When Garath McCleary steps out against Arsenal at Wembley he will be playing not just for Reading, but the thousands of non-league players who have contributed to this year’s FA Cup.
Reading v Arsenal
FA Cup Semi-final
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Saturday 5.20pm 18 April 2015
Winners receive £900,000
Losers receive £450,000
Live on BBC One
Saturday’s semi-final against the club he supported as a boy will be a career-high for the 27-year-old, who lights up the Championship but is no stranger to the spit-and-sawdust side of football.
As a youngster at Oxford City and Bromley, McCleary fought for his opportunities at a higher level, first with Nottingham Forest and now Reading, and he has promised to relish every moment of his encounter with Premier League aristocracy.
He said: “Playing at Wembley is definitely something I wanted to tick off so if I’m selected that will be a massive achievement for me.
“For my family and friends to be able to watch me would make it really special.”
The likeable McCleary is keen to stake the case of those playing in non-league, for whom the glittering spectacle of a Wembley showdown remains a distant dream.
“I come from right at the bottom in non-league,” he said. “Ryman Division One with Oxford City, to Conference South with Bromley, and then up to League One with Forest.
“There are many good players in non-league and it’s just about getting the opportunity and taking it with both hands.”
He added: “Coming from the background I have people ask me whether it means more. I can only comment on myself, and it means so much to get there and so much to stay there.
“I’ve had to work so hard to get where I am and stay where I am, and I want to go even higher.
”I would hope that many players would appreciate it just as much because we are in a fantastic position. It’s not a long career and it is something that you should cherish.”
Garath McCleary believes Reading have been underdogs in every game this season
The winger’s bucket-list dream of playing at Wembley is given more lustre by the fact he comes up against the club he supports, managed by a man he believes to have shaped the modern game.
He said: “I supported them from a young age. It was just their style of play. Especially when Arsene Wenger came in.
“Growing up it I idolised Ian Wright, and then it was Thierry Henry.
“Even watching him now doing his punditry, Henry is someone that as soon as he speaks you just have to listen, because he oozes class on and off the pitch.
“And it’s not just those two. It’s Overmars, Vieira, Petit, Anelka. Just so many players who came in and played a different style of football.”
McCleary is no slouch himself. His powerful strike against Bradford City helped Reading book their place in the last four.
And his direct running and silky skills have brightened up many an afternoon at the Madejski Stadium.
But it is in the role of the underdog where Steve Clarke’s side have revelled this season.
They began their route to Wembley with away wins over Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City, before repeating the trick at the then high-flying Derby in the fifth round.
Reading's manager Steve Clarke
Even against League One Bradford City they were discounted, but prevailed over the side who knocked out Chelsea and Sunderland after a 3-0 replay win.
“We’ve pretty much gone through every round being the underdogs, so hopefully we can cause another upset,” he said.
“I’ve been to see Arsenal at quite a few games this year and they’re a top team. As a supporter I would say the best in England!
“But when I think about Wembley, it was always FA Cup games. Anything could happen on the day.
“Going into Saturday we keep reminding ourselves – anything can happen in those one-off games.”
McCleary admits Reading’s season in the Championship – where they look destined to finish in mid-table – has been disappointing, but he has enjoyed his time working with boss Steve Clarke.
“He’s tactically very aware and he has been great for me - and he’s been great for all the boys”
Garath McCleary
On Reading boss Steve Clarke
“For me the gaffer has been really good. He’s straight-talking. If you’ve not had a good game he will tell you,” he said of the 1997 FA Cup winner with Chelsea.
“That’s something I’ve always appreciated growing up, and I think a lot of players feel the same.
“He’s tactically very aware and he has been great for me – and he’s been great for all the boys.”
The understated Clarke said in his pre-match press conference that he is preparing Reading to play the “perfect game” against the Gunners.
But what does that mean?
“That’s simple,” laughed McCleary. “The perfect game is a win, and I would be overjoyed if we can – especially against Arsenal.”
