AS the club looks forward to this Saturday's FA Cup first round clash with Swansea City, on Tuesday the squad enjoyed a great day out go-karting.

The gaffer always likes to do something different in way of preparation for the Cup and the trip to the F1 Karting circuit at Monk's Cross was certainly that.

It was a great way of getting the lads together and we all had a very enjoyable afternoon, so thanks to Dixon Renault for sponsoring the event.

On the track, Peter Duffield showed he is just as lethal behind the wheel as he is in front of goal as he emerged as the best driver.

Jon Parkin wasn't so good and I actually ended up getting disqualified - but at least with this one it won't mean another suspension.

Rogerio, our Brazilian striker, doesn't drive over here so he was a little bit tentative to begin with.

But once he got into it 'Rog' became a bit of a road animal.

Indeed, by the end our competitive spirits were really coming to the fore and I think we ended up with two smashed cars and loads of warnings.

Great fun as it was, the get-together does have a serious purpose.

In football today, it's rare for all the players to get together and have a bit of fun. We tend to come in and train, then go home.

It was a bit of relaxation for the players and a rare chance to let off some steam and freshen up before knuckling down and preparing for Saturday.

As I have already hinted at, I will be suspended for Saturday's game which is a big, big disappointment.

Of course, and as hard as we might try, it is very unlikely we will win the FA Cup and so for us the League is always the most important.

However, given the current financial climate surrounding all football clubs the importance of a good FA Cup run cannot be underestimated.

All clubs of a similar size to us want to get through to the third round of the FA Cup and earn a plum tie - an away day to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United would be ideal.

In financial terms then the Cup is probably as important as the League and we want to go as far as possible.

Because of that I'm disappointed I won't be able to play my part.

I'll be with the team until kick-off and I'll then have to take my seat in the stands, kicking my heels at missing out.

It's not something any footballer enjoys, watching a game, especially when you are fit.

You're left just hoping the team puts in a good performance but frustratingly you can have no influence on the proceedings.

In recent seasons, the FA Cup has taken a few knocks from the critics, but in my eyes there is still a lot of magic associated with the competition.

There is always an underdog that claims a major scalp every season - let's hope it is York City that is making the headlines this year.

And every footballer as a kid would have dreamed of lifting up the FA Cup and every footballer still has those dreams.

That's what keeps the FA Cup so special, and that's why everyone and every club wants to be a part of it.

Chance to sparkle as a Proc idol

I am delighted to see Michael Proctor doing so well back at his home-town club Sunderland.

'Proc' did a great job for us last season when on loan from the Stadium of Light but was struggling to break through to the first team under former boss Peter Reid.

Howard Wilkinson has come in and given 'Proc' his chance and I am glad to see he has taken it with both hands, playing against Arsenal last week in the Worthington Cup, then making his home debut on Sunday when Sunderland beat Tottenham 2-0.

He telephoned me on Saturday to tell me he was going to play against Spurs and I watched the game on TV.

I thought he acquitted himself very well and it was great to see the Sunderland fans cheering him.

Now he has got his chance I hope he continues to take it and goes on to prove himself a Premiership player. The ball is in his court.

Updated: 13:03 Thursday, November 14, 2002