Kidderminster Harriers
Harriers V Wolves
FA Cup 3rd round
By KJ
January 2 2004
So after all of the hype and moaning, it will finally all be over, around 5.00pm this Saturday as Harriers play host to Wolves in the FA Cup 3rd round.
Harriers v Wolves FA Cup 3rd round Saturday 3rd January 2004
Yes, it’s the big one, as Kidderminster Harriers, one of the Nationwide League’s smallest clubs, take on Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Wolves are one of English football’s biggest names historically and after a journey down the Leagues are now back in the Premiership Elite. Despite the Wolves current status as the Prem’s bottom club, the boys in gold and black will start the game as clear favourites.
Yes it’s a big game alright, probably not quite the biggest ever for Harriers but its up there. As I mentioned above, Wolves are one of the English games traditional big names but the biggest factor is the location of both clubs. The Wolves are of course, just 16 miles or so up the A449, and have many fans within the town of Kidderminster. So its also a local derby.
Despite the prestige of the game, I personally will be glad when its all over. The ticketing situation has attracted much unwanted publicity and it looks like the game wont quite sell out. However, something had to be done, and unfortunately the appeal of the game was overestimated. As I said, I’ll be glad when it’s all over, after constant moaning of supposed fans who want to come but not to return again basically. Yes I do sympathise that it is a lot of money but it is an historic event. I think whatever happened there would have been complaints. Some complain of the extra tickets which needed to be bought. Whilst others have complained about the actual ticket price as well. I agree the future game scheme was a bit high but I think the price of the actual game isn’t too bad. I notice that some Wolves fans have also complained about the ticket prices as well. I suppose this was inevitable, I recall the recent appearance by Gazza at Aggboro, for Wolves reserves. Some Wolves fans moaned about paying a fiver that night. A fiver to see Gazza ? Value in my book, after all, despite his age, etc, he still someone worth seeing, and was a World class player, something most of the big Midlands clubs have been devoid of for years.
Harriers News
One player who will be missing for the Wolves game is defender Lee Jenkins. The recent recruit from Swansea, has picked up a knee injury and will be out for 6 weeks. Fellow defender, Adie Smith is hopeful of a return, after missing the Bristol game. The game could see the debut of Danish frontman Jesper Christiansen, who hopefully should have received clearance to play by Saturday. The big Dane is an exiting prospect and could make the difference in my view. If we were to create an unlikely upset, then in the best FA Cup traditions, its normally someone like Jesper who could make the headlines. After all, it will be his debut, should he play, a bit like the lad at Wycombe, Roy Essendour(you know who I mean), who scored a winner against Leicester after joining just before the Cup tie. Ah well, I can but dream.
The Wolves
The Wolves arrive at Aggboro as the Premiership’s bottom club, after a disappointing debut season. Wolves boss Dave Jones has recently stated in the press that the FA Cup is not a priority this season, and places Premiership survival top of the list. This is understandable, but I don’t think it will affect the outcome of Saturday’s game. Jones has added Romanian striker Vi Ganea to his squad ahead of the game, and the Romanian international could be involved in the game. Of course, Wolves have many household names in their squad, such as Ince and Irwin and should beat Harriers easily.
The game
So, will there be a shock on Saturday ? Here are my thoughts.
My head says a Wolves win. Despite their poor season, they still should have the quality to dispose of a small 3rd division outfit. With their current predicament, perhaps pundits are expecting a shock, and this could work to Wolves advantage. Even if Dave Jones fields a weakened team, that could help them as the players would have more to prove than the regulars. I think Wolves will vouch for me with this one after Arsenal’s youngsters beat them recently in the Carling Cup. To be honest, I might fancy our chances a little more if Wolves were further up the table and more comfortable, just like how Everton were prior to their defeat at Shrewsbury.
having said all of the above, my heart says we might get something, maybe a draw, or even a win! Yes its unlikely, but you never know for that’s what the FA cup is all about. If Harriers play better than usual and are up for it, Wolves play worse than normal and aren’t up for it, the decisions go our way, it could happen. Of course, we would need loads of luck. I could list loads of reasons, comparisons etc for an upset, but I wont. Mind you I will if we do achieve the impossible.
Anyway, I hope everyone does enjoy the occasion, both Harriers and Wolves fans. I also would like to wish Wolves all the best for the season. I cannot claim to support Wolves, or any other midlands club. But I wish them well, mainly because I have many friends who are Wolves fans. Before I go, just a quick final word to everyone who thinks Harriers are ripping off people.
SAT 3/1/04 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS (1886) V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS(1986 LTD.). in 1986, Wolves were reformed as a company, after many financial problems. Of course Wolves were founded in 1877 and are one of the country’s biggest clubs, yet in the early 80’s they nearly went bankrupt. Subsequently they rebuilt themselves, and aided by Sir Jack Hayward rebuilt their crumbling ground and eventually reached the Premiership.
Just think, if Harriers were to hit such troubled times, would they recover in the same way ? Would they get a saviour such as Sir Jack ? I don’t think so, do you ? Lets hope the money we do make, will keep us in business for a few more years yet.
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