City will return to Portugal ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.

Gary Johnson will be taking his squad to a training camp in the Algarve between July 8th-12th.

City's boss told bcfc.co.uk: "We are going to the Algarve because we can fly from Bristol, it boasts top-class facilities and the players will be comfortable there.

"It's a part of the world which has proved successful to us twice. Once, when we went there a mid-season break in the 2005/06 season; and secondly, when we spent a week there as part of our pre-season preparations last year.

"The venue itself is very conducive to a 24-hour focus on fitness and organisation.

"It is not a holiday, the players will be working hard out there. The fact that the Algarve provides lovely food and weather is neither here or there - although it helps!

"It is a good opportunity for team bonding ahead of the new campaign, if we are able to bring in any new players by that time, and helps me judge the personality of the group as a whole."

However, unlike in previous seasons, the team will not be competing in tour matches. They will instead play one training game behind closed doors as unfortunately there is no provision to accomodate supporters at the venue.

City's players will report back for pre-season training on July 1st, prior to jetting out to Portugal.