AFC Telford United skipper Stuart Whitehead is dreaming of another FA Cup fairytale as he prepares to lead his resurgent side to Northwich Victoria on the weekend in the fourth qualifying round of the famous competition.
Whitehead harbours fond memories of the Cup having been part of the Carlisle United side that lined up against the mighty Arsenal in 2001, a match the Gunners won 1-0, but certainly not without breaking sweat.
“The FA Cup is special for me,” he said. “It was great to get line up against the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole – a really special day and it would be great to get into the next draw with Telford.
“We know how much the fans and management want it and it’s very important for the players.
“It’s a winnable match at Northwich, but a very tough test. I have played there a number of times and they play their own way.”
The Bucks face one-time league outfit Victoria as the club goes through a testing period.
Yesterday manager Dino Maamria was officially sacked after a crunch meeting with owner Jim Rushe.
The move followed a lengthy investigation involving all of the Victoria players after Maamria had been suspended for three weeks for unknown reasons.
“I can’t believe the manner in which this has been handled – it’s disgusting,” said the current Non-League Paper Manager of the Year after learning his fate.
Former Liverpool star Mike Marsh will continue as caretaker boss in his absence.
Whitehead added: “It’s always the worst time to play a team when they have just lost their manager.
“They always seem to step up a gear. We’re under no illusions that this will be a test for us.
“But we played well in the second half against Solihull Moors and we’re 10 unbeaten, so hopefully that’s a good sign.”
By Sean Wozencroft
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