In The Programme - Rushden & Diamonds

A fortnight ago here at the Vetch we witnessed one of the strangest goals that you will probably see in a league game and then probably the best 45 minutes of consistent football since the calendar changed from 2003 to 2004.

That first goal against Kidderminster was greeted by one of the quietest celebrations I can remember. I can understand the rants and raves from Jan Molby and Kidderminster about the goal but at the end of it we played the game to the whistle and the goal stood. That goal though takes nothing away from the way that we played in the second half and 3-0 as it turned out probably flattered our visitors on that day. Chances were created from everywhere and on another day we could have had a handful of goals, if not more. Performances like that will lead us to our goal of League One football for next season so more of the same please lads if you can?

Rushden arrive at the Vetch this afternoon looking no doubt to reverse one of our best performances of last season when we pulled them apart in the FA Cup. That performance was probably our best in the cup run of last season and we would love to see the same again this afternoon as we look to build on our challenge at the top end of the league table. Much has been said and written about the football this season but I can honestly only see us getting stronger and the moment. If you look at the calibre of players that we are leaving on the bench at the moment it has to be worry for opposition managers and the squad has been assembled with strength in depth in nearly every position. Again, that can only be a good thing?

Welsh football was dealt the expected news last week that it needs to search for a new manager for the first time in five years. Mark Hughes took the national side along way from the shambles that he inherited in 1999 to a side that could, and probably should, have qualified for Euro 2004. The World Cup qualifiers have not started as we would have hoped but that's life and it does give the new manager time to look at what he has as the reality is we are now planning for Euro 2008 with the World Cup unlikely to happen for us this time around. Welsh fans seem in no doubt that the Welsh FA should go talking to John Toshack and I probably have to agree. Tosh, as well as being a legend in these parts, is the most successful home grown manager ever - his club record speaks for itself and with him in charge of the national team then we have to enjoy some success don't we. There are of course other candidates including Brian Flynn, Bobby Robson and Terry Venables and whilst they could all offer us something I expect, Tosh is the one that we need to go for. Of course many have said he has been there and done that but back in 1994 the Welsh national team and setup was a shambles, that has changed and if we need to go crawling to get him, then crawling we should go.

Back to the Vetch we go and a well done to the board and the trust for announcing that tickets for the last game will go on sale in the next week or so for the Shrewsbury game, the last at the Vetch. It has long been a concern of the 'regular fan' that these tickets will end up with those that just fancy being here for the occasion. By issuing a linked ticket which covers that game, one in October and one in January it should ensure that a much higher percentage of tickets end up in the hands of those that the club want them to. It will also mean that more games towards the end of the season become a sell out as the casual fan takes their place for their last time at the Vetch. For many years we have had criticism of the way that ticket allocation has been handled here so credit where it is due for those that have thought ahead and made that decision.

But of course that is still seven months away and today is T minus 18 for the Vetch Field and league football so let's get behind them and ensure those three points that we want.

C'MON THE SWANS!

Phil Sumbler

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

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