Don't You Know...

... We've come too far now... Just to go... And try to throw it all away! This week the stars aligned when The Gaffer prepared his pre-match team talk for the League Cup Quarter Final vs Old Parmiterians. Listening to the Christmas Music Channel on Sky TV (other media platforms are available) and still wearing his winter coat from a trip to the shops (white parka with faux fur trim), the whinny tones of the Cockney man's Gary Barlow came blaring through the speakers - that's right Brian Harvey belted out the seasonal smash hit "Stay Another Day!"

E17 were the band and E17 is the destination for the match to decide who gets into the last 4 - although Steve Mills has suggested that he can get some Viagra on prescription should getting a semi proves to be too much.

The past couple of matches have been bone-crunching encounters compounded by family commitments, form and fitness. Those not in the know have questioned the downturn in fortunes following a record-equalling start to the season bemoaning "Don't understand what's going on" whilst a review past games to get White Roding back on track has led to the immortal words "Good times we had return to haunt me."

The Gaffer's tenure is 3 months' old and much has been achieved in those 12 weeks with all credit down to the squad's understanding and adaptation to new ideas. Notwithstanding the result of the weekend's cup tie, one sentence rings true from the man in the dugout to the players as he cajoles them into another memorable 24hrs "I've only just begun to know you... All I can say is won't you stay just one more day." Once again, Dan & Holly are missing with trips to Asia, Fingers is working, Tony B & Cyril have gone cruising and Si Copper is on a course (of antibiotics - we hope the rash clears up soon). Coming back into the squad are Lucy, Bumble, DD, Woodsy and after a false dawn last time, Paul Evitt.

Special mention goes to Dean Yeowell who has failed a fitness test on an ankle ligament injury and is unsure whether he will be well enough to travel to Walthamstow - we assume this is what he meant by "...if you've got to go away don't think I could take the pain"