PROUD FC United boss Neil Reynolds saw his side win at the world-famous San Siro and declared: “That was the best experience of my whole career!”
The NPL Premier outfit travelled to Milan hoping to defend the Fenix Trophy they won 12 months ago in Rimini. However, those hopes were dashed when they lost 3-2 to Danish outfit BK Skjold in their semi-final at the Arena Civica on Wednesday.
It meant they took on Milan side Brera in the third/ fourth place play-off at the San Siro the following day. A tight battle ensued before sub Matt Van Wyk headed in the only goal of the game with five minutes left to secure a famous victory.
“It's difficult to even put it into words,” said delighted boss Reynolds. “It would have been great to get to the final and win it, but at least we can say we won in the San Siro. You can't take that away from us.
“ I t was like a dream walking down t h e tunnel and up into the arena. It was emotional for everyone, including the 500 or 600 fans we had there. The noise they made was incredible.
“The game was amazing and it was surreal to be sitting in the same seats as people like Jose Mourinho and Simone Inzaghi have done. How lucky are we as a manager, players, fans and club to have that opportunity? It's one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. It was mind-blowing.”
As for winning the bronze final, Reynolds said: “We played really well and created a lot. We brought Matty off the bench and he's put himself in the history books.”
Having won the tournament last year and bagged third place this time around, the FC United boss has a soft spot for it.
“It's a fantastic competition and we would love to be in it again,” he said, “but how do you top the San Siro? Let's see if we can get Wembley!”
Dontai Gabidon and Luke Griffiths (pen) were on the mark for the Red Rebels in their opening match against Skjold. The Danish side went on to lift the trophy, beating Prague Raptors 3-0 in the final.”
