Daisy Hill coach Brian Hart was England manager Sam Allardyce’s apprentice in 1975 as a young hopeful at Bolton Wanderers.
And though their career paths may have gone in opposite directions since, Hart’s enthusiasm for the start of the Buildbase FA Vase this weekend certainly stands up against Allardyce’s glee in Slovakia.
The Cutters kick off at home against Northern Counties East League side Garforth Town and cup-football veteran Hart is in his element.
Daisy Hill FC v Garforth Town AFC
Buildbase FA Vase
First Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 10 September 2016
New Sirs, Daisy Hill, Greater Manchester
Winning clubs receive £600 from prize fund
By David Bates
Hart, who used to clean Allardyce’s boots and still keeps in touch in with the Three Lions’ boss, is in his third season co-managing the Greater Manchester side along with sibling team Marc and Craig Thomas after being brought on board by the pair for his vast experience.
The 57-year-old knows all about cup magic, he played in the Rochdale side who made it to the third round in the 1979/80 Emirates FA Cup before losing 3-2 to Bury in a replay.
And with all at Daisy Hill gearing up for Garforth Town’s arrival, Hart has been encouraging The Cutters’ promising youngsters to relish the occasion.
“Fans love it, players love it. It doesn’t matter who you are you are equal when you are on that field,” said Hart, whose team beat City of Liverpool 2-1 at the weekend, following back-to-back 6-2 and 7-2 defeats.
“This is the FA Cup for us, we are excited. It’s the unknown, we play teams we don’t normally play. It is always a challenge and there is always pride at stake.
“Once you get a taste for it, you just want to keep winning. It is good for the form. Ours is abysmal at the moment, but these are the sorts of games that help you.
“It lifts everybody, it lifts the community, you get a bit of interest. It’s excellent, it shows the players what is there if you put the performances in.
“When you get to the FA Cup and FA Vase later stages, there are some great trips and you get to play a club final.
“It is the best opportunity that some of these players will ever get. These are the sorts of games that show off their abilities. If you pull off a decent result against a team that is strong, you soon attract the scouts and other clubs.”
FA Vase history
In 1987 Garforth Town reached the sixth round of the FA Vase, which remains one of the club’s finest achievements.
Daisy Hill have made it to the second round of the FA Vase on a number of occasions without ever progressing further.
Did you know?
Garforth Town began life as a pub team called Miners Arms and after initially playing in exile in Swillington, they stepped up to Saturday action and acquired a ground on a reconstituted council rubbish tip.
The club’s 15 minutes of fame came when former Brazil captain Socrates signed as player-manager on a one-month contract in 2004, he made one appearance against Tadcaster Albion for 12 minutes.
Daisy Hill’s highest-ever attendance came against FC United of Manchester in the North West Counties Premier League Second Division when 1,682 people turned out at Victory Park.
One to watch
Hart says the difficulties of putting together a team during the early season has taken its toll, but with a consistent back four now hitting some form, combined with experience up top and youthful vigour throughout the side, they can make an impact in the Vase.
“We have got a great addition to the squad in Ashley Stott, he is a seasoned campaigner but knows where the goals are,” Hart said.
“He has got a lot in the bag and he is helping a lot of our younger players. We have a young squad and we need that experience.
“Experience for us is 25 years-old and we have five 18-year-olds. We have had a couple of bad results, but we have been very good going forward.”
The Prize
The winners will land an away tie with Bridlington Town or Yorkshire Amateur in second round qualifying, as well as £600 from the prize fund
