SILVERWARE

I’M trying to stifle the optimism to protect myself from the bitter taste of disappointment.
I’m aware that we’re only one missed open goal or sloppy defensive set-piece away from the empty feeling.

But despite that I can’t stop the nagging sensation that it’s our time for some silverware.
It’s one of those things you’re cautious of articulating in case fate takes offence and pisses on your parade.
But a victory over in-form West Ham tomorrow will give us a genuine crack at reaching a cup final, via the two-legged Carling Cup semis, for the first time in 12 years.
I’ve still got fantastic memories of 1995’s Wembley day out - the last time a club outside the ‘big four’ has lifted the F.A. Cup.
The sweeping move which led to Graham Stuart hitting the bar and Paul Rideout planting the rebound high into the top left hand of the goal.
The Saturday morning excitement and the dizzying amount of times me and our Dom played the The Farm’s ‘All Together Now’, re-mixed as our cup final song with Radio City’s commentary of the thumping semi-final win over Spurs.
Big Nev’s amazing double save from Scholes and Amo’s infectious grin as he jigged about with the lid of the cup on his head.
Best of all Waggy lifting the cup and giving me my most vivid happy memory of being a blue.
I even liked the black and white collared ‘Danka’ kit we wore for the first time that day.
I’ll always think highly of Joe Royle for giving us that and can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at how his tenure was unfairly ended.
Fast forward to today and Davie Moyes is justifiably enjoying the benefit of patience which big Joe never got.
Moysie has already given us some great times.
He has led us back into European football and some memorable wins over Liverpool and Manchester United.
But his patient planning and growing stature have so far been unrewarded where it counts - in the trophy cabinet.
So I’m not the first to say it, but that’s why I feel this is our time to bag a trophy.
The Carling Cup is much derided but try telling that to the fans who have cheered on their side to victory recently.
Jose Mourinho wasn’t complaining in Cardiff this year.
A chance to stir the dust in the Goodison trophy cabinet would be an incredible boost to the club at a pivotal time in our history.
While everything around our future is shrouded in doubt and recrimination, Moysie’s men are doing a great job of reminding us about what really counts, turning up to Goodison and getting behind the 11 men on the pitch representing the club we love.
They’re not doing a bad job at the moment are they?

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