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Greetings send Gresley on their Wembley way
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
As Gresley Rovers finally took the road to Wembley today, the best wishes of the Burton and South Derbyshire sporting fraternity and the whole of Midlands non-league soccer went with them.
Manager Frank Northwood said: “We’ve had some very nice messages from some unexpected places. Lots of other clubs have been in touch with us wishing us well, including VS Rugby and Knowsley, who we beat in the fifth round.“Tracey Norton, who played for us last season before moving to Devon, has sent us a telegram saying he’ll be at Wembley with his Rovers flag flying.
“There’ll be quite a lot of support for us from other clubs, and I know that Hinckley Athletic, Wednesfield and Oldbury are all sending coaches.”
Meanwhile, clubs were also sending their best wishes to Rovers via the Mail.
Stapenhill manager Mick Allsopp said: “On behalf of the club, players and supporters, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Gresley Rovers the very best. We are sure they will bring back the Vase and have a fantastic weekend.”
Alan Beaman, boss of Banks’s League cohorts Rocester, said a coach load of Romans fans will be heading for Wembley to cheer on the Moatmen.
“What Gresley have done for local football this season is a quite fantastic achievement,” said Beaman.
“We wish them all the best and hope they come back with the Vase and show it to us on Tuesday when we’ve got a league game against them.
“This is a once in a lifetime thing for a club like Gresley and I’m over the moon for them.”
Newhall United player-manager Sid Gutteridge expects up to 10,000 people from the South Derbyshire area to make the exodus to soccer’s mecca tomorrow.
“Everybody at Newhall United wish all the best to Gresley and I an quite confident they will bring the Vase back to South Derbyshire.
“Our game has been called off and I am heading down there to give my support to them on this great occasion,” said Gutteridge.
Ted Smith added his congratulations on behalf of the Burton and District FA, the area’s Sunday League, Burton and District Sports Council, the Bass Charity Vase set-up and the Derbyshire and Burton and District Referees.
“All our best wishes go to Gresley Rovers for achieving such a marvellous landmark for football in the area.
“They have got the right sort of spirit, like their chairman Peter Hall, who has put so much into the club. Gresley deserve to win for qualities like that alone.
“With every confidence in them, we want to see that trophy on display in the very near future.”
Derby County boss Arthur Cox said: “I would like to wish them (Gresley Rovers) every success and hope it will be a wonderful occasion for the club.
“Hopefully, they will come back with the FA Vase to set the seal on a marvellous season for Frank Northwood and his players.”
Burton Albion’s caretaker manager Eric Avins said: “I hope they do well – but most of all enjoy the day out.”
