The only thing tarnishing Windsor FC’s first foray into the Buildbase FA Vase fifth round is the injury to 45-year-old former Fulham striker Barry Hayles.
Hayles will miss the weekend visit of Hamble Club due to a fractured hand, but will be on the touchline helping to oversee the team in his role as player-coach.
He was a relative latecomer to the FA coaching pathway and is currently working towards his UEFA B badge, but is relishing the challenge and hopes to go all the way to the top.
“I didn’t think coaching would be something I’d want to do, which is why I’m 45 and not fully qualified yet,” he explained.
“But now I’ve grasped it with both hands and am thoroughly enjoying it. I wish I’d tried it earlier.
“I’m still learning, pulling things from different experiences, but managing at the highest level would be brilliant for me, coming from where I come from.
“I’ve got those aspirations, most definitely.”
Having spent several seasons playing non-League football as a youngster, Hayles was handed his first professional contract by Bristol Rovers at 25 after impressing for Stevenage Borough in the FA Cup.
So he knows first-hand that success in the Vase is not just important to the club but can be a springboard for any young players with professional aspirations.
“I do harp on about my experiences and where I’ve come from,” he added. “A lot of the boys here are young enough to go on and make a decent career in the game.”
“Any advice I can give, as well as the knowledge of being around non-League games for so long, is beneficial. Sometimes it can be quite a lot to take on, but the boys have responded brilliantly.”
Now though, Hayles' focus is solely on Windsor, ninth in the Hellenic League, the ninth tier of English football, and their current cup run is a huge bonus to their season.
Hayles went on a scouting mission with manager Mick Woodham to Hamble Club last Saturday and is aware of the importance to the club formed in 2011 out of the ashes of Windsor & Eton FC.
“It’s massive,” he said. “It’s the biggest game for the club as a whole, so we’ve been doing all we can to try and get through to the next round.”
Buildbase FA Vase History
Windsor have never reached the fifth round proper before. They made it to the second round in 2015, losing 3-1 away at Hartley Witney. This is Hamble Club’s first time competing in the FA Vase.
Did you know?
Windsor & Eton reached the first round of the FA Cup twice in three seasons between 1980 and 1983. On each occasion they conceded seven goals, a 7-2 defeat away at Wimbledon and then a 7-0 loss at home to Brentford.
The Prize
The winner receives £2,250, while the loser will take home £750.
