auf wiedersehen
Finally left Austria, having spent half a day traipsing around Salzburg (we have to go budget airline late evening to Stansted, no direct flights from Munich to Birmingham for us).
Well, after photographer Tim Easthope and I managed to get the infamous Audi up and running.
After Blues had left their hotel in Westendorf earlier than expected to beat a strike by Lufthansa pilots, we noticed the rear tyre in the hire car was flat.
Coming after the first day farce when there was the front nearside tyre burst and had to be replaced with the spare space-saver in the boot, not good.
Suspicions about how it had happened were aroused when Tim revealed he had seen a couple of players smirking and whispering just before they departed by coach.
Although I have no proof, I would lay money on it being the handiwork of either Gary McSheffrey or Garry O'Connor.
That's a few (more) ' 4 - couldn't hit a barn door' man-for-man marks in the Birmingham Mail for that pair this season.
As we had had an extra time in Austria, Tim and I took the opportunity to watch a friendly down the road at Worgl between Real Mallorca and Feyenoord.
And for one game only, we became official European scouts for Blues.
We told Alex McLeish the night before of our plans and he then responded to a text just before kick-off when we jokingly asked if we should run the rule over anyone.
It turned out he has been keeping tabs on a couple of players from each team and his text back said 'make a note of names, both sides'.
So Tim and I tried to look very scout-like (no, not like that) at the stadium, all furtive and secretive, scribbling the odd note onto a piece of paper now and again. We also made a point of leaving five minutes before the end.
I think some of the locals wondered just who we were, the Feyenoord hardcore were too busy getting sozzled and singing songs in English, 'Feyenoord 'til I die' was a favourite.
Mallorca won the game 2-0 and Feyenoord were pretty wretched in truth.
Both Tim and I liked the look of Mallorca's Oscar Trejo, their 'number 10' and playmaker.
However, we believe the Argentine might just out of Blues price range as checks as to whether he was available on a free or loan came to nothing . . .
Georginio Wijnaldum, a Feyenoord midfielder, was their best player and had a bit about him.
A scouting 'report' was duly sent to the Blues boss (I await with interest whether Karren pays our expenses) who gave nothing away about the players he had his eye on.
Now, if Blues sign anyone from either team and they turn into world beaters, then of course it was on our recommendation. If they sign any duds, I will tell David Sullivan that it was Tim's 'pile of rubbish'.
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Colin Tattum - Mail man Colin Tattum’s view of what’s going on at Birmingham City FC.
Isn't Wijnaldum only 17 or so years old? I heard he is the next big thing in Holland and with the supposed lack of creative midfield signing (if the Matumona signing doesnt go through) then hopefully we can get a decent loan player in hopefully with all my fingers and toes crossed either Wijnaldum or Adel Taarabt at Spurs! Oh please Juande look into your heart and let him come on loan to us we are crying out for a player with his dribbling abilities AND PACE!
Personally, i like the looks of Nsue from Real Mallorca ;).
I knew about Trejo when he was still in Argentina along with Rafael Sobis. Our chances of signing him are slim to be honest though.
Wijnaldum, a good shout on loan, unless Sully wants to dig deep? No? Maybe just the loan then lol