Thursday, 16th October 2008

News Archive

- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

2nd November 1990
Gresley boss Frank Northwood admits he still has a burning soccer ambition in the autumn of his long managerial career.

Northwood – who has pledged to stand down as manager at the Moat Ground at the end of the current season – shares the dream of every other soccer manager or player.

“I’d love to get to Wembley,” he says. “That’s something that would be wonderful for me and the people of Gresley.”

And while Northwood quickly points out that tomorrow’s FA Vase visit to Tamworth outfit Mile Oak marks the first step on a long, long road, he will be unable to contain the same wild daydream that has been with him over many a long season.

It is a daydream that has more than once taken on the trappings of a living nightmare during Northwood’s reign at Gresley – notably in ties against the likes of Warrington, Emley and Tamworth – sides that reached Wembley in successive seasons after beating Gresley on the way.

“We’re in for another tough battle tomorrow,” Northwood said on the eve of his latest Vase adventure. It’s a cup match and they’ve got the home advantage but the way we’re playing at the moment we’ll be going there looking for a result.

“I’ve never been one for a draw but I must admit I’ll be happy enough if we can bring them back to our place.”

Gresley – long-term injury victim Martin Dick aside – will be at full strength for the tie with Northwood naming an unchanged side after two successive league wins at the Moat Ground.

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