TOWN'S home form may get a great deal better from now on after a gypsy curse placed on the Camrose was lifted.

The curse dates back to the 1997-1998 season when Town were having their fine FA Cup run with the first round proper penalty win over Wycombe and second round matches with Northampton.

A single, The Camrose Strut, was released at the time and the gypsy, a Romany based in Winklebury, was involved in its production.

Former commercial manager Chris Richardson was also involved with the single, but there was a disagreement between the pair over the second song to be released on the compact disc/tape and the gypsy's payment.

The gypsy subsequently didn't get money he felt he was owed, so that led to him cursing the Camrose.

The club were very nearly relegated in the 1999-2000 season. It's something Town boss Ernie Howe and assistant manager Pete Peters have always wondered about since then, especially given recent history and the club's financial difficulties.

This season particularly, the Camrose has been a poor hunting ground, with Town winning seven times, drawing four, and losing seven in 18 matches in all competitions.

And then, last week, after seven years' absence, the gypsy reappeared.

Taking up the story, Peters said: "I was sat working in the office when there came a knock and this big, hairy gypsy poked his head around the door wearing orange glasses. He said: 'I'm back'.

"I thought 'right, am I going to have to get some petty cash out for him', but he asked me if Chris and Dave Knight (ex-chairman) were still at the club.

"When I said no, he looked up to the heavens and said 'that's what the big man has been waiting for', so I presume the curse has now been lifted!"

Time will tell tomorrow when Town face Harrow Borough at the Camrose!