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.

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Junior Stanislas works with Cristian Montano and Matt Fry

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Luis Boa Morte faces up to Julien Faubert

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

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Carlton Cole prepares for another sprint

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Chairman David Gold shares a word with Mark Noble

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Alessandro Diamanti stretches out

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Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon have been working hard this summer

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

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Thomas Hitzlsperger is getting used to his new surroundings

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Benni McCarthy ready for another drill

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Mark Noble enjoys a passing routine

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Jordan Spence has high hopes after breaking through last season