Birmingham Mail

A few things I learned.

1. It's a hell of a long way. Four hours and you're still stuck on the road. Mind you we should all be grateful. Last year Plymouth's press office were celebrating their game at The Hawthorns being during midweek. The 440-mile round journey was actually their second nearest game of the 2006/07 season!

2. Was Craig Beattie wearing studs? It wasn't that wet surely?

3. Paul Sturrock. Football manager or a coach driver? Discuss.

4. When he talks, Roman Bednar sounds like a villain from a James Bond movie. White cat, scar just below left eye and a fascination with death is somewhat optional. The Eastern European accent is commendable. Comrade Mowbray, you have been warned.

5. Sheffield Wednesday's most famous fan - the overweight, bald, bare chested Wolverhampton-based 'Tango Man' - has been banned by Plymouth. Apparently he was provocative. And he received a right ticking off from chief executive Michael Dunford in the programme too.

6. Returned to my Plymouth B&B to find a facebook message from David Ellin, who resides by my parents and believes Koren may be Albion's best ever free transfer. David may just be right. He also informs me that a certain West Bromwich pub, owned by a relative of Bryan Robson's, was frequented by Steve Bruce and the ex-Albion boss recently. Oh to be a beer mat on that particular table...

7. Going to Plymouth brought back memories of Albion's former striker Micky Evans. I recall attending an Albion player of the year function when Micky's brother was walking around the room, shaking random supporters' hands and introducing himself as 'hi, I'm Micky Evans' brother'. It must be a Devon thing. Pass the banjo.

Finally, a big thank you to the Sutton Coldfield branch of the Albion supporters' club for making me feel so welcome tonight. THANK YOU