Wolves in Austria: Nathan Judah and Tim Spiers' Day 9 diary

I was worried about this diary entry being very brief at the start of the day - how wrong I was.

Published
Last updated

Hooray, we got our first lie-in of the trip!

With the FK Jablonec game scheduled for a 6pm kick-off, it was finally time to catch up on much needed shut eye after some very long days.

What a place. I'm not running up there though!
What a place. I'm not running up there though!

It was also my last time for a morning run which I performed with a heavy heart, but a smile on my face.

TS: Smiling throughout your run? I bet you got some funny looks.

I can honestly say I've never exercised in a more beautiful place than Austria. Was lovely to fit in one more cheeky five-miler.

Back home and Mr Spiers was awaiting my arrival for our normal pre-match ritual of a cappuccino from the cafe around the corner.

Quick trip to Spar first and then a cheeky bit of caffeine before the game.

But when we arrived, Tim was looking a little paler than his normal self.

TS: You're not the first person to comment on my skin tone this trip. Us Wulfrunians aren't used to this heat.

Read more:

He seemed agitated and a little bit of perspiration was beginning to show on his furrowed brow.

TS: I could have done with a fan at this point - have you got a spare one?

'Mate, have you got the house keys?' he asked. That's never the question you want to hear, especially living in an apartment that automatically double locks every door.

Locked out and only one person to blame
Locked out and only one person to blame

'No, Timothy, you had the set of keys, like you have had the entire trip.'

So as I went to get the coffees in, hoping a quick look in the car would uncover the treasure. Mr Spiers re-traced every footstep known to mankind.

To be honest, I was starting to lose patience with the lad and his coffee was getting all cold and drunk.

TS: Incredible scenes. I lost patience with you on day one when you refused to eat in a bar just because there were a couple of flies buzzing around.

It wouldn't have looked out of place in a Punch and Judy show, with the crocodile stealing the keys (I half expected this excuse).

Long story short, keys lost, landlady was an hour away and we were late for a game that we were hoping to arrive two hours prior to kick-off.

Add to that ANOTHER fine, this time 30 euros for a replacement set of keys and you have more calamitous tales of Tim and Nathan that will keep you in stitches until Christmas.

TS: It's just a good job we didn't need you to drive us home.

Many people feel we need a third person to look after us for the next tour, and to be honest, they may be right - another great photoshop.

Luckily, landlady Monica arrived and we were able to still get to the ground an hour early.

Not the best game in the world, but this was a the end of a long ten days for the players - and perhaps a little too long.

Great view, but a bit of a damp squib of a game
Great view, but a bit of a damp squib of a game

The guys understandably looked very tired and the intensity levels of the first two games just weren't there this time.

TS: Are you talking about us or the players?

Saying that, I thought Ruben Neves and Ivan Cavaleiro were again superb. Let's just hope they other boys can match their level going into the Boro game.

We left the ground about 10.15pm after filming our vids and getting them online.

But this was always going to be a long night and with a podcast and diary still to record and write, it was time to crack open a bottle of red.

Snack time pre-poddy
Snack time pre-poddy

TS: It's a good job one us knows how to use a corkscrew. Are you planning to be house trained by the time you're 40?

We've just filmed an hour's worth of podcast evaluating each individual player together with some of the funniest stories of the trip.

I have no idea how it will sound tomorrow morning so apologies in advance.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this trip from start to finish. Myself and Tim have tried to produce as much content as possible, whilst giving you a personal insight into each day's events.

Sometimes it's been a bit weird and wacky, other times its been straight down the line.

We hope you've enjoyed it and again a HUGE thank-you to everyone who has been in touch. We've been overwhelmed by your kind comments.

TS: I'll echo those sentiments. It's been hard work and great fun. This is a beautiful country, the weather's been kind and we've had a brilliant response to our coverage on the E&S - not to mention record web page figures during matches. I'd also like to thank Wolves for allowing us access to the staff and the players on a daily basis - it's greatly appreciated.

It's been great Austria - until next time!

And remember, what goes on tour, never ever stays on tour.

Everything you have read in this diary has been based on true events - you couldn't even make this stuff up!

Now, where do I hand in this expenses sheet?