Do you know what?As I left the swamp last night I sat there and thought "okay they beat us-so what?"
We lost,but as I looked around,apart from being subjected to the bizarre rag tactic of a collection of absloutely cringeworthy tunes being played at a ridiculously high volume in a sad attempt to create "atmosphere"- and a few lads arguing with the dibble about being refused a chance to take a "going home" piss-our heads were still high.
I didn't hear or feel the anger and sense of injustice after the 4-3 defeat earlier in the season...I certainly didn't feel the crushing sense of disappointment after the abject cup defeat to Blackburn a few seasons ago...
I just felt proud of my team,my club and my fellow Blues.And ever more grateful that's the last time this season I have to visit the footballing equivalent of Disney World-the spiritual home of the plastic.
As we were let out straight into the oncoming rag hordes,I walked my way through the collection of mouthy oddballs,curious tourists,out of towners and M6 day trippers wearing a strange collection of snide Norwich City sacrves and red shirts.
After a kindly policewoman on a horse offered me a chance to "keep walking" the opposite way I was actually trying to go,I eventually made my way to the coach.
Strangely,I realised that I wasn't gutted..... I knew deep down that this was just the start.
The FA cup,the top four league position,timed perfectly with the return of Ade,Toure,Bridge,Lescott etc-all still to play for.
So let the rags have their day out at our expense,in a cup they arrogantly classed as"Mickey Mouse" until they drew us.
Their reaction to the win last night speaks volumes about us,rather than them.
Have faith-for the time is near.And it will taste sooooo good.