Hawaii-5-oh-bollox I walk around not knowing what I am doing from one day to the next most times and when it came to the potential semi-final game at Villa Park I just presumptuously assumed that wild horses would not stop me from being there.

Equally, being of a nervous disposition and a complete pessimist when it comes to Charlton, I didn't want to tempt fate and look that far ahead. All I knew was it was a weekend, in Birmingham, it would be a couple of long flights and costly but worth it to see my team in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time. Plus I have a load of West Ham mates who will make the journey too. Yep, I will be there, subject to the small matter of a replay at the smog monsters.

That is until I woke up in the middle of last night in a cold sweat, midway through a dream that involved Luke Young, ribbons and rather large cups. The reason is a long time ago my company planned and booked for me to go to Hawaii on Saturday 22nd April for 5 days and it was during the night that I suddenly realised it clashed. I know, I can feel the sympathy!

It is our industries annual conference and exhibition and these things are never in Fargo, North Dakota, although Honolulu is pushing it and a complete pain in the arse. But sod all that, I can't get out of it, I have tried and I won't be able to shift my travel plans because Birmingham & Hawaii are about a million miles apart.

I know there are worse places to be and I don't want to sound inconsiderate but that has royally pissed me off today. Anyway, don't want to tempt fate so will keep my groans to myself until after the replay.  ¶ 15:40