Birmingham Mail

Why is it that airports in hot countries never have air conditioning?
Maribor airport in Slovenia could certainly do with it after temperatures edged towards the late 30s in the nation's second city today.
The 90 minute delay to our flight following Albion's successful tour didn't help matters either.

But at least there was a consolation - a chance for super snapper Sam and I to mingle with some of the fans who travelled over to support the club in the former Yugoslav republic. A big 'good to meet you' can officially go out to Shrew and his mate, Alistair and friends, Dean Walton, Fabrize from West Bromwich and the two lads from Bromsgrove who got hassled in Split after the Hajduk game. And then there was Sauce with the cleanest and biggest St George's flag in Slovenia - coming to an away ground near you next season. Hope you all got back safely.

Mind you our photographer Sam's stress levels weren't too great. After a fraught journey trying to find Maribor airport - Slovenia do maps and road signs as well as England do summer weather - he then endured more fun and games at the check-in desk. Ryanair at Stansted clearly have different rules to their colleagues at Maribor, with Sam being forced to fork out for overweight baggage. His mood took another dip when he was called over the tannoy to report to the baggage handers and open up his camera bag.

Still, it could have been worse, Albion players were up at 4am and then had a five hour delay over at Zagreb airport. Football isn't all glamour...

And finally, before I log off, I'd just like to say a big hello to my friends over at Blues' training camp in Germany, particularly our regular reader Rowan Vine. Good luck for this season Rowan.