YOU can forgive Don Rogers for feeling like a 20-year-old again after he took pride of place on Swindon Town’s team coach on the way to Charlton.

The 64-year-old, who was invited onto the bus by club chairman Andrew Fitton, said he felt like playing again after rumbling off the bus with the rest of the squad at Charlton’s ground, The Valley, in south east London, on Monday.

The Town legend said his nostalgic emotions only dissipated once thought of his two hip replacements and upcoming knee surgery hit him like a tonne of bricks.

Don, who scored the two extra-time goals which won the 1969 Football League Cup Final for Swindon, 3-1 against Arsenal, said although all the players knew of his legend many didn’t recognise him by face.

“There were a few guys who didn’t recognise me, but they all knew about me,” said Don from his sports shop in Faringdon Road.

“When we got there I was a bit nostalgic I was raring to go out there, the old days came rushing back, but then I thought of my legs and knew they couldn’t take it.

“The thing that struck me the most is how much travel has changed since I was in the game, now all the players are able to do their own thing, they have computers, headphones and their own music.

“Back in the day we used to play cards, look out the window and read newspapers.

“Football fans think they would have loved being on the road but they were tough.

“Things are much more comfortable now, they even had a toilet in there, we used to have to stop in the middle of nowhere to go.”

About the upcoming game Don was optimistic.

He said: “Looking at the way Millwall played against Huddersfield I think we can take them. We have to be fearless, but Town can do it.

“Looking at how cool we were on penalties I think these boys have what it takes.”

When asked who he thinks is most likely to have Swindon’s next ‘Don Rogers’ moment Don said he would like to see Charlie Austin end his dream season with a winning goal.

He added: “Charlie’s had a fairytale season so it would be a superb climax for the lad, some people are just destined for that sort of moment.” Referring to Monday’s match, which he took in from the director’s box, Don said he rated Scotty Cuthbert as Town’s stand-out player.