The goldfish still swim in a tank in reception- a permanant reminder of a flood which terrorised the club.

Our guide at Burnden Park, home of Carlisle United, told us how the fish were rescued from the flood on the pitch which swept through the club more than two years ago.

She told us the water rose just a foot short of the crossbar, how games were lost and once re-opened, how taunting away fans brought with them rubber rings to fight a potential future onslaught.

A tough day of travelling, mostly confined to the tour bus but comforted by breathtaking views of the Lake District, the Angel of the North and magnifient stadiums like Newcastle's St James' Park and Middlesborough's Riverside Stadium.

Both were amazing, imposing arenas which you can imagine are cauldrons of passion on matchdays in an area where football is the only religion.

At Boro a geeky treat for us when the first-teams shirts were hung up on the individual pegs during our visit to the home dressing room.

Names including Boateng, Viduka and Yakubu stared back at us in readiness for their weekend tussle with Tottenham.

Hartlepool housed lovely people who were interested in our fundraising efforts. A picture with director of football Chris Turner on the pitch was an impromtu bonus.

The day had kicked-off on a touching note at Blackpool's 'work in progress' Bloomfield Road home.

Die-hard supporters laid wreathes outside the ground in memory of former player and World Cup winner Alan Ball who had died the previous night.

They must have heard the sad news only minutes before but, showing their devotion, their first port of call was to pay their respects at his former stomping ground.

The tour has now reached the 2,000 mile mark with more than a dozen signed shirt, numerous balls and other items donated the tour is proving a success.

But if I hear any Scissor Sisters song played one more time on some rubbish regional radio station I'm going to explode!