Tony Pulis, writing as a BBC Sport columnist, set out what he believes Tottenham Hotspur can gain from a recent team-bonding trip to Spain and reflected on how different the craft of building team spirit was when he began his own career.
Pulis argues that time away from the regular grind can be valuable for players and staff, allowing them to relax, talk and forge relationships off the training pitch. He suggests such trips give managers a chance to see personalities interact in a less pressured environment and to foster unity ahead of a demanding season.
By way of contrast, Pulis recalled the methods managers used in his day to create camaraderie — simple, low-key activities such as sharing a beer together or taking a trip to Blackpool beach. He emphasised how those informal, social moments played a similar role in bringing squads closer, even if they were less organised than contemporary bonding exercises.
His column draws a line between past and present approaches to team morale, underlining that while the settings and structures may have changed, the basic need for human connection within a squad remains the same. Pulis's perspective offers a veteran manager's take on why clubs continue to invest time and resources in bonding opportunities for players and staff.