The country is waking up to a new decade and importantly for millions of football devotes it is World Cup year. This four yearly celebration of football always provides a summer of drama, tension, elation and disappointment. All England supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed for glory in Johannesburg on July 11. For a few thousand people the event will take on a new identity as they prepare to fly out to South Africa to follow the team first hand. Most will have finalised details by now and will be looking forward to trouble free travel and ticket collection. I, on the other hand have nothing in place.

Having traveled to Japan/Korea (2002) and Germany (2006) I am very keen to make it down the S.A. come July and attend both semi finals and the final. It will be a tough ask as at January 1, 2010 I have no money, no tickets or travel arrangements. My wife has put her foot down this time and funds will not be coming from the family budget.

The plan is to fly down on July 4, to Jo'burg, internal flight on 6th to Cape Town for semi final, internal flight on 7th to Durban for semi then back to Jo'burg for final on 11th, fly home on July 12. Budget required £2500.

I invite you to follow this regular, lighthearted blog on my progress. In addition will be keeping tabs of our players, characters and stuff about the host nation. There will also be an integral series plotting the highs and many lows of England World cup exploits since 1966 incorporating personal memories.

Wish you all a happy new year.

Colin.