YOU CAN BET WE ARE ALL UP FOR THE CUP

THIS week has been dominated by the FA Cup.

Last weekend I was at Long Melford (as well as being chairman I am currently chief scout, though a chief scout who can’t tell the difference between 4-4-2 and 3-5-2, or is it 3-41-2 or 3-4-2-1) to watch and record their game against our FA Cup opponents this weekend, Little Oakley.

I got a few quizzical remarks around why a Step 2 club is bothering to scout a Step 5 club, but the FA Cup is important to all of us and we need to show due respect to the opposition whatever league they play in. We’re looking forward to the game and hopefully we can provide a great experience, though not a winning one, at the EMG Inspire Stadium this weekend.

Saturday’s scouting was followed by Sunday supporting our Women’s team in their FA Cup game where they were resounding winners, 10-0. I have great hopes for the team this year as they push for promotion and a cup run would be great, too.

Then Monday night, our FA Youth Cup team were in action against a tricky Walthamstow side. My nerves took another battering as we held on to win 3-2 and so we are now in the draw for the next round. We made great progress last year losing to eventual semi-finalists Ipswich Town, so hopes are high for more success this year.

It is interesting to talk to Mickey [Spillane] and Elliott [Ward] about how important the FA Youth Cup is for players. Both remember very well how far they progressed and their experiences in the competition even beyond their achievements at the senior level, so it’s important that we back and support our teams.

I hope your team’s had a successful weekend and for those of us (I am hoping we are) in the next round draw for the FA Cup this week, I hope you get a favourable one.