Suffolk manager Andy Reynolds is hoping to draw on his experiences as both a player and coach to inspire his side to a famous victory in the 70th FA County Youth Cup Final on Saturday.
Portman Road has been chosen as the venue in what promises to be a memorable occasion for both Suffolk and Lancashire.
Suffolk v Lancashire
FA County Youth Cup Final
Saturday 2pm, 26 April
Portman Road, Ipswich
Reynolds has a special relationship with the FA County Youth Cup having won the tournament with Suffolk back in 2005.
He describes that period as a "vintage year" having also secured the FA Youth Cup double with Ipswich's youth team – and knows what it takes to win a major cup final.
Reynolds is hoping his lucky run will continue and he can inspire his talented group of players to make it another great occasion for Suffolk.
Reynolds said: “2005 was a really good year for me. Those experiences have helped me in coaching and I know what it will mean to the players on the day.
“I know the occasion and the memories it creates and it does live with you forever.
“There will be high-ranking members from the FA there, the national anthem is played and regardless of what happens on the field you cannot take that away from you.
“My message to the players will be to take everything in and absorb everything that is happening. I know people say you should play the game and not the occasion but I want them to take it all in and make sure they enjoy it.
Suffolk County FA Under-18s
“The players have got themselves there and for 90 per cent of them, this will the biggest ground they would have played at. It is up to them to do their best and hopefully we will get the right result on the pitch.”
Reynolds will also draw from his experiences of playing for Lowestoft Town in the FA Vase Final at Wembley back in 2009.
He might not have been on the winning team that day, but he will never forget the experience of playing in a big final and hopes his players will go one better and come away with the trophy.
Reynolds added: “Although we lost the game we made sure that we took everything in and when I still speak to some of my former team-mates, we have got so many fond memories.
“I will press on the boys how much they need to enjoy it and I wouldn’t change anything that has happened.
“We have got a talented group of youngsters who like to keep the ball for long periods of the game.
“Whether it is our tall centre-half John Carver who has bailed us out a few times or Harrison Ford who plays like a No10, they are a group who will allow a hero to emerge on any given day. Hopefully the game will go in their favour.”
