Cockfosters’ Jay Lovell is hoping to help make history in the Isuzu FA Vase Final on Sunday.
Jay, it’s been over a month since you secured your place in the Isuzu FA Vase Final – what’s it been like around the club and the town?
It’s been really good. Cockfosters is a bit of a sleeping giant – not many people know where we are and some people don’t even realise there’s a football club there. But the young ‘Ultras’ have started coming in recently, turning up to every game, which has been brilliant. There’s been a good vibe around the place and after the play-off disappointment we’ve been able to fully focus on Wembley.
You started the season as vice-captain but have ended up skippering the side for much of this cup run – how have you taken to the role?
It started when we beat Whitstable and then I was captain for both semi-final legs against Punjab United. Matty Thomson has been injured for most of the season, so with league games and other competitions in between, I picked up the captaincy and ran with it really.
The team have survived so many pressure moments on this cup run. What does that say about the dressing room?
The dressing room at Cockfosters is one of a kind. I haven’t been involved in many like it. There are no cliques, groups or individuals – everyone wants to work for each other and get the best out of each other.
Is it true you were due to be working at Wembley today?
Yeah, we picked up a contract last year to modernise the escalators inside the stadium. So, I was actually working at the FA Vase Final last year. This year, the events came up again, so I put my hand up for the Vase because it’s a smaller crowd and a bit of an easier shift. I rang my manager straight after the Punjab semi-finals and broke the bad news!
What would it mean to you personally to win at Wembley with this group, especially being skipper?
First of all, I’ll probably retire! But seriously, it would be so rewarding for this squad. I’d be so happy to see the younger lads, and some of the older lads coming towards the end of their careers, enjoy such a big occasion.
Read the full interview in the official Non-League Finals Day match programme, which will be available at Wembley on Sunday or can be ordered online.
