Ian Selley targets FA Cup memories with Leatherhead

Ian Selley has fulfilled every young players’ dream when it comes to the FA Cup – now he wants his Leatherhead troops to sample a taste of his success.

The 52-year-old was part of the Arsenal side that lifted the famous trophy at Wembley in 1992-93, beating Sheffield Wednesday after extra time in a midweek replay.

Now, as a manager, has a sniff of glory once again with his Tanners just one step away from a potential rematch with Wednesday in the first round proper.

Standing in their way are Non-League football’s most prolific giantkillers, Yeovil Town, flying high in the National League under Selley’s fellow Surrey-based coach Billy Rowley.

MEMORIES: Ian Selley

Fantastic

And the Tanners chief believes it presents an opportunity for the Isthmian Premier side to show-case their talents and live out their childhood dreams in front of an expected capacity crowd at Fetcham Grove.

“As a young kid, in the playground, it was always about the FA Cup, wasn’t it,” said the former midfielder, who also turned out for the likes of Fulham, Wimbledon and Woking

“And it’s fantastic for Non-League because it gives you an opportunity to go as far as you can, drawing some big teams.

“All of a sudden, get through to the next round then you could be playing the likes of Leicester City, which is crazy really – and that will be the impetus we’ll take in the changing room.

“Obviously the finances on offer for the club as well, that is massive of course, but the FA Cup mostly it’s about making memories.

“I was fortunate enough to go all the way and win it with Arsenal and I think it’s important for the boys to understand that it’s a one-off occasion and focus on making sure we’re in the game.

“Sometimes these games can flash past quickly, but the boys are super excited.

“I mean, we’re not going to pump it up too much, but I’m sure we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”

TITLE JOY: Ian Selley, front right, leads the promotion celebrations for Leatherhead last season.
PICTURE: Scott Parry

Rode their luck

Selley admits his side rode their luck in their 1-0 win over Hanworth Villa in the last round on Saturday, but believes they showed the qualities they are going to need to possess if they are to give the Glovers a taste of their own medicine at the weekend.

“If I’m honest, they were probably the better side on the day,” Selley confessed.

“They probably played the better football but we kept in the game and converted our chances – and that’s what you have to do in the FA Cup.

“We took our chance when it came along and we’re going to need to do that against Yeovil on Saturday.”