Football: BLACKWELL A DISGRACE IN TOWN DEMISE; VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM THE DIARY OF A NON-LEAGUE PLAYER.

Byline: ANDY BURGESS 

EXETER CITY had the opportunity for the second successive season on Saturday to banish any dreams I had of playing at Wembley, when we took them on in the FA Trophy second round.

They beat Oxford on penalties in last season's play-off semi-final when I was there and I was doubly determined not to let lightning strike twice.

We turned them over 3-0, and again we played exceptionally well. Only a few steps to go now before we can all get new suits.

Newspaper reports suggest that my former Rushden team-mate David Bell will be leaving Luton Town this week and joining West Brom for around pounds 750,000. Belly will be joining an ever-growing list of players the club's administrator has decided we need to cash in on to stay alive.

I say we, because Luton Town is my club, my family's club. I find Kevin Blackwell a disgrace, and proof that there is little loyalty left in the game.

'It's not often you get to manage your hometown club - I'm a Luton boy'. What a load of garbage.

I would play, manage, wash the kit, make the tea, cut the pitch and clean the toilets for free if it meant helping my club. I will be sat in the stand at Anfield tomorrow night, knowing that we have a manager who thinks he is being 'helpful' for giving a month's notice. I'd rather he'd have walked straight away and never shown his face again in the town.

Don't get me wrong, it must be difficult being promised things, for example a new ground, and having all your best players sold without your say-so or agreement.

But Kevin, if you're the Luton Town supporter you said you were, you would have had those promises made to you for the past 20 years, and always had your favourite players sold.

CAPTION(S):

QUIT: Blackwell