WE WILL HAMMER IT HOME!
FOR Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night, all focus was on Farsley Celtic and the quest for three more precious National League North points.
Having not played a league game, owing to Covid issues, since December 14, Kiddy’s season is entering a crucial stage with promotion to NonLeague’s top table still very much the aim.
But for boss Russ Penn, his coaches and players, there was an almighty elephant looming large over the dressing room at Aggborough – in the guise of West Ham United.
Saturday’s historic FA Cup third round victory over Championship side Reading earned Harriers a dream home tie with the Premier League Hammers in three weeks’ time, thus spreading cup fever throughout the proud Worcestershire town.
But, as assistant boss Jimmy O’Connor explained, even the slightest mention of locking horns with David Moyes’ men simply won’t be entertained.
“Thoughts of West Ham are fully to bed for now,” O’Connor told The NLP after Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Celtic which, like the Reading game, was achieved after going a goal behind.
“They are banned from talking about it. We told the staff as well that if anyone talks about West Ham then they’ll be talking outside.
“We want to be successful in National North this year, first and foremost. We’ll enjoy it as much as anyone when it comes round but there’s no point talking about because so much can happen between now and then.”
O’Connor revealed that watching the live fourth round draw was hardly a traditional affair for the Kiddy management duo but admits he couldn’t help but raise a wry smile when the three-time FA Cup winners were drawn out of the hat alongside them.
“Russ and I had about two hours here after the game on
Saturday and both left quite early,” he said. “I don’t think alcohol could have made it more special that night, it was a brilliant day.
“So, we had a day with our own families on the Sunday, got on the phone after watching the Farsley game [a 6-0 home defeat to Darlington last Saturday] to watch the draw, and had a little giggle about it.
History
“Obviously, we were chuffed to bits but with seven games to play before we could even think about them, straight away talk was getting three points on Tuesday night.
“On reflection though, we are delighted with the draw.
West Ham are a traditional, proper British football club with a very proud history and all the names that go with it, Sir Bobby Moore, Sir Trevor Brooking to name just two.
“Plus, they’ve probably got the top British manager in the country at the moment who, I’m sure, will respect the competition and ourselves as well, and there’s people like Stuart Pearce at the club who’s got a bit of history with the Harriers as well, so it’s all there.
“It’s a fairytale tie and I’m sure we’ll all enjoy it once we get there.
“It’s a great tie on paper and I’m sure it will be a great tie on the day as well. I know it’s a bit boring but it’s on to Darlington for now.”