NEIL Shipperley is relishing the opportunity to get re-acquainted with the FA Cup this weekend as he sends his North Greenford United side into battle with Tring Athletic on Saturday.
With the Blues have struggled so far in the league, and yet to win in four, Shipperley will undoubtedly be looking forward to the welcome distraction that the greatest cup competition in the world undoubtedly provides.
Speaking after his side’s last league defeat at home to Northwood on Monday, Shipperley said: “The FA Cup is always nice, unfortunately at the higher level I think the magic’s dead. But obviously for us at non-league level it’s great for a bit of recognition and revenue money.
“For a club like us the FA Cup can make a huge amount of difference, we will always take it seriously. If you get through one or two rounds you can get a bit of money, if you get further than that then anything can happen.
“I’ve always loved the FA Cup when I played, I was in the squad for the final [for Chelsea] in 1994, but unfortunately I got injured. I also got into the quarter-finals a few times, had a goal disallowed at Old Trafford, which should never have been disallowed!”
It’s not been the perfect start to the season, but Shipperley is experienced enough to know that in cup football, anything can happen. He will know as well as anyone that a morale boosting cup run can do wonders for a club’s season.
