THE WAIT is over as The White Tigers head to The Valley on Sunday to take on Charlton Athletic in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup (kick-off 2.00pm).
It is the first-ever time that we have reached this stage of the competition as we lock horns with a side that were in the top-flight a decade ago.
“To get through to this stage of the competition and then pull out one of the giants is fantastic,” said manager, Lee Hodges. “It is a special moment for everyone connected to the club and I am immensely proud to be involved in creating history.
“Our preparations have gone well; we’ve done most of our preparation work during the early part of the week and then on Thursday evening the television cameras will be present so it will be a bit different to usual and we’ll do a lighter session to keep the players ticking over.
“It’s a massive task ahead of us but I would like to think that the lads will rise to the occasion. It’s a chance for them to pit their wits against a good League One side and showcase what they are capable of.
“With it being the FA Cup anything can happen. They could have an off-day or we could have Lady Luck on our side, you just never know.
“One thing that is certain and is that we will go there and enjoy the occasion. We’ve worked hard to get to this stage of the competition and we’ve got nothing to lose.
“It’s going to be great for the fans; this really is for them and I know that they will turn up in good numbers and really get behind us.
“I just hope we don’t freeze on the day. I want to see us go there, compete and give them a good game. That’s what the magic of the FA Cup is all about.”
Charlton sit fourth in League One and are on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including consecutive wins in their last three games.
Please note that supporters who intend to purchase their match tickets on the day are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to ensure entry and avoid long queues.