AFC Sudbury v Winchester City
The FA Vase Final
St. Andrews, Birmingham
16 May 2004, 3pm

Speaking from his home in South Africa, the record-breaking winger expressed his delight at Winchester City reaching the final of the prestigious non-league cup competition.

Terry, who is life vice president of the club, said: ‘It’s a tremendous achievement, particularly as this is only their second season in the competition.

‘I’m so pleased for them. It’s a fabulous club and I have fabulous memories of my time there.’

Terry got his big break while playing for his hometown club of Winchester City.

He joined the club at the age of 15 and was taken under the wing of the then manager Harry Osman, the former Southampton and Plymouth left-winger.

Terry, aged 65, recalled: ‘I was so lucky to get in with a club like Winchester City and play alongside ex-pros at such a young age and under a manager like Harry Osman.

‘They took me under their wing and were absolutely brilliant. It was a wonderful introduction to the game.’

Although he was there for little over a season, his talent was nurtured and spotted by several clubs, including Arsenal and Portsmouth where he had trials.

At the time, he was playing part-time for Winchester City and working as an apprentice body maker with British Rail.

He was invited back to Arsenal for a final trial and was sent registration papers but, for some reason, never received them.

He said: ‘Meanwhile, I was working at the Eastleigh Carriage Works and a worker there, who was an ardent Southampton supporter, got in touch with the manager Ted Bates to warn him that he was going to lose me.

‘With that, I got an invitation to see Ted Bates and he locked me in his office until I had signed amateur forms!’

Terry was 16 at the time and went on to make his first team debut against Brentford a few weeks before his 18th birthday.

He enjoyed an illustrious career at Southampton and still holds the club record for the most League appearances of 713 and the most FA Cup appearances of 50.

He was the club’s third highest scorer in the League with 160 goals, behind Matt Le Tissier’s 162 and Mick Channon’s 185.

Terry also won 19 England caps and was in the 1966 World Cup winning squad.

After 17 years at Southampton, he moved to Hereford. His total number of League games of 824 was eventually beaten by another ex-Southampton legend, Peter Shilton.

Following two seasons with Hereford, Terry had a spell coaching in Kuwait and then returned to be player-coach at Cheltenham Town.

Terry said: ‘Looking back, it all started to happen for me by being at Winchester City. I have a lot to thank the club for and it’s great to see it getting back on the map by reaching The FA Vase final.’

Unfortunately, due to work commitments Terry is unable to be at the final against AFC Sudbury at Birmingham City on Sunday, May 16, kick-off 3pm, but he will be keeping a close eye out for the result.

With former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey, he co-hosts Africa’s biggest football TV programme, which has an insatiable appetite for English football.

Terry moved out to South Africa in 1984. He came back in 1988 to be assistant manager to John Sillett at Coventry City, but returned after two years to carry on coaching.

He said: ‘Although I played at Wembley for England, one of my major disappointments was not getting to the final of The FA Cup. The furthest I got was the semi-finals in 1963 when we lost to a Denis Law goal against Manchester United.

‘I understand what it means as a player to reach the final of what is their equivalent to The FA Cup.

‘I would like to wish Winchester City all the best for what is the biggest day in the club’s history and all I would say is make sure they enjoy the day because you are never quite sure when it’s going to come around again.’

Tickets for the final are priced £15 and £10 for adults, and £3 for under 16s and over 65s.

Ticket prices for wheelchair users are £10 with admission for their helpers free. Headsets will be available upon request for visually-impaired supporters.

Tickets for Winchester City fans are available from the club on match days and from the following local outlets – County Arms, Sydenhams, Royal Winchester Golf Club, St James Tavern, Barn Stores.

As The FA Vase celebrates its 30th season, The FA dramatically increased the total prize fund from £197,000 to £350,000, highlighting its continued support for this level of the game.

The winners will received £15,000 in prize money - £10,000 more than Brigg Town received last season.

This is the ninth consecutive season that Carlsberg has been The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Vase and forms an integral part of their support of football in this country.

Carlsberg is also The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Trophy and The FA Sunday Cup, highlighting their commitment to non-league and grassroots football.