By manager Rob Edwards’ own admission, AFC Telford United fans haven’t had much to cheer about in recent years but his determination to turn around their fortunes remains undeterred.
In their previous guise of Telford United the club far exceeded their non-League status by reaching the Emirates FA Cup fifth round in 1985 and the fourth round in 2004.
Financial issues saw the club fold and reform as AFC Telford United but despite climbing the football pyramid as high as the Conference at one point, FA Cup runs have been less forthcoming.
It’s something Edwards is eager to change starting with success in United’s third round qualifying fixture away at lower league opposition in Stafford Rangers.
“It’s been well documented that the club has had a tough time over the last few years,” he said.
“The fans haven’t had much to shout about in recent years and we know how important the cup is for the club financially.
“A lot of fans have been around and remember those [good] times. They will be frustrated to see the club in this situation with a lot of uncertainty around.
“But you don’t have any God-given right to be in the latter stages of this draw, the first, second, third rounds, etc, but we are a big club at this level and we want to try and re-discover some of that.”
Telford saw off Barwell 2-0 in the second round qualifying and face another Northern Premier League club in Stafford Rangers this Saturday.
And while United will make the short journey to Stafford as favourites, Roberts is not under-estimating Rangers, who will be eyeing a cup upset.
“The FA Cup brings that extra 10 or 15 per cent out of teams and it evens games up. We have to be really at it, compete and win the battles,” he added.
“If we are lucky enough to progress you never know what you will get in the next round but you can’t look any further than Saturday.
“We all have dreams. We want to play against the big boys further down the line but you can’t look beyond this game. Everyone wants to get as far as they can.”
Emirates FA Cup History
In 1985, Telford United took 11,000 fans to their fifth round tie against Everton at Goodison Park but were beaten 3-0 as Peter Reid, Trevor Steven and Kevin Sheedy got the goals.
Stafford Rangers’ best FA Cup run came in 1974-75 when they reached the fourth round where they were beaten 2-1 by Peterborough United.
Did You Know?
Marcus Dinanga, 20, has scored six goals in nine National League North games for AFC Telford United since arriving on loan from Championship side Burton Albion.
The Prize
The winner at Marston Road will earn £12,500 and earn a place in the fourth qualifying round.
