Steve Madeley's Albion tour diary

Strange things happen on pre-season tours, but none much stranger than seeing a Wolves shirt on show at an Albion friendly.

The reunion of two old school friends meant there was an 'enemy' in the camp when the Baggies took on Ventura County Fusion at Oxnard Stadium.

And there was little doubt that 58-year-old Baggies die-hard Trevor Johnson, originally from Wednesbury but based near San Diego since 1979, took great pleasure in dragging childhood friend Jim Holden to watch Roy Hodgson's men in action.

Jim, who lives in Darlaston but is visiting for two weeks, said: "He told me he had a surprise for me when I got off the plane, and this was the surprise."

"We went to school together at Holyhead Road in Wednesbury, he's a day older than me and we lived in the same street."

Trevor is keeping it in the family with son Simon, who was just three when they travelled for a new life across the Atlantic, brought up a keen Baggies fan.

The Albion bug is incurable, as lifelong fan Kevin Horton proved with a marathon journey to see his heroes in action.

The 51-year-old, who was born in Dudley, has lived in America for 31 years and been a United States citizen for more than two decades.

But when he heard the Baggies were on US soil he had to be there, even if it meant three flights, a two-day journey, an overnight stay and a 100-mile taxi ride.

His journey took him from his home near Green Bay, Wisconsin, via Milwaukee, Las Vegas and Los Angeles before he stumped up for a hotel and boarded a shuttle bus to Ventura County.

He said: "It started in 1967-68 when Jeff Astle scored in every round of the FA Cup."

Finally, Albion fans can watch today's game in its entirety.

Oxnard-based firm Kady TV recorded the game and will broadcast it at www.kadytv.com from 7pm UK time tonight.

It comes complete with commentary from some Black Country bloke from the Express & Star. Let's just say Martin Tyler won't lose any sleep.