Club

Nights like these

Everyone has their own special night under the lights at Kenilworth Road.

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Luckily, we’ve been fortunate to enjoy quite a few down the years.

Yet whatever the game and whatever the level (Oxford in the Conference, Pompey in League One, Sunderland last season, take your pick) we’re all hoping our Premier League, but not top-flight, debut at the old girl is one to treasure.

Rob Edwards gets it. Not only does he understand the importance of the visit of West Ham from a football perspective, but also from your perspective.

Let’s be honest, there have been times down the years when a floodlit match down here hasn’t always been memorable. Hyde anyone? So this evening represents something more than a football match in England’s top-flight.

“Our supporters, and I’ve said this a lot, have been through some dark times over the very recent history. So, for them to be coming to the Kenny to see Premier League football, it’s really special for them,” said the boss.

Edwards knows what the power of the Kenilworth Road crowd can do. Barnstorming, electric, victories against Watford and Sunderland have risen his expectations on what to expect – and he wants more of the same tonight.

“We saw it at times last year in big, big games, especially towards the end of the season in the Sunderland semi-final. It was amazing, the noise, and I’m going to want that again,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to it. There’s been a lot of talk and a lot of noise about Kenilworth Road.

“I hope people see the real positives of it and see it making a lot of noise. Hopefully, it can bring us some points this season as well.

“Hopefully we see it. It’s definitely going to play a big part for us this year. Our fans can make it a real cauldron. We’ve got to play our part in terms of performance, but it can really make a difference.”

While much has been made about the ground’s top-flight return – the world’s media is set to visit the Premier League’s newest and longest gantry – Edwards is keen to stress how much of a test his side will face on the night.

“The game is no easier just because we’re at home,” he admitted.

“West Ham have beaten the two teams that we’ve lost against. They’ve shown their quality. They’ve just won a European trophy so it's going to be a really, really difficult test, as every one of the 38 games will be.

“But what I would like to see is progression from Chelsea.”

So the stage is almost set.

Bring the noise, see you later and remember to live the moment.

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