It was at this time last season I was in France, in the Alsace. It was on a walk up into the mountains that I found out that Sven was joining us!

The internet, unsurprisingly, is pretty slow in the mountains, and my smile became even broader, as the whole story became apparent, at a painstakingly slow speed.

It's like watching Forest win something - completely unreal! You're thinking: is this real, or has some joker at the Post done a prank?

I read a few years ago in an Italian paper that Artmedia Bratislava had beaten Celtic 5 - 0! The same thought process prevailed. So, two days in, and we haven't signed Arjen Robben (I'll keep praying) - and currently normal service resumes.

On the first day of my holiday we entered the coastal town of Bilbao, home of Athletico Bilbao, who sit mid - table in La Liga. Their ground is pretty big, and holds over 39,000.

However, I'd pick Meadow Lane every time! Sadly, none of the Spanish sides have friendlies when I stay in the respective areas (watching at least one game live on holiday is an aim).

Having only seen our clash against Stoke City, I'm feeling a little deprived! What I did see, however, was promising, against a Stoke side that provided an array of talent. Unlike many sides we hassled the Potters, and matched them in the aerial game.

Whilst I wasn't at the Cardiff game, it was good to read about a win against a side led by the Football League's most loyal Manager. Oh, and Hughes has continued where he left off - bagging two goals.

It's only a few weeks and then we begin a campaign against presumably weaker sides, although competitively. I'm quietly optimistic.

So, from Bilbao, Adios!