Didcot Town management duo Ian Concannon and Jamie Heapy already have their names etched in the history books of the club - but could become part of the club’s folklore on Saturday.
Concannon lays claim to having scored more goals for the Railwaymen than anyone else, 284, while midfielder-turned-right-back Heapy is their all-time leading appearance maker – on 860 and counting.
And victory against Brentwood Town in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday will send them into the first round proper for the first time.
Didcot Town v Brentwood Town
Emirates FA Cup
Fourth round qualifying
3pm, Saturday 24 October
Loop Meadow Stadium
The pair celebrated their 100th game in charge in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Cinderford Town and when they put their heads together to pick a team for the 102nd time, it will be for one of the biggest games in the club's history.
Reaching the competition proper is special for anyone, but when you consider Concannon and Heapy’s associations with Didcot, plus the fact they have known each other since they met at St Birinus School in their early teens, the anticipation becomes even greater.
“I played for Didcot for seven seasons, was a joint manager for nearly two years and a first-team coach for about 18 months, so all in all I’ve spent a decade with Didcot,” said Concannon.
“I know what a big occasion this is for the club and we’ll be up for it.
“Myself and Jamie run things together. We have known each other since we were kids.
The Emirates FA Cup will be presented at Wembley Stadium on 21 May 2016
“When it comes to decision-making, there is rarely a problem or cross words exchanged. We trust each other.
“He still plays, so when it comes to match-day that’s his role and I’m on the sidelines with our assistant Andy Sinnott and that’s who I consult if I’m thinking about making a change.
“It would be very difficult for Jamie to combine the two roles when he’s out on the pitch.
“We played for Didcot boys and Jamie was a school year below me. We played in the same school team, so we’ve known each other since then. We’re good mates off the field as well, so it works well.”
For Brentwood, Saturday’s trip to Oxfordshire is equally momentous.
“Everyone is excited, it’s one of the biggest games in the club’s history”
Jamie Heapy Didcot Town joint manager
They have never been so far in The Cup, but in manager Dean Holdsworth they have someone with FA Cup pedigree and a link to Didcot.
The former striker played alongside Didcot’s current Football Advisor Gary Elkins at Wimbledon during the 1990s.
It was an era in which the Crazy Gang were a mainstay in the Premier League and reached the semi-final in 1997, losing 3-0 to Chelsea at Highbury.
Heapy knows Didcot are in for a bumpy ride against opponents one tier higher in the non-league pyramid, but has urged his players not to wilt under the weight of expectation.
Dean Holdsworth in the dugout
“We have had them watched, but it’s about us and what we can do,” said the 36-year-old.
“Everyone is excited, it’s one of the biggest games in the club’s history, but the message to the players is not to get overawed.
“Some of the boys have been to the first round before and have been talking about getting through and having a local derby with Oxford, or drawing someone like Sheffield United or Coventry.
“But we have to get through this one first and to do that we really have to treat it as just another game.”
