Kirkham's secret

The FA Carlsberg Vase
The Final
3pm, Sunday 11 May 2008
Wembley Stadium
Click here for this season's results 
Winning club receives £20,000

Kirkham & Wesham manager Mick Fuller believes the continuity and development behind the club is the reason for their unlikely success this season.
 
The Lancashire side head into Sunday's Vase final against Lowestoft at Wembley full of confidence, having already won promotion from North West Counties League Two and Fuller is over-joyed at how far the club has come.

This is the first time they have competed in The Vase, so they were given little hope of reaching The Final.

"The club has developed over a period of years in lower leagues," said Fuller.

"It's all about continuity and loyalty. Some players have been here for seven or eight years and that counts for a lot to be honest. They know what the club is about and know what is required."

Fuller admitted that Kirkham never really thought they would end up at Wembley but says as the club progressed further and further confidence started to flow.

"We did it the hard way and played in every round," he added. 

"With so many games to play, amid a tough league programme as well, we never believed we'd get to The Final. But the further you get and the better teams you play, especially away from home, the more it became a reality.

"From my point of view and the players' point of view, the closer you get to the quarter-finals you believe you can go all the way on merit."

Fuller, who has been in charge at Kirkham for 15 years, has told his players to stay focused and not be overwhelmed by the occasion, although he does admit the pressure of playing at Wembley may be too difficult to block out.

"We're looking forward to this, so all I'll be saying is go out there and enjoy the occasion and make the most of it," he explained. 

"It's just another game. I can't say just forget about Wembley, but forget how many people are watching and do what comes naturally."

This is the first time that Kirkham, who change their name to AFC Fylde for the beginning of next season, have competed in The Vase and their supporters hope that they will begin their new era having with an ever-lasting Wembley memory.