Roots Hall or Stamford Bridge?
I can’t make my mind up.
No seriously, a trip to Southend may not be on many Town fans itinerary at any time of year and even less so in January while the prospect of a day out in the capital and a visit to one of the top Premiership sides in the country is mouth-watering enough to send the salivatory glands of any ‘football head’ into overdrive, there is one other question that needs to be asked.
Do we want to progress in the competition or have a fast fix with a taste of the Premiership for a day? Now I’m not suggesting that a win on the Essex coast is a foregone conclusion or that Jims finest eleven will lay down and die against the multi million pounds worth of international talent in London’s ‘Theatre of affluence’, only that the former is more likely than the latter.
Being in the draw for the fifth round is a memory distant enough to qualify for any Town supporters quiz and at the same time any side finding themselves still involved at such stage starts to fancy their chances of going all the way. Look at Cardiff City last season.
I must admit I would enjoy winning at Roots Hall more than loosing with honour at ‘The Bridge’. A win against Chelsea though would be better than sex with …….. Well just about anyone.
Before any of these cup distractions comes the possibly more important issue of our next game against Sheffield Wednesday. Virtually every home game for the rest of the season has the ‘must win’ tag attached if the proposition of a playoff place is to be achieved. Our current away form, erratic as it is, if linked with last seasons home record would have us up there with the best. Let’s hope that ‘section six’ can do something to re-create an atmosphere in Portman Road. I wont be moving my season ticket from section five but I will be singing (I might even bring my scarf out of the mothballs) I am in total support of anything that can bring back ‘total support’ to what used to be an intimidating environment to visiting teams.
On a lighter note, one member of Clacton Branch ITFC Supporters, a lady called Pam had a nice little win on ‘The Big Blue Game’ before Christmas. Generous lady that she is, the regular travellers on the Clacton coach have been invited by Pam to a slap up meal at the Centre Spot before Saturdays game.
On behalf of all the Clacton Branch I would like to thank Pam for her kindness. If stuffed ‘Owl’ is on the menu I’ll be having a large portion. We’ve been told we can’t wear Town shirts in the Centre Spot! What a crazy rule on match day. Don’t worry, I have a contingency plan.
You know those ‘Quick Change’ cabaret artists that rip off one outfit to reveal another underneath? Yeah you’ve got it. Just hope I get it right!