Dougie Pitts and Jamie Vermiglio are thick as thieves, best men at each other’s weddings, godparent to each other’s children and constantly discussing the ins and outs of the football teams they coach.
But this week that friendship turned to rivalry as Pitts’ Ashton Athletic were drawn against Vermiglio’s Chorley FC in the FA Cup third round qualifying, with the added spice of the tie being broadcast live on TV.
Ashton are one of the lowest ranked teams still in the competition and taking on a team three levels higher in the English football pyramid, Pitts is hoping to cause a cup upset as well as get one over an old friend.
“The assistant manager at Chorley, Jamie Vermiglio, is my best mate,” said Pitts. “He was my best man and I was his best man, so there’s nothing they don’t know about us and nothing we don’t know about them.
“Every Saturday night he’ll be on the phone to me and telling me how they’ve got on and who’s done well and so on.
“As soon as the draw came out we were straight on the phone to each other.
“We played them last season in the semi-final of the Lancashire Trophy, we drew them in normal time and beat them on penalties.
“So we’re already winning 1-0, Jamie can only get it back to 1-1 really can’t he?!”
Aside from being a fantastic opportunity to secure bragging rights over a mate, Saturday’s game is also a huge occasion for Ashton with it being the best run in the competition in the club’s history.
Pitts’ side beat Albion Sports 4-0 in the previous round and now play host to Chorley, incidentally managed by former England international striker Matt Jansen.
The game is creating quite a buzz in the north-west, particularly at Orrell Newfold Primary School where Pitts works as a primary school teacher.
“I teach in year six so they’re top end of the primary school,” Pitts added. “I’ve made sure they all know we’re on telly!
“A few of them play for the junior side as well so it’s really nice for them to see the club progressing.
“All the staff know about it and it’s great to be in the limelight with Ashton for a bit.
“It’s hard to juggle being a manager and teaching, I’ve got a young family as well but you do the things you love don’t you.
“I’ve always been involved in football so it’s just something that I’ll always do.”
Emirates FA Cup History
Ashton have already gone one stage further than their best ever FA Cup run - last season the club were knocked out in the Second Qualifying Round, losing 5-0 to Halifax Town.
Meanwhile, Chorley have reached the FA Cup Second Round twice, in 1986-87 and 1990-91.
Did You Know?
Chorley manager Matt Jansen was widely expected to go to the 2002 World Cup with England, but Sven-Goran Eriksson opted for a different squad makeup and selected defender Martin Keown instead.
The Prize
The winner at Brocstedes Park will earn £12,500 and a place in the fourth qualifying round.
