Norman's page in today's match day programme
Welcome to the Players, officials and supporters of Stevenage for what will be our last home game before Christmas. Let me take this opportunity on behalf of everyone connected with Port Vale to wish every fan and their family a fantastic Christmas.
It’s that time of year when we sometimes forget ourselves and wish for the present we didn’t get rather than be grateful for the ones we received. The FA Cup draw felt a little bit like that at first, as like most fans I was looking for a plum draw against one of the Premier League big boys.
But, there’s an old saying that you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth – and that’s how I see the draw on reflection.
After the dust had settled, you know what? The draw has actually been kind to us in my opinion. We have another home tie, against a side from a lower division and whilst there are no easy cup games – as I was telling myself after an hour against Salisbury – it gives us a great opportunity to get to Round 4 – and another crack at the big boys.
The prize money for getting through the FA Cup in Round 3 is massive for a club like us and the opportunity to make it to round 4 should not be overlooked. It could actually be better for us in the long run.
I am told it is eight years since we reached the fourth round, when we lost to Aston Villa, and to be in with a great shout of doing so again is tremendous.
Like you I can still dream of Port Vale against Man United or Arsenal or Liverpool….or Stoke!
It’s back to League action today, and putting the FA Cup to one side, don’t forget we have two great ticket packages on sale. The Winter Warmer ticket that gives you a discounted price for the six league games in December and January starts with today’s match.
Half-season tickets are on sale until after the Boxing Day game and they cover all the league matches from Rotherham until the end of the season.
The Christmas period is a vital one league-wise with so many games in a short period of time. Hopefully we will come out of the holiday period in touch with the top six at least.
If you are wondering whether to get a half –season ticket or simply come to the matches over the holiday, I want you to know I will be doing my best to keep the momentum going.