Few people know Macclesfield Town better and what it would mean to take the club back to Wembley than former player and current manager John Askey.
Askey played his first game for the club in December 1984 and won multiple minor honours but was sidelined with an injury when the Silkmen lifted the FA Trophy in 1996.
He bounced back the following season to help Macclesfield win promotion to the Football League and after more than 600 appearances played his final game in 2003.
After a varied managerial and coaching career Askey returned to Moss Rose to take charge of the Silkmen in summer 2013.
Despite his past achievements, Askey says semi-final success over two legs against fellow National League outfit Tranmere Rovers would be his crowning glory.
He said: “It would be massive for the football club, we have been in dire straits, we were close to going under five years ago.
“We still have one of the lowest budgets in the league, so for us to get to Wembley would be massive and would be a great day out for the supporters who have stuck with us.
“It would be a reward for them and I think they deserve it as well, hopefully we can do the business and get them there.
“Most football clubs have highs and lows, when I played here I had some massive highs but since we dropped out the Football League it has been a struggle, but we are gradually turning it around.”
Askey and his men face a stiff challenge if they are to get to Wembley, however, with Tranmere third in the National League.
The two teams have met twice this term with Rovers winning 1-0 on Boxing Day before suffering a 4-2 reverse on New Years’ Day.
And while Macclesfield needed a 2-0 replay win over Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday to qualify for the last four, Askey expects the players to be refreshed and ready for the challenge.
He added: “The pressure is on to win something, whether you are Tranmere or Macclesfield it’s no different.
“Players want to get to Wembley and want to win. I don’t think it makes any difference whether you are favourites or underdogs.”
FA Trophy history
Macclesfield won the first ever FA Trophy in 1969-70, beating Telford United, and saw off Northwich Victoria to repeat the feat in 1996.
Last year was Tranmere’s first in the competition and they were knocked out in round one by Wrexham.
Did you know?
The visiting fans’ uncovered stand at Moss Rose is the John Askey Terrace, named after their manger, and has a capacity of 1,500.
One to watch
On loan from Grimsby Town, Rhys Browne scored both the goals in Tuesday’s quarter-final against Dulwich Hamlet. Browne joined Macclesfield after losing his father just before Christmas and has impressed Askey.
“He’s had a tough time so it would be nice for him to get to Wembley,” said Askey. “He’s starting to enjoy his football again which is nice to see.”
The prize
A cheque for £16,000 and a place in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley in May will be the reward for the winners of the two-leg semi-final.
