The Sheffield Wednesday party landed safely in Malta on Saturday to begin their pre-season training schedule ahead of the 2009/10 campaign. The Owls, which are staying at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Julian’s, will take part in two triangular tournaments in Malta, playing four 45-minute games collectively today and Thursday.

Manager Brian Laws said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to gel again and also welcome on board the new lads in the squad.”

The boss has issued early praise to the team looking after the SWFC contingent at their five-star hotel accommodation in Malta.

He added: “I have to say they have been first class in the short time we have been in Malta. We had a welcome meeting late on Saturday afternoon together with Mr.Warren Zahra from Alpine Sterling and Mr.Louis Agius and Mr. Sean Sullivan representing JPL SportEvents, and everything we asked for was granted. The hotel is wonderful. The team over here have bent over backwards to make sure our stay is enjoyable and now we’re all looking forward to the week ahead.”

The Owls play local sides Floriana and Dingli Swallows this evening for the JPL Cup and Sliema and Birkirkara on Thursday for the Sliema Centennial Cup, both at the Victor Tedesco stadium. Price for match tickets are only 5 Euros per tournament. Sheffield Wednesday will be followed by around 300 fans which joined the Owls in this pre season tour.

The Fixtures for the tournaments are as follow:

JPL CUP

Today, 20.00hrs - Floriana vs Dingli Swallows; 21.00hrs – loser match 1 vs Sheffield Wednesday; 22.00hrs – winner match 1 vs Sheffield Wednesday.

Trophies for the Winners and the Cisk Lager player of the tournament will be presented after the tournament.

SLIEMA CENTENNIAL CUP

Thursday 16th July, 20.00hrs – Sheffield Wednesday vs B’Kara F.C.; 21.00hrs – loser match 1 vs Sliema Wanderers; 22.00hrs – winner match 1 vs Sliema Wanderers.

Trophies for the Winners and the Cisk Lager player of the tournament will be presented after the tournament.