The F A Cup - A Personal View

[GazzaBTFC]

I've been thinking on this for some time and what with the media glare and the comments made about our forthcoming F A Cup clash with Swansea, I feel I would like to air my view.

 

The competition itself is one of the best, if not the best, in the world and as a Non League club it's a real pleasure to see us have the opportunity to be a "giant killer" and win on Saturday. In fact, no matter who the Non League club is that finds itself in a similar position as we do, it's nice to see whoever have a chance at getting amougnst the professional full time teams and give them a run. I've always loved a "David and Goliath" situation and have often wished for us to be in the same position. It's the "so called" romance of the F A Cup. This season, my long term wish has come true. We're here and with it goes all the excitement and the hope that we can pull off the surprise. We do have the players and the talent on the pitch and talking to the players over the past couple of weeks, they certainly have the will and spirit.

 

Well, it's here now and with all the trappings...media attention, comments about the "if's" and "whens", the build up of emotions...I've read the comments, including those to myself to "enjoy the day". I certainly will enjoy the day but I just wonder what the "true" cost of this game is. Oh, I'm not talking about the financial cost. I've overheard speculative comments about that and how much we may or not make. I've surfed the web and read other clubs supporters comment on that (not that it's their business but it's part of their idea of "banter"). I'm not concerned about that (that doesn't mean I don't care). On the day, that is a secondary factor. The primary factor is to enjoy the day, support my team and club and watch some good football.

I'm talking about the persoanl satisfaction. The players. What does this really mean to our season.

 

I'm finding myself in two camps. To the players, Saturday, will for some, be the biggest game in their lives. Maybe not the most important. Beating Chelmsford in the play off semi final rates there IMO and after interviewing the players, it was the road to actually winning something. Getting a medal, a trophy, an award for their hard work. This Saturday gives them something to talk about, to say "I was there, I played". I'm really pleased for the players for Saturday, whatever it means to them and I'll be behind them 100% of the way...more if it was possible. As a supporter I could say the same and epecially as the match day announcer (nerves? Nah...but I will be popping out for a fag or two before the game!!!). But can we win the F A Cup? It would be nice to think we could but lets take a reality cheque here (pun intended). As a club, it's a big day...and for the club, count the Players, officials, Supporters...but to have a chance of winning it...?

 

We're a Non League club. That is a fact and we all come to watch the team, week in, week out because we support this club. Through the good times, bad times, wind, rain, sun and snow. No matter how frustrated most of us get, we have invested time and money and emotions into what is a pleasure (if it isn't then whay come?). We have friends here and our social life centre's around the extra activities that the club provides. To those that support this club, it's the best in the world. But best will in the world, we will not win the F A Cup.

 

After last season we missed promotion by a whisker, the cruel fate of a penalty shoot out. I am certain that we can do so this season (why support the club if you don't believe...or have the will to want to win). As much as I am excited with our appearance in this round of the F A Cup and the chance to put the club on the "map" (especially for new supporters), I will be pleased to get on with the League. For the players sake, for the clubs sake and for the supporters sake. To say, we were better than you to our competition in this league and we deserved it, is more of a burning desire in me, than this Saturday. I love my club, the people, the players and support it, whatever it does, wherever it goes but my God, I want promotion!!!

 

The F A Cup brings financial and "awareness" rewards and with those, the club has the means to build...This Saturday is a "holiday"...its a day to enjoy, support the team and cheer them on...to win? I damn well hope so but if we don't then every player will get my applause...

 

...and then onto the real business.

 

[Dilbert]

Not very busy at work today

[Balmoral Claret]

Bloody hell Gazza - you've brought me close to tears quite a few times before, and now you've done it again - but THIS time, they're not tears of laughter.

A superb epistle deserving of a good result on Saturday. The best of luck from me anyway (and almost certainly, a few of my fellow Clarets). Enjoy the day.

[BlueGate Alan]

That is probably the best post I have read in a long time Gazza, good luck to the 'Ricay from all your friends in Margate. Hope you beat the Swans and that coming from a Welshman