YOU only have to mention the words FA Vase around North Shields to get everybody excited according to Brian Smith.
Smith was assistant manager when Adam Forster slammed home an extra-time winner to give North Shields a 2-1 victory over Glossop North End in the Buildbase FA Vase final at Wembley.
The police officer by trade has now stepped up to become the manager of North Shields and admits the club has changed astronomically since its their heroics in 2015.
He said: “The difference now in the club from then is huge, partly because of that we’ve been able to put a new clubhouse in and upgrade the floodlights.
“It was a huge bonus to see where the club has come from and get them to Wembley. The difference is massive.
“The fans get a bit more excited when the FA Vase comes around because of what we’ve done before. Everyone starts to take a massive interest in it and the crowds are huge compared to what they used to be.
“I remember going up the steps at Wembley after we won it in 2015 and seeing all the committee members and all the supporters who helped save the club.
“To see it in their faces, they were just overjoyed. It was beyond their dreams, I don’t think they could believe what had happened.”
Smith has also won the competition with Whitley Bay as a player and would like to complete the hat-trick, starting with Newcastle Benfield in the third round proper.
The North Shields boss added: “We’ve played them recently. They beat us three or four weeks ago so we know all about them and they know all about us. We’re just looking forward to it. It’s a massive thing for everybody and it’s great when the competition comes along.
“We’re just trying to build on what we have here. If we can progress through the leagues that would be great, if we have the finances. Just trying to push on in a really competitive area is tricky.
“Teams in the North East set a very high standard and we all know the history the FA Vase has with the area so to win it again we’ll have to beat some very tough teams.”
Buildbase FA Vase history
North Shields won the competition in the 2014/15 season, coming from behind to beat Glossop North End in extra time.
Newcastle Benfield made it as far as the quarter finals in 2013/14, losing 1-0 away to St Andrews.
Did you know?
Graham Fenton has managed both North Shields and rivals South Shields to Buildbase FA Vase glory in the space of three seasons (2014-15 and 2016-17).
The Prize
A place in the last 16 is on the line and the winner of the clash will get £1,125 with the loser pocketing £375.
