Deep down in recesses of my brain, I know that nothing I can do can at all influence how Rovers are playing on the field. It logically makes no sense. How can someone who is in no way connected to those players on the field have any influence the result? I know that I cannot. However, there’s just that small part of me that asks, “But... what if?”
Sitting in 5th place in the middle of February, Rovers were succeeding far beyond what anyone had expected for the season. Then, John Eustace left. Another win without him and it seemed like the season was going to be a success. However, what followed was 2 draws and 6 losses. It’s this period of time when Rovers fans surely felt hopeless along with me. I don’t know about you, but I had to help turn it around.
I know the logic makes no sense, but when Rovers are losing, I change what I’m wearing. Did we just lose two matches in a row while I wore last season’s home jersey? Well, I’m definitely not wearing that to watch the next match.
Oh no, we haven’t won in three, but I’ve already changed my jersey more than once? Out comes a big gun, I’ll be wearing a 1994-95 next time. How did we possibly miss that free kick last match? That calls for my Morten Gamst Pedersen jersey to prevent that from happening again.
How have we not won a single game out of the last eight? Do I need to wear my 1960s replica kit or maybe it’s a scarf that’s needed? [On a side tangent, the hockey team I support had a historic 13 game losing streak this season which saw me changing my outfit in the middle of the game when they went behind].
I’m not a dumb person. I know that none of these things do anything besides make me feel better. The problem is, they do make me feel better. It took until the middle of April before one of my changes finally helped the team I love.
As we go into the final game of the season, we’ve won 4 straight and are looking at an actual chance at the playoffs and a first trip to the new Wembley. I certainly know that I’m not changing my routine. Just like the last 4 games, my superstitions are keeping them winning.
I’m sure some of you have your superstitions as well. I have a friend who supports Middlesbrough. I’m texting him now to make sure he wears the same thing as last match, because a draw for Coventry would be nice.
Whether you believe or don’t, please keep doing what you did for the last few matches. It worked then and I have to believe it will now.
