We have nothing to lose: Boothy

Jan 29 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ANDY BOOTH has both Bournemouth and Chelsea in his sights.

The Town strike ace is back in the squad for tonight’s crucial League I showdown with the South coast side at the Galpharm (7.45) after missing four matches because of hamstring and back problems.

And he’s also hoping to face the Premier League giants after Town were handed another trip to Stamford Bridge in the fifth round of the FA Cup on the weekend of February 16/17.

Injury cost Booth an appearance against Chelsea in the third round two seasons ago, when the current holders and this season’s cup favourites had to battle for a 2-1 win sealed by a late Eidur Gudjohnsen strike.

The 34-year-old, once a scorer at Stamford Bridge for Sheffield Wednesday, accepts his team will be the massive underdogs. But he added: “You never say never in football, and the FA Cup this year has certainly thrown up a few surprises.

“Whatever happens, another trip to Chelsea is a great prospect for both the players and the fans, and we’ll go there with nothing to lose.”

It’s only Town’s ninth appearance in the last 16 since the War, and it will have special significance for Frank Sinclair.

The defender came through the youth ranks at Chelsea and was a senior player there for eight years, winning the FA Cup with them in 1997.

“You couldn’t see Frank for the dust when the draw was made,” laughed Booth. “He was off down the corridor shouting and cheering, so I think it’s fair to say he’s happy to be going back!”

Town took 6,112 and made around £300,000 from a Stamford Bridge match watched by 41,650 in 2006.

l Cup coverage – Pages 37, 38 & 39.