If anyone knows the impact of the Gasheads at The Memorial Stadium, it is Bristol Rovers captain Alfie Kilgour.
The centre-back wore the blue-and-white quarters in the stands as a youngster before taking the pitch to play for his boyhood Pirates, making 163 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Kilgour has always looked back on appearing for Rovers with pride. However, there is something he feels he has missed: playing in a big Emirates FA Cup tie. Rovers begin this year's competition at home to Cambridge United, who have thrived in Sky Bet League One after gaining promotion to the third tier last term.
Speaking to the club before the game, Kilgour believes it will be a tough test against the U's, but knows the team will feel the boost of playing in front of the Gasheads and has his eyes on moving into the Second Round...
STARTING AT HOME
“It’s massive to start the Emirates FA Cup at The Memorial Stadium. You know what The Mem is like with the fans there and everything. It’s a big boost, and it’s nice to have a home draw against good opposition, which is a league above.”
IMPACT OF THE GASHEADS
“It’s massive. It’s the atmosphere. I have been very fortunate to play at The Mem for years and fortunate enough to witness it as a seven, eight, and nine-year-old, and it’s amazing, and they are the 12th man. People always say it, and I know it’s cliché, but they are the 12th man, and when it’s the second half, and we’re kicking towards the Thatchers End, it’s amazing, and it’s contagious.
"We get that feel-good factor at The Mem and give the fans something to get behind from how we are playing. It’s a huge boost, and I do feel it on the pitch. It’s a massive boost to all of the lads."
FA CUP MEMORIES
“I haven’t been the most fortunate in the FA Cup. I have never really had a big draw or anything like that. When I broke into the team, it was the replays, so I have played a lot of times in the FA Cup, but it always seems like we would draw, win, draw, win.
“I am looking forward to it, and hopefully, one day, you get a big draw because that’s what every club wants, especially in League Two. You want one of the big boys; you want to get through the first few rounds, get a big club and get a good away day. So, hopefully there are memories to be made.”
JOURNEY STARTS HERE
“You have to take care of the first game against Cambridge. The prize is obviously getting a good amount of money for the club. It’s big for a League Two side and the non-league teams.
"You see it every year; some team will get a good run, and it’s a good financial incentive, and for us players and fans, it’s about making history. But of course, you have to get through the first few rounds; you have to put in good performances and dogged performances to get through.”
CAMBRIDGE UNITED PREVIEW
“They are a good side. Neil Harris has put together a dogged team that is hard-working. I have played against his teams for years, and they are always very organised, athletic, and in your face.
"It’s going to be a tough test. They were excellent last year; that’s why they got promoted and are doing well this year. So, we’re expecting a tough test and one that we are not going to take lightly. We are going to have to be bang at it, and I’m sure we will.”
LOOKING FOR A CUP UPSET
“It’s a big incentive, and it’s a challenge for us to play against lads that are a league above. It’s that underdog mentality which I know I relish and enjoy, and I enjoy the challenge of playing against a team above. It’s going to be a big test and one that we can take on and enjoy being the underdogs."
CHANCE TO TURN THE FORM AROUND
“It feels like a bit of a break. We’ve still got the competitiveness of the FA Cup, which is a challenge. So, it gives us a break from the league. So, hopefully it’s a clean slate and one that we can try and perform, kick on and go into the league off the back of a win in the FA Cup. It would be a real boost.”
