Saturday 1st April 2000 : International cuisine for Roy's home-grown players

Roy McFarland is hoping for a slice of luck today when his team visit Oldham as injuries and suspensions deprive him of some regular players. However, in order to bring out the best in their replacements he has requested extra portions of Swiss Chard in the players match-day breakfast.

Roy was introduced to the Swiss Chard when he recently popped over to the allotments for a photo call following the agreement with the Whitehill Allotment Society regarding the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium.

Roy commented, "At the time several allotment holders tried to convince me that this vegetable with its asparagus root and spinach leaf would benefit the players. We tried it for the first time in our pre-match meal before our victory at Notts County and, in a sense, we haven't looked back since."

He continued, "Today is another critical game at Oldham so I have asked Paul Cleary, our catering manager, to ensure that ensure that all players have a double helping of Swiss Chard with their breakfast before we board the coach to go to Oldham."

Whitehill Allotment Society Secretary Rue Preston said, "I am really pleased we have been able to help the club with their on-pitch performances. The energy enhancing features of Swiss Chard doesn't surprise me as the benefits of spinach are well-documented.

"The vegetable cannot be bought in shops but is grown from seed by most of the allotment holders on their plots. The soil around here is ideal for growing Swiss Chard. I also believe this is one of the main reasons why so many of our allotment holders are so fit and healthy till late in life."

Club chairman Reg Smart is delighted that there has been such a positive outcome from the neighbourly relationship between the club and allotment holders. "As Swiss Chard cannot be bought locally we are considering selling them in the club shop on match days," he said.