Nicholls prepares to come home
Walsall winger Alex Nicholls has been a man in demand as he prepares for his homecoming in the FA Cup.
The Stourbridge-born player is desperate to play in the Saddlers' FA Cup first round tie at the Glassboys and has been inundated with requests for tickets – but even his parents, Cathy and Kevin, haven't managed to grab one.
Girlfriend Amy McCann will be present, although four-month-old daughter Grace won't see her dad play.
Nicholls said: "I've had phone call after phone call but I still can't get family or friends any tickets.
"They have been in high demand but I think the club are trying to do something. Hopefully I can get tickets for my mum and dad.
"My girlfriend is coming, her grandad queued up on Saturday morning for tickets. He was at the Banks's at 8am and managed to get two. He's a season ticket holder and she likes to come to the games as well and is happy to get one.
"But the baby is a bit too young and with the weather like it is she'll be tucked up at home."
Nicholls only moved out of the town to Bloxwich six months ago, but his family still live there and although he has never played at Amblecote he knows what to expect.
He said: "I know the ground so I know what it's about. The lads have played against teams like this before and as long as we go there with the right attitude then we should be alright.
"Stourbridge have done well to get so far and might not get so far ever again. It's a one-off game for them but we need to get through to the next round.
"A cup run helps you get through the season and gives you added impetus and excitement."
Nicholls scored the winner in Saturday's 3-2 comeback victory at Wycombe which could land him a dream starting spot at the War Memorial Ground.
The 21-year-old insists the Saddlers have a point to prove after almost losing to League One's bottom side.
He said: "As a team we weren't good enough on Saturday and we need to address that, even if we showed good character to come back and win.
"We need to put the bad game to bed and put it right at Stourbridge. There is a bit of pressure but it's something which comes with the job. As long as we go there with the right attitude we should be fine.
"Even though I love Stourbridge, I'll still be aiming to do them over."
