LIKE all Southampton supporters, I've got my fingers crossed for a good result at Brentford.
We've got special memories of FA Cup battles with Manchester United in the past and it would terrific to have another.
First, though, there's a job to be done at Brentford where Martin Allen is a bit like Neil Warnock at Sheffield United and has made a name for himself with his at times unorthodox managerial methods.
But having spent many of my formative years in management at small clubs, it very much depends on the enthusiasm and leadership shown by the boss when you have to work with such a small squad and no money to spend.
The Allen family was a famous footballing family and Martin's cousin, Paul, of course, played at The Dell.
But I remember more Martin's uncle, Les, an outstanding player in his day with the great Tottenham sides when he played alongside the likes of Dave Mackay and Jimmy Greaves.
Les was actually the manager at Leyton Orient when I took my Saints team there for our last but one game of the 1977-78 season when we got the point which sealed our promotion back to the top flight.
The result was rarely in doubt as our wonderful supporters took over the Bribane Road ground that day and Les was happy for us.
Ironically, Orient was the same ground where Saints had achieved their first promotion to the old first division in 1966.
Les sadly died at a young age and, while his methods were different to Martin's, let's hope our supporters are singing just as much again at Griffin Park on Tuesday night.
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