Autoglass Memories Pt IX

Autoglass Memories: The Burrows Preview

Everyone knows the Autoglass Trophy is a very slow starter. The opening matches have to be fitted in alongside your early league games, and the various other cup competitions, where we had some great battles against both Bristol City and Premier League Oldham. Added to that, our group matches were against useful teams in Exeter and Plymouth - particularly Plymouth. From that slow start though, the tournament most definitely leads to something, and the fans warm to it - even people who don't normally associate with the club or come to matches start to get excited. That's why I was pleased to get the aggregate result against Wycombe, as by then, I knew the expectations of the city were high for a trip to Wembley.

I don't agree with the idea that "our name is on the cup". When I was coach at Sunderland we reached the League Cup Final against Norwich, we beat some cracking teams on the way to Wembley - Chelsea, Notts Forest and Spurs - when the odds against us were 100-1, but then, as now, I believe it's a case of who plays well on the day that wins. That was proved again with this year 's Coca-Cola Cup Final - Manchester United were the favourites, but Aston Villa played better on the day, and they won the trophy. I know that if my team play well, they've got the ability to beat any team in our Division, and if they concentrate and work hard on April 24th, there' s no reason at all why we can't win at Wembley. I'm delighted for the people of the city that they've got the chance to see us play in a Wembley final. Mr Sharpe and myself have worked hard to keep the club progressing in the right direction, and during my time here, we've won the Welsh Cup, got to the play-offs and reached a Wembley final. We need to keep increasing support at the club though, and I see our success in this Trophy as a step to get more people interested, generate more money, and hopefully keep them interested, with our aim being to reach the First Division, and then ultimately the Premiership.

We've had our disappointments this season, particularly being knocked out of the FA Cup by Nuneaton, but although I felt there was a hysterical reaction to that, particularly in certain areas, that's part and parcel of my job. I' m proud to be manager of the Swans and to be a Jack, and I want to be King of the Jacks at Wembley on April 24th. No criticism can deflect from the pride I get when I see my side play well and win, and particularly when the young players do well. I also get a tremendous buzz from seeing the progress made like Des Lyttle and Andrew Legg, who've played under me at this club before moving on. I'm expecting a crowd of between 45 and 60 thousand for our big day at Wembley, and although playing there is such a special feeling, the players have to remember is that their job is to play for that particular 90 minutes - as I said earlier, whether it's a World Cup Final or an Autoglass Trophy Final, it's the performance on the day that counts. It's important to enjoy the occasion by playing well. I went to Wembley as a player with Swindon in 1969 - we played well, I didn't do too bad personally either, and it was an enjoyable day. When I was there as coach of Sunderland though, we didn't play well, and the occasion was far more muted. I just hope that when we go there, the fans enjoy the atmosphere, and we give them something to cheer about by picking up the Trophy.

I won't have any special preparations or superstitions leading up to Wembley - I'll just get ready as thoroughly as possible, and I'm certain I' ll enjoy every bit of the build-up and the day itself. I enjoy every aspect of my work - I look forward to coming in to work, and though its hard work, I enjoy it all. This will be the first time the city of Swansea and its football club have been to Wembley - I hope the weather's fine, everyone has a good day out and cheers the team on to victory - I certainly hope we sell all our tickets and have as many supporters there as possible. One last thing - I might ask them to play the Welsh National anthem - I'd love to hear that sung at Wembley, because its been a long time since the Welsh have been there and sung their own anthem! I'm proud to be a Jack - enjoy the day at Wembley and thank you as always for your continued support. Frank Burrows

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Pictures courtesy of Colin Jones and Jamie Robinson

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