Everyone is really up for the game on Saturday and after a couple of weeks without a game because of the internationals, we are champing at the bit to play.
We are buzzing and hoping we can give you the right result against Blackpool. I know the club have made it Kids for a Quid which is great and it means we will have another big crowd.
We know we have a big job to do but your backing does make a massive difference. It is an important game for us at the start of a big week and let's hope we can get it off to a great start before we go to Southampton and Brighton. I would also like to thank in advance our supporters who will be making those trips to see us on the road in our next two games after tomorrow.
All the lads have been up for it in training again this week and we have got players back from injury. There is competition for places which is great for the gaffer and it means we all have to be on top of our game. Whoever wears the shirt has got to deliver right from the kick-off. We want to be bossing it at Upton Park, so together with your support, that is what we are aiming for.
The match against Blackpool is also our Kick It Out (Racism) awareness game. All the lads are right behind this and it is something that needs to be dealt with on a big scale. I'm a firm believer that we've got to kick it out from an early age and as footballers, if we can do our bit by supporting what this fantastic campaign does, then it will go towards making racism a thing of the past permanently.
This week has seen myself and the lads taking in part in different initiatives to promote awareness of the campaign. It is not just about colour and race, racism comes in all forms and it is about trying to create the right messages to get across and see that everyone is unique in their own way. We know as supporters, not only do you get behind us to do well on the pitch, but you can be vocal in supporting what we can do to make our communities better places to live and work.
I would also like to say a quick word about David Bentley. As we know he has to spend some time on the sidelines due to injury . He had settled in well here as part of the squad so it is a great shame but we wish him well.
Back to the pitch, we will be giving our all to get three points against Blackpool and send you home with a smile!
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain