Hotel at 1400. Addressing the conference were also Charles Sciberras and Matthew Pace, respectively chairman and secretary of the LSC (Malta).

Among other things, Houllier spoke about the team's current position in the Carling Premiership and the chances for qualification to the Champions League, the situation regarding the recurring injuries and the possibility of drafting in new players to solve the present striker crisis.

Houllier praised the players for the effort and commitment that they have been showing throughout the season, particularly Dominic Matteo for his recent overall improvement. The Reds boss also confirmed that Stig Bjornebye is sure to be leaving the club as he does not fit in his plans.

At 1900 it was the turn of hundreds of Maltese fans to see their heroes at the San Gorg Corinthia Hotel. The specially decorated hall was absolutely packed with local supporters who waved banners, flags and scarves while singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" and other songs.

Gerard Houllier, Phil Thompson and Jamie Redknapp made their appearance on stage accompanied by Sami Hyypia and David Thompson and officials from the LSC (Malta). Gerard Houllier started by expressing his satisfaction at how the training camp in Malta was developing, and said that he was overwhelmed by the tremendous support shown by Maltese fans.

Jamie Redknapp, Sami Hyypia and David Thompson all expressed their delight at being given such a heores' welcome. The speakers were repeatedly interrupted because of the cheering and chanting of all present.

Gerard Houllier even said that the support was equivalent, if not better than that shown at The Kop!

The club officials were so impressed by the vociferous support that they decided to give the Maltese fans a "reward". In what was termed "something that had never been done before", all the Liverpool players came on stage, and Jamie Redknapp took the responsibility of presenting every player to the applauding audience.

Phil Thompson concluded by promising the fans that when the club wins a trophy, Malta will be among the first places that the trophy will be proudly paraded. (Hope to see you very soon, Phil!)

28th January: The Reds arrived for their third and last training session at Ta' Qali at around 1015. It was immediately clear that, like yesterday, the plan was to engage in a rigorous physical training session to be followed by a 7-a-side 'match'.

It was during this session that Patrik Berger was seen to fall awkwardly when tackled from behind. He was immediately seen to by physio David Galley, whereas Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson looked on anxiously. It is still premature at this stage to say what the extent of the injury, if it is in fact an injury, is. We will try to obtain more details during the day.

Once again, Jamie Redknapp was not on the pitch with the rest of the lads. WALK ON can reveal that the skipper was in fact in the Ta' Qali gym close to where the training pitch is.

Finally, it has to be said that the training session was once again conducted quite far away from the point where the supporters were staying. At the end, instead of coming close to the fans and sign autographs individually, the players decided to stay next to each other and pose for a 'group' photo, much to the delight of all those present.

Unfortunately, Gerard Houllier's planned visit to the LSC (Malta) in the afternoon had to be postponed. But the Frenchman did not look in the least disappointed, because as he himself said, he will be back in Malta "very soon", so he will have ample time to visit the club premises.

With regards to our earlier news about the injury scare to Patrik Berger, WALK ON has just spoken (1900 CET) to a high official within the LSC (Malta) committee. The latter has told us that thankfully no further complications have resulted. This by no means is an official club statement, but at least it eases our worries in that we may not have to add another name to our already long injury list!

WALK ON has also exclusive information as to how the players and staff spent their last few hours in Malta - they went on a spending binge at the luxurious Dragonara casino! We wonder whether David Moores was trying to increase his transfer market money!!