As you will doubtless have noted by now, it was my birthday yesterday. And as tours usually fall at around this time, I learned a few years back to not make a big thing of it.

I remember the tour to Sweden in 1999 and giving it the "Yo boys, it's my birthday. I'm 26 today".

Rather than getting what I expected like maybe "Happy Birthday mate, good on ya", all I got were threats especially from one S.G. Bull who promised that he was going to shave off one eyebrow and the opposite sideboard. I spent that night hiding alone in a bar.

So for my 37^th yesterday, I had done my best to keep it from everyone. But I got grassed up, I think from someone at Molineux, and my Emu was cooked. Just after breakfast Andy Surman came up and shook my hand and wished me a happy birthday and I knew I was in trouble. A lot of trouble.

Then Sylvan informed me that the lads had got a bit of a surprise lined up and said something about an ice bath as he walked away giggling. Mind you, I did have a laugh at his expense when the team were doing their 600 metre uphill runs at King's Park a little later. After his third one of the four runs the players had to do, Sylvan collapsed in a heap at the Gaffer's feet saying "my back's in bits, I can't do the last one".

Full of sympathy Mick advised our striker that Kempy (the physio) was at the bottom of the hill so to go and see him and then he (Sylvan) may as well run back up. So, with great reluctance, he completed his fourth run. Way to go Sylvan!

Anyway, back to the birthday. It was a bit surreal having the squad singing Happy Birthday under the floodlights at the WACA in front of around a hundred watching supporters. Then, when Mick produced a bag I thought this is it, they've got me a Platypus.

But no, it was one of the Retro Warriors cricket shirts belonging to Australian test bowler Mitchell Johnson that all the lads had signed. It is a great keepsake that I am very grateful for. Then Lisa from the WACA produced a chocolate birthday cake and, along with her colleague Nicole, they gave me a carrier bag full of Australian food including Vegimite which is the Aussie equivalent of our Marmite. I think the girls believe that I need building up.

But to everyone concerned both from Wolves and the WACA, it was a really nice gesture and one that is very much appreciated.

The cake was cut up and whilst there wasn't enough to go round I offered it to some of the lads as they came out of the dressing room. And after I alerted Marcus Hahnemann, the big keeper managed to grab the last piece.

Unfortunately for me, Terry Connor was watching and when he knew there was none for him he started giving me grief.

"That's great that is," said TC. "You know someone for ten years and nothing. A new bloke comes in and it's all - here we are Marcus, enjoy it Marcus."

He went on and on and my fortunes weren't helped by all the lads who had eaten some of the cake telling TC how good it was. He was still going on about it this morning. Mind you, Terry, it was very tasty….

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes yes, many (begrudging) happy returns for yesterday. Not sure on your maths though. 37?  Meanwhile on that subject of being a year closer to mandatory retirement, I was horrified to read yesterday that the system of compulsory retirement is under review.  Shocking news.  Anyway, Skippy continues to excel in your absence and got the motor running with a trip out yesterday…