The FA Cup has played a huge part in my life as a footballer and sits there amongst the “can’t wait for games” in a season.
As a fan I have followed Leicester City through the years and some of those games were against lower opposition. Probably the biggest shock was when in 2001 Wycombe beat Leicester 2-1, then in the Premiership, with the winning goal scored by an “internet striker”. Yes, Wycombe had gone on the internet and needed a striker for the game. Roy Essandoh signed for them about a week before the match and scored the winner! I think he actually only signed a two week contract initially. Gutted! That is the Cup.
Whilst playing I have managed to be part of many winning teams, as well as losing teams, in the FA Cup, all non-league - scoring in quite a few of those games and also missing a couple of sitters! I think I missed one for Loughborough Dynamo in the 80’s!!. Believe me when I say, it does not matter who you play for or at what level, it is a wonderful competition. Many of you, the fans, have probably done the same and oh what a feeling that is, because it is the FA Cup and you are all part of it. Whatever happens you have competed in the same competition as the big boys and that is all that matters.
A few years ago, whilst at Gainsborough Trinity, we played Hartlepool at home in front of 2,500 fans and what a spectacle that was. They were flying in the league and it was just too much for us, losing 5-1, but how proud we all were.
Now, in my early days at The Iron, I find myself involved in a local derby, one which hasn't happened for a while and one which really epitomises the competition. The Directors, Brian and myself were at Aintree on the Sunday of the draw, celebrating someone's 50th! It was going to happen, wasn't it? It was meant to be, just look at the way the draw had panned out. Trinity had beaten Rushall, Trinity thrown out, Rushall beat Stockport and draw Grimsby, it could have been oh so different, as we may well have been entertained at the Northolme! That is what the Cup brings, what if's, if only, that is why we love it.
The passion of the game is magnified because it is our neighbours, it will be a fantastic day for you the fans and one I know the players are looking forward to. We need no extra incentive, it is about pride and, all we ask is that they give us everything they have got, on that pitch, tomorrow.
So, travel safe, enjoy the match and show that superb support, the team will undoubtedly need, throughout the game, be proud to be the Iron!
Peter Swann
Chairman