Rick Passmoor’s Notts County revolution is well ahead of schedule.
Given a five-year plan by chairman Ray Trew in 2013, the Lady Pies boss has steered his side to four cup semi-finals in the past two seasons.
And now they are preparing for their first-ever appearance in the SSE Women’s FA Cup Final, where they will take on Chelsea – with a maiden trophy up for grabs for both clubs.
Chelsea v Notts County
The SSE Women's FA Cup Final
3pm, Saturday 1 August
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Tickets priced £15 adults, £5 concessions
Passmoor said: “I have been very happy with how we have played in the Cup this season and I’m hoping we can keep that level up for one more match.
“The Everton game was my fourth semi-final in the last couple of years, in both this competition and the Continental Cup, so to win and get through to what will be a terrific occasion for the women’s game is a terrific achievement for everyone involved with Notts County.
“We have got a five-year plan at this club and here we are in the second season in an FA Cup Final.
“Hopefully this will be the start of a successful few years for us.”
Saturday’s showpiece will be staged at Wembley Stadium for the first time in its 45-year history – and Passmoor believes playing The Final under the arch will do wonders for the women’s game in England.
He added: “The FA Cup Final is always a huge occasion, in both the men’s and women’s game – but this one takes on that little bit extra significance.
Notts County's Ellen White (r) and Chelsea captain Katie Chapman pose with the Cup
“To be a part of the first ever Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium is absolutely fantastic, and for it to come so soon after England made history at the World Cup is even better.
“It keeps that momentum going, both for players, fans and the media, and hopefully it will help to grow the game further.”
Standing in Notts County’s way is Emma Hayes’s Chelsea side, last season’s FA WSL 1 runners-up and one of the most consistent sides in the country over the last three years.
Passmoor said: “Chelsea will start the match as favourites.
“They beat us on the opening day of the season and have been doing really well in the league.
“Any combination of their front three is frightening and they have got a really strong spine with an abundance of quality players.”
“We are relishing the challenge.”
Tickets for The Final will be available on the day. You can buy yours from Wembley Stadium's east ticket office from midday. Tickets are priced £15 for adults and £5 for concessions
