Kidderminster Programme

In The Programme – Kidderminster Harriers

Last weekend was a bad one for us football fans – the late penalty at Yeovil and a stuttering start to Wales’ World Cup campaign was not the Saturday that we would have all hoped for. Wales had the chance to put that right last Wednesday night, we have the chance to right our wrongs today against Kidderminster.

As usual it’s a warm welcome back to the Vetch for Jan Molby along with former Swansea players Lee Jenkins and Stuart Roberts. I am sure that this game means plenty to all three of these but hopefully they will be forced to leave the Vetch this afternoon with nothing to show for their troubles as we look to bounce back to winning ways after two good wins over Cambridge and Lincoln a fortnight back.

It was also refreshing to see Kenny Jackett speak so openly in the Evening Post a week or so back about the criticism that he had received for the team’s style of play. Rarely have we seen a manager open up so honestly to the supporters about what he has thinking – indeed I do remember Mr Molby doing the same once after a defeat – a honest approach that actually turned our season around and saw us end at Wembley Let’s hope for the same this time around but with a better end result.

It’s also a chance for us to welcome to the Vetch our new signing in Andy Gurney. Andy was a somewhat surprise addition to the squad but a good one at that we hope and his playing record over the last few years does make you wonder why Swindon let him go but at the end of it all their loss will hopefully be our gain.

Today actually starts what on paper looks like a run of winnable fixtures. No disrespect to Kidderminster, Wycombe or Rushden but all three games look like games where we can aim for the three points ( I know we do every game) and hopefully post our challenge at the top end of the table. Both Kidderminster and Rushden were predicted to struggle this season although full credit to Tony Adams and Wycombe for the start that they have made. Teams have shown in the past how difficult it is to bounce back from relegation and many predicted the same for Wycombe this time around. Seven points from those nine would put us in a very strong position heading into October.

Back to the Wales game against Azerbaijan last week and I was disappointed in the way that we approached the game. I thought our style of play was too negative on the day and that we only just got what we probably deserved in the draw. We got a lucky result in the evening with England also dropping points but if we are to harbour ambitions of Germany in two years time then we have to be beating these teams and it now means that we have to look for a positive result at Old Trafford next month.

Great reports as well from the club’s open day last weekend. Sadly I could not make the event but those that could appeared to have a great time at it and a good credit to the club to read of so many of the players and manager giving their time up for their supporters. Well done to all concerned on what sounds a great event and roll on next year where hopefully I will be able to attend as well and enjoy the fun.

Anyway, back to matters in hand today and no doubt another good Vetch crowd (a reasonably constant number compared to our friends at Ninian Park – can you hear the bubble burst?) will get behind the team and hopefully give us all the result that we want come ten to five.

Keep singing, keep the faith and please please please don’t throw anything.

Once again welcome back to old friends but come 3pm that friendship goes out of the window remember and, sorry Jan but it’s “Kenny Jackett’s Barmy Army” these days.

Onwards and Upwards – Jack Army!

Phil Sumbler

You can keep updated on the views of the fans by visiting www.jackarmy.net – Supporting the Swans, All Day, Every Day.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?