The Gloucestershire Echo had a field day as Cheltenham Town prepared
for its FA Cup match against Newcastle United in what the paper
described as the biggest match in the club’s 114-year history.
After
a series of articles, competitions and special features in the weeks
running up to the game, the Echo produced a 24-page souvenir edition to
commemorate it.
Although Cheltenham, nicknamed the Robins, lost
the televised match 2-0, editor Anita Syvret said it did little to
dampen people’s enthusiasm.
She said: “There has been a real feelgood factor around the town and it was fantastic to be at the heart of it.
“For
over a week the match was the only subject on people’s lips. Whether it
was a 10-hour queue that some people willingly endured to get a ticket
or the fan who travelled from Canada just to watch the match, the Echo
covered it.
“On Saturday we had reporters and photographers in
the ground and in bars across Cheltenham where the game was being shown
on giant TVs.”
Ahead of the match, Saturday’s frontpage splash
screamed “Bring it on!” and was proudly followed on Monday’s front page
with “heroes to the last”.
Syvret added: “The subs and sports team came in on Sunday and produced a first-class product.
“I
don’t think there was anyone in the town who didn’t watch the game. It
was a bit like the Gold Cup fever that hits the town every March.
“The fact the game was televised also showcased Cheltenham and the Cotswolds.”
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