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27 april 2001
Up for it.

Real kick in the teeth for us against Crewe, after being 2-0 and 3-1 up. It's a similar feeling to Barnsley, as if we lost the game. We defended badly as a team and missed Kenny at the back tremendously, I think it shows what a key role he's played in the second half of the season. Trond was also missed in the middle with his cool head but he got a game for his country which is great because he's been left out recently on the international scene. After going two up in the game we sort of eased off the pedal a little and that was a big mistake because their goal lifted them and all of a sudden they were back in the game. Crewe have had a good season this year and usually are battling right until the last game for survival so that was a massive two points dropped.

Training Thursday and Friday has been short and sharp with a couple of players feeling knocks resting. Kenny and Trond returned from international duty and Duncan Jupp has been seen over at the Bank of England training ground kicking a ball with Steve Allen, the physio, so that's good to see again.

Thursday afternoon is 'pilates' afternoon in the gym. Pilates is all about core strength round the stomach and groin areas and has played a part in my comeback from the groin injury I had. It's all about breathing and working/stretching muscles in a controlled way and I would recommend it for relaxation as much as anything else, its sort of yoga-ish but different if you get me.

Friday mornings training usually involves an eight a side game on a tight pitch to improve touch and thought on the pitch. I always seem to be on opposite sides to Alan Kimble and one of us always comes off with a cut leg or lip or some studmarks down the thigh, we have a laugh about it after but he must get sick of me- I can't play any other way - all or nothing, it was his turn this week for a cut on his shin though. "Sorry Al".

Huge game tomorrow, one of the biggest, if not the biggest of the season, no team news yet. I think Mark Williams has a slight pull on his hamstring but other than that everyone came through okay from Tuesday. Fulham are getting the Trophy I think before the game tomorrow but I want to spoil the party. I hope they are all too busy celebrating to be at their best, but I think Tigana is too professional to let that happen. They will be going for the two wins they need to break the points record in this division and it'd be great if we were the team that stopped them doing it. Our need is greater.

I'm up for this one big time and will be getting everyone wound up in the dressing room beforehand. Let's hope my next entry is after 3 points well deserved from Craven Cottage.

Cheers Gareth.