2013 - that was the year that was

So we're fast approaching the end of another year. 2013 has been an eventful one. We've lost some of the world's most iconic historical figures in Thatcher and Mandela, a Brit finally won at Wimbledon and Wolves sunk to new depths with a second consecutive relegation.

But for me 2013, without sounding too X Factor-like, has been a journey. I've clocked up thousands of air miles, scored at Molineux, went to Wembley, took a dance class and survived the Oldham Half Marathon to name but a few.

I can't believe it's been twelve months since I set myself the challenge to complete 30 new things before I hit 30. With just eight months to go until I wave a final goodbye to my 20s it seems like an opportune time to look back and reflect on the journey thus far...and think ahead to how on earth I'm going to complete the rest of my challenges.

I've taken a look back over the year and picked out my top five moments (it's still December so I wonder if Noddy Holder will do the countdown for me; he seems do all the others at this time of year)...so here are just some of the highlights of what's been a year to remember:

I'm not sure this was in my new job description

Coming in at number 5: New job

It's been eight months now since I said a fond farewell to South Staffordshire Council. My professional home for nearly six years, leaving Codsall was actually one of the most daunting experiences of 2013; but ultimately it's proven to be one of the most rewarding. The time was right for change, and professionally, I couldn't have made a better move.

Number 4: When a non-stag doo stag doo is better than a stag doo

It might not have been on my list of 30 things to do but what should have been my stag doo turned out to be one of the best weekends of the year. Munich now holds a special place in my heart. Its architecture, its cutlure, its beer halls. Seeing the Olympic village, Dachau, the Allianz Arena and of course Rogers the Spaniel and 'Des Lennis'.

Number 3: The Golden Gate Bridge

My trip to San Francisco was incredible. Some great people, some wonderful places - but for me, taking an early morning stroll over the Golden Gate Bridge as the fog sweeps in from the ocean over the 'Frisco Bay was just incredible.

There was something cathartic about that walk, with my ipod playing Bob Dylan and with me inadvertently wandering into the middle of a 'Free Tibet' demonstration.

Number 2: Down Under with Rich


New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful country. The views are spectacularly stunning - and I got to spend some quality time with one of my best mates who I haven't seen nearly enough in the past few years. I also managed to take a trip on the 'Vomit Comet' ferry, get bitten to buggery on a beach and watch an England test match in Auckland (back in the days when we were good at cricket).

Number 1: My biggest failure

My inner-child still chuckles at this

We didn't manage it up Snowdon

I feel like I've done and achieved so much this year - but strangely enough, my only failure to-date has arguably been my most enjoyable. Coming in at number 24 on the list is to climb Snowdon. On 4th April (what would have been said wedding day) me and my entourage of misfits set out to conquer Wales' most famous mountain. Sadly, the snow scuppered those plans. But it turned out to be one of the best weekends I've had for years. Surrounded by my brothers and closest friends we had a great time full of laughter and fun. A walk - an on-going battle between Rogers and Becs over his inappropriate choice of footwear and a late night sing-song. It was a nice reminder that it doesn't really matter what you do, or where you do it, it's all about the people you do it with.

It's impossible to predict what lies ahead in 2014 - but I'm hopeful it will be as eventful and fruitful as 2013. I've got 8 months to get back in the swimming pool and prove my doubters wrong; my plans for a TV debut have taken a big leap forward - and it looks like I'm going all Samba in June!

I've been incredibly fortunate to have the love and support of some very good people throughout 2013 - I hope you all have a great 2014.

Derby's Del Boy - #28 edges closer

Four down - six more to go

Boxing Day football is as English as the rolling hills of the countryside, summer drizzle and a genetically irrational dislike of all things French.

It's the one day of the year where all 92 football league teams turn out on the same day and where the promise of the joyful family Christmas has melted away and been replaced by bickering, boredom and indigestion.

My mission to visit ten new football grounds edged one step closer yesterday after I visited the Pirelli Stadium, home of the mighty Brewers; Burton Albion. As with most Boxing Day matches, the terraces were filled with that faint aroma of stale ale and leftover-turkey-induced flatulence.

Burton appealed to me for two reasons...firstly it was a good excuse to meet up with my good pal Dav who's visiting his family in nearby Derby and secondly, after my ill-fated tenure as Burton boss in the 2023-24 season on Championship Manager, I felt I had to make peace with the fans.

Courtesy of Dav and his wife Hannah, I'm now the proud owner of 'A Fan's Guide to Football League Grounds'. According to my new bible of football stadia, the Pirelli Stadium was built in 2005 and became Burton's home after they left their Eton Park ground. It was a £6.5m purpose built stadium...I'm including these erroneous details to pad out the fact that the game itself (a clash against bottom of the Football League outfit Northampton Town) was so dire. But the upside of a small ground with only a few thousand people means you know the players can hear every witty jibe from the crowd.

The Pirelli Stadium - home of Burton Albion FC

Two stood out: "He's here to do a job...but for the life of me I don't know what that is". And my personal favourite, which I was still chuckling at two hours later: "I've seen milk turn quicker than you!".

They were the two highlights of what was a very drab affair which saw the hosts grab a late winner six minutes from time.

The real entertainment came from Dav's Dad, John.


Like my own dad, John's obituary will no doubt start with 'He was one of those characters in life'. There's something about men in their 60s who at some stage have decided to abandon all social norms and have adopted a 'bugger it, I'll say what I want' attitude; much to the amusement of guests and to the eternal embarrassment of their families and long suffering wives who seemingly feel it's safer to simply apologise for them in advance of taking them anywhere.

Dav's dad John is a great guy...and what amuses me is that Dav (like me with my dad) is slowly turning into him.

Brahma beer glasses from Derby could be popular in 2014.

John is like Derby's answer to Del Boy - but with a hint of Bullseye's Jim Bowen. Before we left for the game yesterday John wanted to show me the dozen or so Brazilian beer glasses he's acquired (I didn't ask where from for fear incriminating myself). And John's big plan - remember to think of Jim Bowen: "Ebay Jay, ebay, but not yet - no, World Cup Jay, World Cup!". Wheeling and dealing, Derby-style.

So I'm four grounds down - six more to go before the end of the season.

No reason for this outro - just a rather good tune. Coming up next time, my top 5 moments of 2013 - and the mammoth task facing me in 2014 as I attempt to complete my 30 new things before 30.