Planet Swans ArchivesKenny Jackett is a man on a mission. As he starts the long trip North he is already eyeing up the chance of one of the Premiership’s big boys at home on the first Saturday of 2007.
He knows that it wont be easy but if his side can overcome Darlington in their second round tie then the ultimate prize could be one that awaits when the ball that represents Swansea City goes into the hat on Sunday along with those magical 20 balls that represent Premiership clubs.
FA Cup runs have become marginally longer in recent years although it has been some time since the Swans have had the chance to test themselves against the elite of English Football. They were the first lower division side to knock out Premiership opposition when West Ham crashed at the Vetch in 1999 but Derby stopped a double scalp when they scored late in the fourth round.
And a glorious run in 2004 saw the Swans into the 5th Round before losing to Tranmere – their furthest venture in the competition since 1980. But Jackett is keen to match some of these feats and told the Western Mail
“I haven’t really had a good FA Cup run since I came to Swansea, so I’m pretty keen for us to have one this season,
“We made it to the third round in my first full season in charge, when we brought Reading back to the Vetch for a replay, but that’s about it.
“There’s always excitement when you’re one game away from the third round, and it would be terrific to get through.
“If we can get through a tough tie at Darlington, it would be fantastic to draw a big side like Chelsea or Manchester United at home.
“We haven’t had a Premiership team at the Liberty Stadium yet, so that would be a wonderful occasion for the supporters.
“I’m treating this weekend’s match very seriously, and the incentive is there for us.
“We’ve been playing quite well and I want that to continue, I don’t think it would be a big upset if Darlington beat us. They’re on a good run and have home advantage, but we’re in the division above them.
“It’s a difficult one to call, but I’m expecting it to be an entertaining match because both sides like to play football.”
