The 35-year-old lifted the FA Vase as Dabbers skipper in the 2005/06 season at St Andrew’s, the final year before the competition returned to the rebuilt Wembley Stadium.
Nantwich Town v FC Halifax Town
The FA Trophy
Semi-final, first leg
Weaver Stadium, Nantwich
3pm Saturday 11 March 2016
Winners receive £25,000 from The FA prize fund
Ten years on from the club’s finest hour and Nantwich look destined for glory once again, sweeping aside the likes of Bradford PA and Dover Athletic – both above them in the non-league ladder – on their way to their semi-final berth.
But while Parkinson admits the chance to lead the side at Wembley would be the stuff dreams are made of, he knows in National League side Halifax they face another acid test.
“It’s been 10 years since we won the Vase so everybody is talking about that, and it does feel like it is meant to be because of the anniversary,” he said.
“But football has a funny way of kicking you in the teeth, so we are not getting carried away with prophecies
“We’ve faced a number of higher-league opponents already this year, so we are really encouraged by how the lads have fared against them and we’re relishing the challenge against National League opposition again.
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— The FA (@FA) March 11, 2016
“It goes without saying that the lads will raise their game against higher-ranked opposition, but what I’d like to think is that we will still play our style of football.
“Usually when a team beats a higher-level opponent it’s because they’ve wanted it that little bit more, but in general we’ve beaten the teams higher than us with good football.
“We’ve not launched high balls forward; we’ve stuck to playing our way and I think we’ve surprised a few people with the quality of the football played in the Northern Premier.
“Winning the FA Vase was a very special time for the club and a pivotal turning point in where we are now”
Phil Parkinson Nantwich Town boss
“Winning the FA Vase was a very special time for the club and a pivotal turning point in where we are now.
“We are still using the principles that enabled us to win the Vase and gain double promotions, and that is why we are having that good run in the Trophy.”
Jim Harvey’s Halifax were in dire straits in the National League back in December, but since his appointment the Shaymen have enjoyed a change in fortunes.
And the 57-year-old admits getting over one final obstacle and into a Wembley final would be the perfect reward for the club’s loyal supporters, with work still to do to secure league safety this season.
“Our form’s been good in this competition so far, and we are in the middle of a relegation battle too so the next few games are so important for us,” said Harvey.
“A day out at Wembley is on the line – for all footballers it’d a dream come true”
Jim Harvey FC Halifax Town manager
“A day out at Wembley is on the line and everyone at the club is very excited about that prospect of being one result away – for all footballers it’s a dream come true.
“Nantwich’s results in the competition have been very good indeed; they’ve already taken three big scalps, and they’ll want to get through just as much as us.
“So we’ll be preparing for this game as we would for any other National League clash, and go out to give it our best shot.
“Since I’ve taken over the club, the response from the players and the supporters has been excellent, as things were looking bad.
“This FA Trophy run has been a real bonus, and getting through this fixture would be a real tonic for everybody and give us the confidence to face the last 10 games and keep our league status.”The first ever Non-League Finals Day takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22 May – with The FA Trophy final taking place immediately after the FA Vase decider.
