"YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU".

With the fanbase disappearing faster than support for Heather Mills McCartney, the Albion go into the replay on Tuesday with a difficult but ultimately winnable tie at Conference side, Torquay, up for grabs in the next round.

Therefore, without wishing to tempt fate, the Albion are a mere 180 minutes away from a possible third round tie at home to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal.

The club will have no trouble filling the ground then, but that is still in the realms of fantasy football: the reality is the crowd must turn out at the Withdean next Tuesday.

The club have played their part by slashing ticket prices, and they are also inviting multiple applications, with further discounts, from local youth football clubs — ring the ticket office on 01273 776992.

Youth football

Ask anyone involved with the running of youth football and they will almost certainly have their own "parent" story.

In my seven-or-so years of running a team at Worthing United, I have been very lucky with my group of parents, there have been one or two "problem ones" who have long since departed.

But in the main they are very helpful and, as a result, we have a very happy ship.

While on occasions one or two can be a bit more vocal than they should be, I certainly do not possess a dreaded RTP ("Raving Touchline Parent") and, as a result, I think the boys have benefited from this.

However, playing against other clubs and watching a number of games in other age groups, I have noticed a worrying trend which shouldn't crop up.

It's not exactly rocket science but, without the coaches and the managers, youth football couldn't operate.

To be involved with a youth football team now, it's is obligatory to be CRB-checked, have a first aid qualification, be a qualified FA coach, and attend regular child protection courses.

In short, the managers and coaches put a lot into running the team — a lot more than just training and matches, which is why I have been disappointed that managers and coaches are having to referee matches and run the line for their respective teams.

Most 11-a-side squads have around 14 players, sometimes more. Even allowing for the management to have a child in that squad, that still leaves double figures in parent terms.

Micky Adams once told the parents at the Worthing Dynamos presentation night: "Let the managers manage", and, when it comes to youth football, never a truer word was spoken.

With parents on hand, managers shouldn't even have to put the goal nets up.

I would appeal to every football parent from Under-seven right up to Under-16 to think if they can do anymore to help their manager.

Perhaps go to training or the match this week and actually ask is there anything you can do to help?

Ultimately, youth football is about enjoyment and the youngsters getting the best from it.

It's a team game, and that means both and off the field.

Playing fair UEFA?

And finally, inverted racism at UEFA?

Italian football's ongoing hooliganism has reached new depths with the death of supporter.

Matches are postponed and even Manchester United are offering their fans refunds, rather than go to Rome soon in the Champions League.

But what if it was this country and there were unpoliceable areas in grounds, as in Italy?

Would FIFA or UEFA contemplate banning England and their fans from the big tournaments?

You couldn't bet against it . . .