Dragging an incandescent Vinnie Jones onto the team bus sits among Steve Marshall’s many and varied roles as a devoted volunteer at Wealdstone FC.
Marshall has worked at the club since 1963 in every job you could think of; managing the first team, editing the programme, sitting on the board and running matchday operations.
Jones’ involvement was far briefer, spending three seasons with the Stones before moving to Wimbledon where he would achieve FA Cup immortality in the 1988 final.
But the midfielder turned Hollywood star missed out on Wealdstone’s Buildbase FA Trophy triumph at Wembley in 1985 and was enraged by their early exit the following season.
Marshall said: “I recall Vinnie being absolutely distraught after we lost to Northern League side Southbank in a fourth round tie that had been postponed four or five times.
“He was so desperate to get to Wembley after being in the stands the previous year. Our time with Vinnie wasn’t without incident.
“It was a challenge getting him out of the car park that day. He was a good lad and worked very hard in his time with us."
Jones’ move came about partly due to the friendship between Dons manager Dave Bassett and Brian Hall, who led Wealdstone to their historic Conference and Trophy double in 1985.
Hall, assisted by Les Reed - now vice-chairman at Southampton - had such a fixture backlog he let Marshall take the reins for games in the Capital League, contested between London sides.
In fact, the only thing Steve hasn’t done at the west London side is play for the team, although he was backup goalkeeper on several occasions and only a freak injury away from featuring.
With Bobby Wilkinson newly at the helm, the Stones have recaptured the cup spirit of yesteryear in a run that has included wins over Hereford and Warrington Town.
The Buildbase FA Trophy is intrinsic to the club’s story and Marshall’s fondest memories are of 10,000 Wealdstone fans walking to Wembley for the Trophy final, though it's Billericay Town who lie in wait at the weekend.
“Playing in FA competitions is everything for us.” said Marshall. “With Gordon being here for so long, it’s been fair to say the transition with Bobby hasn’t been without its problems.
“He manages to get results though and if you’re doing that you’re not getting much wrong. Every team we’ve beaten in the Trophy have been play-off contenders in their league.
“The competition is absolutely vital for us and we meet other clubs and go to places you wouldn’t dream of. The Trophy is the blue riband prize for non-League clubs and it’s always dear to our hearts.”
Photo credit: Colin Evans
