I suppose it's best to start on the upcoming Challenge Cup quarter-final at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday.

It's probably the biggest game in the short history of the Knights and for York it's arguably the biggest game, certainly when it comes to the Challenge Cup, since the semi-final of 1984.

To be fair it would rank among the biggest Cup shocks of all time if we get a result. I'm not saying that just because of the scale and magnitude of the difference between the two teams and the respective divisions we're in, but also because of the position the Knights are in in terms of getting enough fit bodies out there.

But, just like at Featherstone, we're left with nothing to lose. The bookies are giving us 36 points start. I believe that might be a bit generous, but we're very keen to enjoy the occasion and do ourselves proud. If we do that, then you never quite know.

Talking of pride, it was great to see the fans backing us like they did at Batley on Sunday. For them to chant at the end after the disappointment of defeat - and after a performance unlike what they've been used to - was fantastic.

They were in fine voice and even in defeat the guys got a rousing reception as they left the field - they got a rousing reception in the changing-rooms as well.

I've watched the tape and to be honest it wasn't as bad as I thought immediately after the game. We had a fair amount of chances especially in the first quarter which we didn't capitalise on due to a mixture of us not asking enough questions and Batley defending well.

I was disappointed with a couple of tries conceded and the bad individual decisions that cost us, and had we not let those in or had we come up with a try or two more, the game could have been similar to the close arm wrestles we had against Featherstone. Those bad decisions in defence are a concern but they are manageable and correctable.

Regarding the fans again, the video night in the Huntington Stadium bar tomorrow, when they will get the chance to watch that Featherstone Cup game again, is a good idea.

We had a bad result this Sunday and it's my job to lift the players up again - though that shouldn't be too hard.

Supporters are excited about the Huddersfield match and that can have a positive effect on the players. We will have our training session tomorrow night and some food in the bar afterwards - kindly put on by the supporters - and it will be good for the players to pick up on the general buzz around the place, both from watching that game again and from the atmosphere generated by the fans.

They will realise there is some degree of expectation, which might be a bit nerve-racking - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Nervousness is probably good to get you up for a game - there probably wasn't enough of it on Sunday and we were probably too low-key.

Myself and the players really appreciate the backing the fans are giving us.

When your team loses the easiest thing to do is slag everyone but to get the kind of reception we got was quite uplifting. Knowing we've got the full weight of everyone behind us is a great spur.

I would like to pass on our thanks for the cards the fans sent to Jennie and I this week wishing us luck after the birth of James. Somebody wrote about James "making some noise" and all I can say is he nearly makes as much noise as the Knights choir.

I would also like to pass on my thanks to Heidi at the Rook and Gaskill pub where we had our video session last week. She's helped us out a couple of times - so get yourselves down there for a pint.

Updated: 09:41 Wednesday, March 24, 2004