Scarborough boss keeps level head
Scarborough manager Russell Slade will keep his players’ minds off a possible FA Cup fourth-round glamour tie with Chelsea – with Stafford Rangers up next for his side in the FA Trophy.
The Seasiders could face Claudio Ranieri’s expensively-assembled squad if they can beat Southend in a replay next week and the Blues get past Watford at Stamford Bridge.
However, Slade will now try to stop over-excitement creeping in among his players.
“Expectations are a lot higher now and I have to keep the players’ feet on the ground,” he told Sky Sports News.
“We’re still underdogs to beat Southend in my opinion, but if we can play the way we have in our last few FA Cup matches then we have a chance.
“We’ve got Stafford Rangers in the FA Trophy first, that should bring the players back down to earth.”
Third Division Northampton will face Manchester United at home if they can win in a replay at Rotherham.
The last time the Cobblers faced United was also in the FA Cup in 1970, when six goals from George Best for the Red Devils helped secure an 8-2 win.
Fellow non-leaguers Telford – who knocked out Crewe in round three – could not hide their initial disappointment at drawing Millwall rather than a Premiership side, but manager Mick Jones insists the tie has shock potential.
“My first reaction was disappointment, but when you get time to think about it we will feel we have a realistic chance of winning,” he said.
“In many ways it’s still a big draw – there were a lot of worse draws. I could have pictured us going for a massive journey to a lesser side than Millwall and losing.
“It’s an even worse draw for Millwall. We’ve been part of some massive drama in this competition this season and I’ve got a feeling it’s not going to change.”
The draw also threw up four all-Barclaycard Premiership ties, the pick of them being Liverpool versus Newcastle at Anfield.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush, who helped make today’s draw, reflected on BBC2: “The most important thing is to get a home tie.
“Newcastle are a big side. It should be a great football match as they are both attacking sides.”
Holders Arsenal will face Middlesbrough – who they were already due to play three times in January in the Premiership and Carling Cup – while Everton face Fulham and Tottenham will travel to play the winner of the replay between Leicester and Manchester City.
Accrington, the third Conference side in the fourth-round draw, face a trip to play Coventry at Highfield Road if they can beat Colchester in a replay.
Gillingham, conquerors of Charlton in the third round, are now away to Burnley in the last 32.
Kidderminster will be at home to West Ham if they can see off Wolves in a replay at Molineux.
