A Cup, B Cup, C Cup, Phew

So I'm sitting there in the back seat of the Cinema, fondling a puppy or two and I'm thinking, 'pffff what the hell.' This Cup business, it's a world-wind of emotion isn't it?

What will we see when they're juggled and eased out, just another team eager and inviting, just as many chances, less, more. It could be a let down or could be the ride of our lives, we won't know until we get our hands on them, play a little and test the ground.

So we might get a slap at the first hurdle, but it's all worth it, a little injury never hurt anyone, go to a replay, it may even raise our game a bit getting a harsh smack around the chops. You should always remember though, respect who you're playing.

And think how they must feel, thrown into action at the press of a button, pulled out awkwardly or released unto the onlooker as if melons breaking from a plastic bag, not knowing where to land or just hover and bounce, proud of who they are and then go with the flow against the opposition.

This cup business, it's not easy for the managers either, go for the wonder and the uplift of the cup or just play it safe and choose a plain comfortable, out of sight attitude that doesn't play on the supporter's mind.

For the designers and the backers of the cup game there's the money to think about, support, ability, strength, will they fight as soon as they get out there or should they glide into action at a steady pace. Nudge them around the pitch a bit, free flowing or action held steady, then take aim and shoot and see the sponsors happy.

As we grow and gain hands on experience from different cup games up and down the country and overseas, holiday friendlies, we come to realise that whilst the opposition may not look all that appealing, the secrets of the cup always seem to amaze, no two are the same, every team presents a new challenge.

So before you decide to turn your nose up at the girl behind the Jump in Northampton ('ere RodgtheDodge, that barmaid fancied me) or the office girl in Walsall, and while it can be much more fun to dream of the model on the Kings Road or the dirty beneath contempt Liverbird, look beyond the catapults of instant rewards and admire the view in front.

Get stuck in and make the most of what you have and are offered and conquer all within your grasp, then move on and take a little butchers at what's just out of reach. Good things come to those who wait but for God's sake man, don't lose sight of the opposition when thrown into action. Get stuck in and win the day whether it's the Saddlers or Cobblers away - that's my motto.

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