Reading FC head for Dubai training camp

Reading are the latest professional sports team to make full use of Dubai's world-class training facilities.The Premier League side travelled to the emirate yesterday (February 10th) in order to prepare for their FA Cup tie against Manchester United next week.Speaking to the club's official website, manager Brian McDermott explained why he was taking his players to the Middle East for five days."It'll be good to get away and train in a new environment," he was quoted as saying."Sometimes managers take a team away to get a bond or a spirit, but we've had that over many years. It's about a change of environment in good weather, to get ready for the next game. This is the best preparation for the next game."The Royals will be based in Al-Wasl, where temperatures are currently surpassing the 30 degrees Celsius mark - a far cry from the freezing conditions back in Berkshire.Reading are currently embroiled in a relegation battle and have been faring very well of late, with McDermott landing the Manager of the Month award and striker Adam Le Fondre scooping the Player of the Month gong following a string of fine performances in January.However, the team succumbed to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium at the weekend and McDermott will be keen for his troops to recharge their batteries in sunny Dubai before taking on United at Old Trafford.Reading are not the only high-profile club to spend some time in the UAE this season.Npower Championship leaders Cardiff City also completed a training camp in Dubai last month, while German side Borussia Monchengladbach travelled to the city during their winter break.It is testament to Dubai's plethora of top-class sporting complexes and wonderful array of five-star hotels and resorts that so many European football clubs are booking trips to this part of the Middle East.Of course, the city attracts more than its fair share of holidaying footballers during the summer too.