Carlsberg had kindly laid on a free fans evening with a Q&A session with former Blues stars Robert Hopkins and Kevan Broadhurst in attendance.
'Hoppy' and 'Broads' were both in fine form as they talked about Blues past, present and future - and giving an interesting insight into what it was like to be a Blues player in times gone by. Reminiscing about so many memorable names, such as, Francis, Hatton, Latchford, Burns, Harford, Dennis, Langan and Broads' favourite ever team-mate, Frankie Worthington. Both legends, when asked about their favourite manager spoke very highly of Ron Saunders, a fact I found quite odd as I always had the impression Saunders was somewhat of a dictator, but: "You knew where you stood with Ron".
Hoppy explained to me. Stories of late night drinking sessions the night before a game and gambling aplenty amongst the players kept the small group of fans that had attended smiling. As did Hoppys' story about an occasion when he was playing in Villa's 1st team and nearly got lynched by his own fans! And the cause of this?
Hoppy always wore his Blues necklace under his shirt and it just happened to slip out from under his collar as he was chasing a ball down into the corner where the dark pink wearing brigade were congregated. Hoppy decided that he'd let the ball run out and head in the opposite direction to avoid any unpleasantness!
Anyway, it was interesting to hear their views on such subjects as a new stadium vs. a new stand, will Brucie stay or go in the summer, Andrew Cole signing and especially Hoppys' no-holds-barred opinions of some of today's footballers. (Julian Gray's ears must have been burning!) One interesting fact I gleaned from the night was that Hoppy is a Carlsberg Ambassador! Say no more! It was a good night though and I'd like to thank Rob and Broads for taking the time to come in and chat with the fans. Thanks also to those Bluenoses that showed up on the night, all of whom seemed to enjoy it.
Thoughts then turned to Sunday, and the Coventry game. A game that became all the more important after Saturday's results. I think it's fair to say that the battle for automatic promotion now looks like a 3-horse race. Derby are still going strong, and Sunderland are going along like the proverbial train.
I don't know about you but as kick off approached my nerves started to get the better of me. Should we really be concerned about an underachieving Coventry? They had gone 6 games unbeaten, but we were all excited about the introduction of Andrew Cole. Then I got the news and a deep sinking feeling hit me hard.
It's at this point I want to introduce Ben Green. As far as my role at the club is concerned Ben is probably the most important member of staff. He's the dressing room connection, he can get things signed, he gets the early team news and he's responsible for making sure the man of the match doesn't escape after the game before doing his duty in my suite.
Ben had been away for the last 3 games and was sorely missed. I was delighted to see him on Sunday morning…. Until he told me Andrew Cole had injured his hamstring and wasn't playing. Cheers Ben, way to go mate.
I needn't have worried. God bless DJ Campbell!
3-0 was a great result. It was nice to be comfortable for a change instead of the 1-0 sit back and worry routine that we've had to deal with for quite a while. It could have been more, in fairness Coventry didn't turn up and we were never in any danger. I also think Nik Bendtner had his best game for a while and once again 'Tiny' was superb. But all the accolades have to go to DJC, 2 great goals and an attitude to die for. (Are you watching Mr McClown?).
So a good day was had by all in the Blues camp, a good result, a good crowd and 3 valuable points. Bring on Burnley!
Finally a message to all Bluenoses: BUY A TICKET FOR BARNSLEY AWAY!! I got mine yesterday, (and yes, I have to pay, including the much bemoaned credit card charge!) It's going to be a great bank holiday day out, and the club are laying on coaches for free or just a fiver depending on whether you hold a season ticket or not. Sunderland took 8,000 to Oakwell a few weeks ago and I want us to match it! Let's not be outdone, we need every Blues fan to dig deep and get involved for the last few games of the promotion chase.
Your support is vital to the players, you are and always have been the twelfth man.
Keep Right On.
Dax.