MPs square up for football challenge
Jan 1 2009 By Dave Black, The Journal
DEVOTED Blackburn Rovers fan Jack Straw will be absent from the Blyth clash – after a tongue-in-cheek warning from fellow Labour MP Ronnie Campbell.
The Premier League side’s most celebrated supporter is out of the country on a Christmas break and will not be at Croft Park on Monday night for the eagerly-anticipated third round clash with the famous non-league Spartans.
The Justice Secretary has been sent a personal invitation to attend the tie by Blyth Valley MP Mr Campbell and Spartans chairman Tony Platten.
Yesterday, Mr Campbell – who is President of the Spartans Supporters’ Club – said he was disappointed that Mr Straw is unable to be there on Monday, and joked that his fellow MP was ‘running scared’.
He said: "I spoke briefly to him in the House of Commons just before the Bournemouth replay and told him: ‘Jack, be afraid – be very afraid’.
"He was laughing, but didn’t say anything in response. Myself and the chairman have written to him and said he is welcome to come to Croft Park and watch Blyth Spartans beat Blackburn Rovers.
"I have told him we only have a second-hand, three-piece suite, but we will give him the best seat on the sofa if he can come along. Jack is a very keen and long-term supporter of Blackburn Rovers and it would have been nice if he had been able to make the game.
"I am sure he will be in touch after the game, and if we lose he will be rubbing it in and I will have to take it on the chin."
Last night, Mark Davies, a special adviser to Mr Straw, said: "Unfortunately he won’t be able to get to the Blyth Spartans game because he is out of the country at the moment, but I am sure he will be very grateful for Ronnie’s invitation.
"He will be looking forward to Rovers beating Blyth Spartans, although it is a classic FA Cup tie and a big challenge.
"Jack goes to most Rovers’ home games and he will certainly be at Croft Park in spirit on Monday night. "I am sure he will be in touch with Ronnie one way or another after the game."
Meanwhile, six MPs have signed a House of Commons Early Day Motion put down by Mr Campbell praising the Spartans for their latest FA Cup exploits.
The motion says: "This House congratulates Blyth Spartans who, in the great tradition of non-league football, achieved a magnificent victory against Bournemouth FC; looks forward to welcoming Premier League Blackburn Rovers to Croft Park and wishes Blyth Spartans well in what will be the most important game in their 100-year history."
