Ollie Cherrett may be making a name for himself as a manager in Dorset but the former centre-back insists he and his assistant Chris Hart have plenty more work to do at Christchurch.
They host fellow Wessex League Division One side Romsey Town in The Buildbase FA Vase second round qualifying on Saturday as a reward for negotiating a tricky tie against Swanage Town & Herston earlier this month.
It is Cherrett’s first run in the competition with Christchurch after moving from his first managerial job, at Merley Cobham Sports, almost 12 months ago to the day.
Christchurch v Romsey Town
The Buildbase FA Vase
Second Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 24 September 2016
MA Hart Stadium
Winners receive £800 from prize fund
Click here for fixtures
By Chris Bailey
And while Priory may not be flush with cash they are enriched by a long tradition and top-notch facilities that Cherrett believes gives the club huge room for growth.
"Chris and I had a few options such as Verwood Town and Hamworthy United, but Christchurch’s facilities are second to none at this level and the way the club want to play the game with the ball on the ground is really important to us," said Cherrett.
"We met with [chairperson] Fiona Clements and we all agreed that we wanted to get the club back into the Wessex Premier Division.
"There’s a great tradition here – there’s no playing budget but we get very well looked after with coaches to away games, not many clubs do that at this level.
"We have an unbelievable playing surface looked after by three or four gentleman and everyone is pulling in the right direction. I’ve been at clubs during my playing career where everyone lets their opinions get in the way, and it’s not like that here."
Cherrett also has a personal connection with The FA Vase after watching on at Wembley Stadium when boyhood club Wimborne Town lifted the trophy at the expense of Guiseley in 1992.
“I was brought up at Wimborne and going to watch my home side win at Wembley was a great feeling, that stays with you forever," he added.
"It’s always had a special place in my heart and every player wants to get there, though realistically we have to accept we’ve got a small chance.
"But these prestigious tournaments are chances that only come around once every year and it gives us a chance to play with no pressure."
Buildbase FA Vase history
Christchurch enjoyed a deep run in The FA Vase in the 2008-09 season, reaching the fifth round before falling to Chalfont St Peter. Romsey Town have not been further than the qualifying rounds since 1992 but reached the third round proper in 1989.
Did you know?
Christchurch have a proud heritage when it comes to developing youth prospects – former Wolves captain Jody Craddock is an alumnus. And according to Cherrett there are many more players set for success having started their careers at the club.
"The U18 set-up has brought through the likes of Harry Cornick who went to Bournemouth and Brad Cherrett – no relation to me – at Yeovil," he said. "We are looking to develop players here too, it’s always been important to the club."
One to watch
Prolific goal-scorer Luke Stone is worth an honourable mention but, when fit, centre-back Chris Senior is the heartbeat of Christchurch’s side.
"He’s our captain and has played at a higher level with Bridport – he’s an immensely experienced player and we always play better when he is on the pitch," explained Cherrett. "He’s had a few injuries and when he’s not playing we miss him massively."
The prize
The winners will be one of 198 teams to do battle in the first round proper and will also receive £800 for their efforts.
