There are times when this job - like every job - gets you down.

But I also appreciate what a privileged position I'm in.

Two invitations have arrived in the past few days which have brought a smile to my face.

The first was asking if I'd like to be one of the first to try out the fantastic new golf course at Rockcliffe park, near my home village of Hurworth.

Despite making worldwide headlines with my "round in one" (from the 1st tee to the 18th hole with one sliced seven wood at Blackwell Golf Course in 2006), I'm rubbish at golf.

Nevertheless, I'll do my best not to leave too many divots in Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson's dream course.

The second invitation came today from Sunderland Football Club for me and a guest to go into the boardroom for the Take That concert on June 5.

I've yet to decide who my guest will be - but if it's not my wife I think there might be a divorce on the cards!