I would like to start off this week by congratulating all the lads for a great result and professional performance last weekend at Hartlepool.
The game was live on television and an early kick-off, so there were a few people who thought an upset was on the cards. It was a close match at times but the boys were outstanding, got two quick goals to seal the tie and did everything right to execute it perfectly.
Naturally, the momentum is very high in the camp with a seven-game unbeaten run and we took this into our midweek match against Hull. Confidence was such that, although it would be tough, it was one we felt we could win and we did so in a performance that many people thought was our best.
We have been playing well for quite a while but didn't get the rewards for a bit, but now we are. Against Hull City, we took our chances, took the game to Hull at a high tempo and then dominated strongly. If it wasn't for their keeper and a few chances going astray, then no one would have complained if the scoreline was 3-0 or 4-0 at half-time and certainly 4-0 or 5-0 at full time.
I don't want to pick out anyone particular as standing out, because it was a great team performance once again and we now find ourselves in a fantastic run. You can sense and see the optimism in the changing room, around the training ground and amongst every player and member of staff at the club.
We are in the latter stages of the FA Cup, in the league we are looking towards Europe rather than back at the relegation places and chasing teams such as Everton and Wigan who are just above us. All in all, we are in a very positive environment. There has been much negativity from outside surrounding the club of late and we have answered all of that by doing our talking on the pitch.
We are now getting the headlines for the right reasons and that along with our performances and results, is a compliment to everyone's hard work day in, day out on the training ground and it is shining through. However, we want to go on from here and the manager will be making sure we are focused and I will also be making sure the boys and myself won't be taking the foot off the pedal.
Next up is a challenge we are very much looking forward to, against Arsenal. We are one of only two teams to beat them at the Emirates and on paper, it should be a cracking game. A draw will be like a victory for us and a win will be even better, like a cup final. So, there is plenty to be very positive about and aim for.
I would like to welcome our new signing Savio, who joined us this week and was able to get a piece of the action in the game against Hull.
Also this week, myself and the lads were doing our bit for one of our club charities, the Richard House Children's Hospice - helping them promote and publicise their Wear Red for Richard House campaign, which is running in February. We take our duties of supporting charities very seriously and were only too delighted to be playing our part in helping this very worthwhile cause.
A big thank you to all our supporters who went to see us up at Hartlepool and we hope that we made your trip worth it with the result. Also to our supporters who will make the trip across London to see us play at arguably one of the best stadiums in the country and let's hope that we are all still tasting success come 5pm on Saturday.
Lucas Neill