Sunderland will follow the same route as last year when they begin their preparations for the new season with a week's training in northern France, writes Frank Johnson..
Black Cats boss Peter Reid was so impressed with the facilities at Le Touquet - used by the French national squad - that he has booked it again.
The Sunderland players report back for training on July 10 and after a three-day warm up on Wearside will travel to France for a strict week-long fitness programme.
And Sunderland are likely to face their first competitive test in a friendly game against a French side.
Although most of the Sunderland players will report back on July 10 those engaged in World Cup duties will be given longer breaks.
Cameroon international Patrick Mboma, who scored one goal during his injury-hit loan spell from Italian club Parma at the end of the season, is hoping to return to Wearside, though Reid has yet to make a final decision on the big striker.
Sunderland are expected to announce a series of pre-season friendlies, possibly in Holland and the West Country.
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