By Ken Gaunt
Prolific goalscorer Shane Cooper-Clark has handed Thatcham Town a massive pre-Wembley boost by insisting he intends to stay with the FA Vase finalists.
Cooper-Clark, a roofer by trade, has plundered 61 goals in all competitions and helped the Kingfishers win the Hellenic League title and with it promotion.
Now a famous double is on the cards for the Berkshire club, who meet Northern League side Stockton Town at the national stadium .
Cooper-Clark's eye for goal has not gone un-noticed by clubs higher up the pyramid but he sees no reason to leave Waterside Park.
“I am quite happy here, of course I am, “ he told The NLP. “I have heard a few things but when I am enjoying my football, I am a loyal player.
“As long as I keep doing that, there is no reason why I should not stay here. It has been my best season in senior football for goals.
“Before that it was 38 at Bracknell so I am way ahead of that. It is a good personal achievement..”
Manager Danny Robinson, who secured a two-year deal after they won the championship, is adamant Cooper-Clark will stay true to his word.
He said: “My rapport with Shane is very good, although he does drive me mad at times. He is quite laid back
“He fell out of love with football a little bit at Bracknell. But we have dusted him down and he is a fabulous player. I am sure he will be here next season, I am confident of that.
“Shane is not just about goals, though. You look at the way he links the play, holds the ball up and wins headers. There are many things to his game. ”
Thatcham took the title with a goal difference of 104, two ahead of his former club, and Cooper-Clark believes their attacking style has made him so prolific
He said: “The boys have been quality. It always helps when a team creates so many chances for you and have so much possession of the ball.
“I am not the sort of striker that will go and pick the ball up and go past four or five players. I like the ball in the box.
“I have heard it is a wide pitch at Wembley and that will suit our play. We can beat anyone on our day at this level. We will go and enjoy it.”
