It’s safe to say that Paulton Rovers boss Andrew Jones is a happy man tonight and he admitted the FA Cup first round tie against Norwich City will be a ‘life-changing’ experience.
The village side, who ply their trade in the Zameretto League Division One South and West, face the day of their lives in just two weeks time.
The tie is likely to be chosen for live TV coverage and the Somerset village won’t have seen anything quite like it when Champions League winner Paul Lambert brings his troops to town.
And Rovers boss Jones was still in a state of shock when speaking to the local media after the draw was made. “I still can’t believe it, it’s an incredible draw,” said Jones, whose side are the lowest ranked team left in the competition.
“It is one of the biggest games we could have got and we are at home so we could not have asked for anything more.
“It is one of those things you dream about and you hope that one day you will get a taste of that dream. This game will be a life-changing experience for the players and the club.”
Jones and his players saw the drama unfold at their Winterfield Road stadium this afternoon and he revealed that the club were hopeful of staging the tie at their modest home.
According to their club secretary, speaking to Sky Sports News today, the capacity stands at between 2,500 and 3,000 and they are due to meet the FA this week to discuss the matter.
Both Bristol clubs could be alternative venues if the powers that be decide the match has to be switched. But everyone connected with the eighth tier club will certainly be doing everything they can to put on a show.
“There was a big cheer when we came out of the hat at home,” Jones continued. “Then there was a huge cheer when Norwich came out!
“We have been earmarked by Sky TV as one of their live games and we are having a meeting with the FA tomorrow to ensure we can host the tie. We definitely want to hold it here and we don’t see any problems.”
Tom Haylett
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