PLAYED A BLINDER

Alex Styles: The snapper was sent to the West Midlands as part of our host families feature. “All the West Brom academy lads were a laugh. We had a bit of banter as I support Villa, but it was great to work with Chris Wood’s parents, who are passionate about giving something back to football.”

Andrew Murray: Within a few days of each other, our staff writer was Tadcaster Albion’s mascot Taddy Bear for the day and travelled to Manchester for a chat with Juan Mata. “I chickened out and wore a shirt to meet the Special Juan, instead of the fuzzy bear suit...”

Nick Eagle: The lensman was on hand to capture the Cowley brothers after a landmark year with Lincoln. “As I waited for them to appear, the sky suddenly looked like something from an end-of-the-world disaster movie. Luckily we got all of the shots in just before the heavens opened!”