JON-PAUL McGovern is launching an appeal to find a ticket for Monday night's play-off semi-final second leg at Charlton for Town's lucky away-day charm - his mum.
Mrs McGovern has been present for victories at Elland Road, St Mary's Stadium and Victoria Park among others, and is yet to see her son and his teammates drop points this season.
This evening's first leg against the Addicks will be a real family affair for the midfielder, with his dad and son also present at the County Ground, and McGovern is hoping they bring more success with them both tonight and on Monday.
“It will be nice to play in front of a full house here again, and hopefully we can give them plenty to cheer about,” he explained.
“I’ve got some family coming down - my mum, dad and little boy will be at the game, which should be great.
“My mum was at Southampton away, Leeds away, Hartlepool away and hasn’t been to a game that we’ve not won.
“She will be down on Friday but isn’t going yet on Monday - we need to find a way to get her there!
“I’m not sure if she would be happy to be called a lucky mascot, but she’s certainly a lucky charm. Every game she’s been to we have won, and long may it continue.”
McGovern is no stranger to the play-off system, having experienced it during spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Milton Keynes Dons, and he scored in the final for the Owls as they won promotion back to the Championship in 2005. The 29-year-old believes those experiences can help him this time around, and is determined to take Swindon to “the next level”.
“I’ve played in two play-off scenarios so far, and managed to win one and lose one,” said McGovern.
“It’s going to help. I’ve experienced it, seen the profile, spoke to the media and all the things that come with it.
“Youthful exuberance is great and you look forward to things, but as an older head you can look back and draw on your experiences instead, and pass that on to the rest of the team.
“In terms of the season and in terms of playing for Swindon, this is as good as it gets at this level.
“We need to get to the next level now and see how far we can take Swindon as a club.
“We can out-play and mix it with the best, and we have shown that over the course of the season. We have proved that we are good enough to be up there. Now it’s time to go to work.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel