Maidstone United defender George Fowler hopes to cause a major FA Cup upset on his return to Ipswich Town.
Former student of Debenham High School and current Maidstone United defender George Fowler believes the team is “optimistic” about their ability to “catch” his old team “off guard” going into tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup match at Ipswich Town.
After the 26-year-old assisted the bottom-seeded team in the competition to defeat League 1 Stevenage 1-0 in the previous round, the Blues and Maidstone will play each other in the fourth round.
During Mick McCarthy’s tenure, the former Town defender appeared in just one first-team game for the Portman Road squad, during a 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace in the 2017 Carabao Cup Second Round. Furthermore, Fowler said that he is “excited to be going back” to a location for which he has “fond memories.”
He declared, “We’re fully aware that we’re up against a much stronger opposition than we’ve played so far, a Championship team that is attempting to make a run at the Premier League.”
We are conscious of the caliber of the opposition, but they will also be aware that we have defeated League 1 teams in Stevenage and Barrow, as well as League 2 teams.
We therefore have some hope that we may surprise them and possibly even win, which would be an amazing opportunity to bring them back here. Though it’s possible that we could even pull off a victory,.
“There is obviously hope that we can get a result, so we’re not going out there to see how we get on.”
BBC One will broadcast live coverage of the National League South team’s matchup versus the second-place team in the Championship at 12.30 p.m.
Fowler acknowledged that the majority of the players were “a bit gutted” since they were hoping to be signed by a Premier League team when the fourth-round draw was announced. The man from Aldershot tried to contain his excitement, but he called his family right away, and they “were all buzzing” about the fixture.
Not more so than his brother, who calls Fowler before the draw and begs him to “please be Ipswich away, please be Ipswich away.” Fowler resides in Ipswich.
“I’m excited to return there and participate in a legitimate first-team game, something I was never able to accomplish,” Fowler stated.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be leaving with Maidstone at this time. There is more pride in leaving Portman Road, where I had played for the 23s, for a first-team match when my entire family and former school friends will be present to watch.
George Fowler of Maidstone, left, joins in the fun following Sam Corne’s penalty against Stevenage in the third-round match.
Steve Terrell, left, and George Elokobi, manager of Maidstone, have emphasized to their players the importance of “enjoying the occasion” and the media attention they will inevitably receive.
Although Fowler acknowledged that they were “a little bit disappointed” that their win over Stevenage was not shown on television, they are eager to play in front of the cameras again and have a sold-out away end.
“Those who weren’t able to get tickets for the Maidstone End will be thrilled to know they can still watch live on the BBC, and it’s another exciting thing for us to look forward to,” he stated.
“I live nearby, so when the tickets went on general sale the other day, the lines stretched all the way across the floor and past my apartment. They were devoured.
“It will be an amazing day, not only for us but also for the entire club and all of the supporters; it will be a memorable and enjoyable day out.”
“We deserve to enjoy and cherish this moment because we’ve worked so hard to get here.
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