Brighton & Hove Albion kit manager Clive Thompson is looking forward to playing a part in the next milestone in the club’s history, when the Seagulls take on Manchester City in an Emirates FA Cup semi-final.
Clive has played a key role in the club’s backroom staff for seven years, and says the game ranks alongside anything achieved in the historic 2016/17 season.
He said, “It’s going to be a great occasion at a national stadium with a full house tomorrow with almost 35,000 Brighton fans cheering the team on.
“This is my seventh season here, and this is up there with the promotion year. Every time we go into any game I always want to win and the further we go, the more I think, ‘this is our year’.
“That was especially the case when we played Millwall in the quarter-finals. I thought we were out and then we scored the two late goals and won the penalty shoot-out, which was amazing.”
The Seagulls kit manager says little has changed in terms of his work before tomorrow’s match, and spoke about his matchday routine before the players grace the hallowed Wembley turf.
“There is not that much extra preparation. The shirts are embroidered for the occasion, but the club superstore staff have done a great job in preparing these for the game.
“I want to make sure everything is right on the day, and treat it like a normal game because I don’t want to add any extra pressure to the players.
“My team and I set up the kit on Friday night and we’ll probably arrive at the ground tomorrow at 3pm and go through any last-minute preparations.
“We’ll check everyone’s needs are catered for, do a final run through, and wait for the players to arrive an hour and a half before the game.”
Finally, Clive gave his thoughts ahead of the match against the quadruple-chasing Citizens, and says an upset cannot be ruled out.
“Anything can happen. Man City are big favourites and we are the underdogs, but we’ve got close to 35,000 Brighton fans here that will make some noise to spur the team on.
“Hopefully we can put on a good show, and if we do that, then we’ll be back here again in May!"