Macclesfield Programme

Well a Happy New Year to you all. Almost 72 hours into 2004 I trust that the hangovers have now disappeared and that we are all looking forward to returning to the working year in earnest on Monday? No? Nor me! But there we go – first Saturday of the year and, as tradition dictates, FA Cup day.

I remember this day well from five years ago. I woke early and turned the TV on. England were playing Australia for the ashes. Darren Gough took a hat-trick with the first three balls that I watched and I knew then it was to be a good day. On the bus to West Ham with some of my fellow MAGS I can remember it like it was yesterday. A traditional pub stop (just for an orange juice I am sure you understand) and onwards to Upton Park. Probably best to forget the part that most of us dis embarked that bus at some stage between pub and ground to do what men have to do after a few beers much to the amusement of passing motorists and of course the worry that the traffic may miraculously clear all of a sudden and 25 grown men would be chasing a 52 seater bus round East London. I remember Jason Smith scoring the goal that so nearly won the tie at the first attempt. I’ve said it before on this page this season and I make no excuses for saying it again – I love the FA Cup and memories like the ones I have just described are the reason why.

So here we are again, FA Cup third round day and preparing for the visit of Premiership opposition in the hope that we can create one of the upsets of the round. This time it will be our turn to take the plaudits as the team name on everyone’s lips come 5pm tonight. No I haven’t lost the plot and no disrespect to anyone who has travelled from Macclesfield for this game but the draw was a slight anti climax for me. And to clear what I mean from that I am sure it was for Macclesfield as well. Third division clubs want a big draw when they get this far but it wasn’t to be. Of course, both sides will fancy being in the fourth round draw tomorrow and looking for the big draw then so on that basis all I can say is thank you to the guys for a home draw. Macclesfield have hit good form of late but here at the Vetch we can get the win and with several all Premiership ties today who is to say that this year won’t see a third division club reach the 5^th or 6^th round – and why shouldn’t that be us?

Last time I took a look at the best moments for me from 2003 and now I am going to ask for three things as things I want from the club this year as my New Years resolutions (well resolutions that they can keep for me anyway)

1. Promotion. It’s a big ask but this club is really too big to be in the third division. Couple that with the talent that we have here on the pitch and the players deserve to be playing at a higher level.
2. Consistency – not just on the pitch – that will lead to number one goal being achieved but from the fans. Our gates rise and fall like there is no tomorrow. As a fanbase we are fickle. I’m sure many reading this now disagree and I like to believe I am not fickle but we have a base of around 3-4,000 that are. These are the people we need to win round and ensure they come back every week.
3. Investment. It is time for the businesses and people of Swansea and its surrounds who can to come out and support the football club. There are many businesses who would have moaned last season had the city lost its league club but what have they done this season to ensure that the likelihood of that ever happening is greatly reduced?

And if you think “he doesn’t ask for much does he?” then you should have seen my list for Santa!!!

Anyhow that’s it today – shout the boys into Round 4 and to Jacks everywhere Happy New Year and to Macclesfield fans I wish you the same but only after today!