Happy New Year to all our devoted followers, and may 2010 see more wins than most of 2009 managed.
Santa's brought the sack for Irvine and Megson, but the Coalman has escaped with his job intact, and tomorrow sees the start of another FA Cup campaign. On the face of it, a draw away to a Premier League team isn't the best we could have hoped for. Actually, apart from away to a non-league team, it's one of the worst draws we could have got.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and as Princess Di once nervously remarked "that light's getting a bit closer isn't it?". A trip to Portsmouth on January 2nd may be just what we need to kick start our run for the play offs. Here's 10 reasons why.
1. We have more money than they do.
Fact. They can't pay their wages on time, and have the Revenue trying to wind them up. We have paid our players and Arson hasn't been wound up by anything apart from the inconsistency on the pitch.
2. We have a full squad to pick from.
Fact. They have four players off to the African Cup of Nations, including Dinnerdan, who has looked fairly useful. We don't have anyone off to Africa. Or any further than Sunderland later in the month (see point 7).
3. We are in better form.
Fact. They are bottom of their league, and got thumped at home by Arsenal in the week. We've won 3 out of 4, and are almost approaching mid-table.
4. We have more positive fans.
Fact. No longer do we chant "Sack the Board", "Where's all the money gone" and "You're not fit to run this club". We haven't heard that since the bad old days at Highfield Road. Fratton Park will be echoing to the chants of disgruntled and betrayed fans tomorrow. I may bring a collection bucket and ask fans for spare change to help pay the players' wages.
5. We can't stop scoring.
Fact. Well, almost. Angie, Wheels on his house and More Reasons have all been amongst the goals recently.
6. We have the more attractive manager.
Fact. The Coalman bears no resemblance to Toad of Toad Hall. Need I say more.
7. We have more players needing to play well to put themselves in the shop window for a January transfer.
Maybe not. Apparently Mr Toad needs to sell at least £6m of talent to get the club out of financial meltdown. We're looking at Vivienne and Angie moving on, and the money being re-invested in four quality players.
8. Our owners are not in it to make a quick buck, or people who don't seem to have any money spare to spend when they've bought it.
Well, you can make your own minds up.
9. We have never lost to Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
1910 and 1963 were both good wins for the Sky Blues.
10. We're all going.
And this will not be our only FA Cup tie of 2010.
The famous Portsmouth boutique hotel is our overnight stay on Saturday night (The Ibis) to celebrate our cup upset (11-2 are the current odds on a win). PUSB
