Heed skipper calls for focus

By Mark Carruthers

GREG OLLEY has called for cool heads and focus from Gateshead as they look to lift the FA Trophy for the first time in their history.

The England C midfielder has been in fine form this season as his side recovered from a poor first half of the season in spectacular fashion by moving away from the National League relegation zone to end the campaign within four points of a top ten place. Much of the talk around the International Stadium has focused on the Heed’s run to Wembley providing confidence and belief that spilled over into their much-improved league form.

With their date under the famous arch now just hours away, captain Olley has given an intriguing insight into how Mike Williamson’s men are mentally preparing for their first major final at the home of football.

He told The NLP: “I don’t think we are trying to indulge ourselves on Wembley because sometimes doing that means you take the attention away from actually preparing for the game.

“We had a psychology meeting last week and we all spoke about not just taking this as a cup final or a Wembley game. It’s a game of football, a game we want to win for our foot-ball club, that’s all we are concentrating on and that should take the emotions out of it and get us focused on what we have to do.

“We are going there knowing we have to beat Halifax in a game of football. That’s the aim, that’s what we want to do and that’s what we are focused on doing.”

Olley will follow in the footsteps of Ben Clark in becoming only the second captain in the club’s history to lead a Gateshead side out at Wembley.

The Tynesiders legend remains a key figure at the International Stadium as he works within the local community as part of the Gateshead FC Foundation.

Clark will make the journey to Wembley with Olley and his teammates – but the current Heed skipper described himself as ‘honoured’ to be following the Heed stalwart into the club’s history books on Sunday afternoon.

“There’s no conversation to be had with Clarky,” he said when asked if he would seek advice on leading his side out at Wembley.

“He would be there if needed and we both respect each other so much. But it’s our own experience and he was part of a team pushing for promotion in the play-offs but this is a cup final and a bit of a different game.

“He will be there, I know that he is there for me, and I am honoured to be following him as captaining this side at Wembley.”

CAPTAIN: Greg Olley will lead by example today