John Askey is hoping to make it third time lucky in the Buildbase FA Trophy Final on Sunday.
The Macclesfield Town boss takes his side to Wembley for their clash with York City on Non-League Finals Day.
And after losing one Trophy Final in 1989 during his playing days with Macc, before missing a Trophy Final victory over local rivals Northwich Victoria through injury in 1996, Askey now want to make sure he finally tastes victory 21 years since his last visit.
“We’ve experienced Trophy Finals in the past, I have a runners-up medal from when we came to the old Wembley in 1989 and lost to Telford, then seven years later we beat Northwich Victoria in the Final,” revealed Askey, a legend at Moss Rose after spending 19 years as a player with the club.
“Unfortunately I broke my leg and missed that Final, so though I’ve not won the Trophy as a player, winning as a manager would be the next best thing.
“This club means a lot to me and this game gives us a chance to repay the people who come and watch us each week, and those who have supported me personally over the years.
“Reaching The FA Trophy Final is my biggest achievement so far as a manager and if we could win for everyone at the club, then it would mean so much.”
With Town finishing their National League campaign in mid-table, they now face a York City side who were relegated from the same division earlier this month.
But the 52-year-old has warned his players and anyone else who believes that they will be the favourites to beware of an opponent with something to prove.
“We are in for a hard game,” he added.
“York City may have been relegated, but they will be desperate to win for their fans.
“It’s a completely different team to the start of the season and it’s a surprise they’ve gone down with the players they’ve brought in.
“We’re not really playing against a relegation team, and I believe that if those players would have been there all season, the club would have pushed for promotion.”
You can read Askey’s full thoughts in the official Non-League Finals Day match programme, which will be available at Wembley for just £5.
Tickets for Non-League Finals Day, which also includes the Buildbase FA Vase Final between Cleethorpes Town and Macclesfield Town, are still available by clicking here or you can buy them on the day at Wembley.
