Here is what Paul posted at WorldSportHD.com (in invisible ink I think):
January 28th
It was very foggy in Bilbao this morning. A strange kind of fog that hung low in the valleys (ie where the airport is) and left the hilltops in bright clear sunlight.
Planes were delayed, or in some cases abandoned so that TV reporters could travel home by bus and avoid the nerve jangling sensation of turbulence. OK; I know I am a coward, but I HATE flying.
But as I sat back in the comfy bus seat, plugged in my headphones and dug out my book, I couldn't help but reflect on how the weather can indeed be a metaphor for many things in life, especially football.
Trust and Englishman to start talking about the weather I suppose, but on Sunday night's showing, Barca are lost in a deep grey fog at the moments, while their bitter and eternal rivals Real Madrid are indeed standing on the hilltops, bathing in bright sunlight.
We were starting to get the impression that this was going to be Real Madrid's a few weeks back. That feeling was strengthened after their win in the Camp Nou, which left them seven points clear at the top of the table.
After a thrilling win over Villarreal coupled with Barca's slip up in San Mames, that lead is now up to nine points.
However, it is not just the fact they are nine clear that is so significant, it is the way both sides are currently playing. Against Athletic, Barcelona looked as if they were willing to sit on a 1-0 lead and hope for the best. Suffice to say it didn't work out for them and Athletic made them pay.
Although we have to give credit to Athletic for showing guts and digging deep to fight back, Barca had virtually nothing in common with the side that swept its way to two consecutive league titles. Despite all of their talent, they looked nervous and played like a small club.
It was as if you could see them thinking 'Let's see if we can hold on.' An intent highlighted by the entry of Edmilson into the game in the second half.
Madrid on the other hand produced a thrilling end to end game against Villarreal. We saw how good Villarreal are a fortnight ago when they destroyed Valencia, but Madrid's attitude was 'You score three and we will score four.' That is the attitude of Champions.
On a personal note now and the match in San Mames was my penultimate for World Sport. I have been given the chance to return to work in my hometown of Kingston Upon Hull, in the North of England and it's not often you get the offer to return home to work.
It is indeed the sort of offer you just cannot refuse. So next weekend's game, wherever it is, will be my swansong. I will be sad to leave as commentating matches week in week out has been a blast and a lot of fun. But I know I am leaving you in the safe and very capable hands of Mr Sid Lowe and who knows I may even get the odd guest appearance now and then.
As I say it's been a blast. Thanks for all your support and for one last time: Cheers
PAUL.
Ps The only thing I wont miss is the flying.