'Fascinating access to Mason's session'

First, I'm delighted to reported that the torrential rain has disappeared.

It's still breezy in Burgenland but there has been a glimpse of some blue sky above Albion's training base in Bad Tatzmannsdorf.

Today has been very insightful because I was granted access to one of Ryan Mason's training sessions and it was fascinating to watch the new head coach put his team through their paces.

The first part of the session saw the 34-year-old watching light drills that were led by assistant coaches Nigel Gibbs, Damia Abella and James Morrison before Mason, who had donned a Baggies baseball cap, took over.

I don't want to give too much away because I'm mindful that Mason was gracious enough to grant us this access, but the thing that stood out for me was how vocal he was and clear with his instructions. He didn't mind halting the session to get a specific point across.

In terms of formation and style of play, we'll get more of an insight into that on Friday when Albion play Dynamo Kyiv in a behind closed doors friendly that I'm also being allowed to watch.

It's worth noting that Mikey Johnston is now back with the squad after the collapse of his move to Brazil. He looked very lively in the morning session, as did Isaac Price and Tom Fellows, who've both had busier summers than most because of international duty with Northern Ireland and England under-21s, respectively.

New signing Aune Heggebo also looked strong and tenacious on the training field as he looks to impress his new boss.

The camaraderie between the players was also evident. They finished with some seven-a-side action and it was extremely competitive between the four teams with plenty of banter flying around.

They're now back inside for a break before heading out for another session in the afternoon as the hard work continues.

BBC Radio WM will have a special 'Albion In Austria' programme from 18:00 BST on Wednesday, which you can listen to on BBC Sounds.