They say failing to prepare is preparing to fail and it’s a mantra that Warrington Town manager Paul Carden sticks to when it comes to the Buildbase FA Trophy.
In the previous round, Warrington were invited to use Charlton Athletic’s training ground ahead of their win over National League side Ebbsfleet, and it paid off handsomely.
The two managers met through Addicks boss Karl Robinson’s brother Craig, who once played for Warrington, and Carden is ensuring his players get the full professional treatment once again this weekend.
“I wanted to make sure the lads had the full experience of being a full-time player so we travelled Friday morning before Ebbsfleet got to Charlton’s training ground at 2pm,” Carden explained.
“We trained there and then went back to the hotel, had an evening meal and a team meeting.
“I have known Karl for a long time in football circles, his brother Craig has been assistant at Warrington and he was at Blackpool with me.
“When I was at Tranmere Karl let us use MK Dons’ facilities, he’s such a help to us.
“He knows how hard it is and if you can help people you give them a leg up because he knows we will really appreciate it.”
But the hard-working nature of Carden’s team means Warrington will have to travel on Friday night this time around as too many players cannot get time away from their part-time jobs.
That won’t stop Carden though who is planning another team evening to ensure his players are fully prepared for the challenge of Wealdstone in their third round tie.
“We will do everything properly with presentation on the opposition,” he said. “I want to make sure the experience is as valuable as possible.
“The lads loved it last time and it really showed in the performance and I hope it can happen again.”
“It’s becoming more and more apparent, people are looking to lads from our level and rightfully so.
“Wealdstone lost a player (Abo Eisa) to Shrewsbury and they may go to the Championship – that’s the opportunity this competition can provide.”
Did you know?
In 2014-15 the club reached the first round of The FA Cup for the first time in their history, where they beat League Two Exeter City 1-0 with a seventh-minute header from defender and plasterer Craig Robinson, the brother of Charlton manager Karl Robinson, in a giant-killing at Cantilever Park.
FA Trophy History
In 1992–93 Warrington Town reached the quarter finals of The FA Trophy, eventually losing 2-1 at Sutton United, so reaching the fourth round on Saturday would equal their record of the furthest they have gone in the competition.
Wealdstone FC won the competition in the 1984-85 season, beating Boston United 2-1 at Wembley, and more recently reached the semi-finals in 2011-12 but fell to Newport County.
The Prize
The winner will pick up £8,000 and a place in the fourth round.
