Out on the pitch - picture special

Avram Grant's first-team squad took to the training pitches for their first outdoor session on Tuesday and were instantly hard at work.

With the players split into different groups to work with coaches Paul Groves, Kevin Keen and Alex Dyer, the programme included a mixture of sprints, group drills and ball work. All was carried out under the watchful eye of the manager, while Chairman David Gold was a welcome visitor for the first time since the return to Chadwell Heath.

With the first pre-season match away to Peterborough United on Wednesday week drawing near, there was plenty of focus on the instructions given out by the coaching staff. The players were in early for gym work before the outdoor session, with more of the same following in the afternoon.

Junior Stanislas

Junior Stanislas works with Cristian Montano and Matt Fry

Luis Boa Morte

Luis Boa Morte faces up to Julien Faubert

Avram Grant and his coaching staff

Avram Grant surveys the scene with Kevin Keen, Paul Groves and Alex Dyer

Carlton Cole

Carlton Cole prepares for another sprint

Mark Noble and David Gold

Chairman David Gold shares a word with Mark Noble

Alessandro Diamanti

Alessandro Diamanti stretches out

Kieron Dyer

Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon have been working hard this summer

Julien Faubert

Radoslav Kovac, Julien Faubert and Manuel da Costa lead the way

Thomas Hitzlsperger

Thomas Hitzlsperger is getting used to his new surroundings

Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy ready for another drill

Mark Noble

Mark Noble enjoys a passing routine

Jordan Spence

Jordan Spence has high hopes after breaking through last season