The Isuzu FA Vase

Vase Finalists 'weigh-in' at Wembley ahead of showdown

Wednesday 29 Apr 2015
Glossop North End and North Shields players and managers get close to the Vase

As the excitement builds in Glossop and North Shields, players and staff from this season's FA Vase Finalists got a taste of Wembley ahead of their big day on Saturday 9 May.

While it was a new experience for some, it was a return to familiar surroundings for Glossop North End captain Dave Young.

Young was skipper for the North West Counties League champions when they came to Wembley for the Final in 2009.

2015 FA Vase Final

Glossop North End v North Shields
3pm, Saturday 9 May
Wembley Stadium
Buy tickets here

At The FA Vase media day, Young was joined under the arch by his team-mates - and twin brothers - Kelvin and Kieran Lugsden and their boss Chris Willcock.

And he can't wait until they return to the national stadium a week on Saturday.

"It's going to be huge," said Young. "There are five of us in the squad who were here at Wembley with us in 2009.

"Back then, getting to Wembley was the reward. That's not the case this time around, we're going to the Final to win, it's not a day out - there's a completely different mentality."

Glossop North End v North Shields, FA Vase media day

Glossop's twin brothers Kelvin and Kieran Lugsden

Meanwhile, North Shields arrived at the media day on the train from Tyneside led by their boss - former Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and England Under-21s midfielder Graham Fenton, who played for Villa in the 1994 League Cup Final at the old Wembley.

Captain Kevin Hughes and leading goalscorer Gareth Bainbridge - who has netted 16 times in the Vase this season - were also in attendance as they become the latest Northern League side to reach the Final.

"I’ve had the experience of playing at Wembley in a Cup Final myself with Aston Villa, so that’s something I’ll try to pass down to the players," said Fenton.

Glossop North End v North Shields, FA Vase media day

North Shields boss Graham Fenton (centre) with The FA Vase

"We know about The FA Amateur Cup success in 1969 – the photos are in the cabinet at the ground and we’ve still got members of that team who come down and watch us.

"Everyone is well aware of the success North Shields had in the 60s, hopefully we can put in a memorable performance and recreate those memories."

Tickets for The FA Vase Final are on sale now priced at £15 for adults, £10 for OAPs/students and £5 children. Click here to purchase your tickets.

By FA Staff