I'M sitting in Queen's Gardens, still bereft from the night before, wandering how we managed to let Wigan bully us out of two points.

Barely light, it's fair to say that most of Warrington hasn't risen from the Land of Nod yet so there's only the odd early-morning commuter to ponder why that nutter is sat on a bench outside the Parr Hall, tapping away feverishly on an i-Pad.

And if the seething mass of teenagers and 20-somethings assembled behind us at the DW Stadium is anything to go by, my hangover is a baby one compared to the sugar burn of half a dozen bottles of WKD, quickly necked on the way up to the game.

Either way, most of us will be in need of a tonic, to dispel the nagging thought that Saints away and the League Leaders' Shield being packed away was as good as it gets for the 2014 season.

For me, and it always has done, it just takes a meander around town, to restore some good cheer and face the week ahead.

If I look to my left, another prospective tenant of the old technical college, or The Treasury if you will, is forecasting the opening of Las Ramblas, for wine and tapas, next March. Another feather in the cap of Palmyra Square and grown-up nights out.

Maybe if I take root on this bench I'll witness Warrington Pride later this month - if ever there's a sign, whether it floats your boat or not, that a town is fearlessly striding into the 21st century, then this is surely it. Rather like the splendid Mela, in the same environs, last month.

Who could be glum if you knew Joan Armatrading, Chas & Dave, Eddi Reader, The Stylistics, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Paul Heaton were on the bill at the Parr Hall and Pyramid?

Dave Spikey, Mark Watson, Omid Djilli, Tom Stade and Jason Manford are also heading in the same direction, similar story.

Even the thought of She'Koyokh, dubbed the nation's 'leading klezmer and Balkan music band', at Walton Hall later this month, is worth a grin.

Perhaps if I was one to gloat, Mystic Pete could also take a bow and claim amazing powers of prophesy following the announcement that we might get not one but two bridges coming out of Centre Park.

When all is said and done, there's always the roller coaster ride of your average Wire fan, an unpredictable headrush if ever there was one. Forward to the play-offs (unless it truly went pear-shaped and we're already out by the time you read this).

* In your true darkest days, you need a friend. And this week I found out that someone I owe a great deal to is stepping back from the fray. Hopefully she knows who I mean but I'll not forget in a hurry. And always be grateful.

* Last week I missed the boat on the departure of wing ace Chris Riley so I'd like to make amends. One of the most decorated Warringtonians in rugby league, you knew when Chris lined up in primrose and blue, his heart and soul would be in every game. Hopefully there's a berth somewhere for the lad, whether that's at Wakey or closer to home. All the best.