Walker backs Bucks to repeat feat

Once a giantkiller, always a giantkiller - that is the mantra Alan Walker believes can carry AFC Telford United to an FA Cup upset this weekend.

Better than anybody, Walker knows all about the niche Telford created in the early 1980s for humbling Football League clubs in this, the daddy of all football knockout competitions.

Shocks became commonplace at the Bucks Head during that cherished era, and Walker was both the hunter and the hunted.

The lean defender was part of the team which defeated Wigan and pushed another Football League outfit Tranmere to a replay in 1982-3 - the same year captain Walker hoisted aloft the FA Trophy at Wembley.

But the boot was on the other foot two seasons later when he returned as a member of the Lincoln City side dumped out by Telford.

Walker did his best to prevent humiliation at the hands of his former club by scoring in the replay in Shropshire - the original tie ended 1-1 - but it was to no avail.

Telford progressed with a 2-1 victory before tearing apart Preston, Bradford and Darlington on a memorable adventure which ended at Goodison Park with a plucky fifth round defeat to Everton.

Expecting Rob Smith's side to match that achievement is seeking miracles, but Walker believes history can repeat itself 25 years on with a first round Telford victory over League Two strugglers Lincoln.

"I think they have got a real chance," said the 49-year-old, who moved from Telford to Lincoln for £20,000 in October 1983 before enjoying stints with Millwall, Gillingham and Plymouth.

"I know Telford beat Lincoln in a replay in 1984 but I would say Saturday is Telford's shot at it this time with them being at home first.

"What I remember about playing for Telford in those games against Wigan and Tranmere and against Telford for Lincoln was the atmosphere the crowds generated.

"FA Cup days at Telford have always been special - and this could be another."

The club may have changed names and the ground undergone a major facelift since the 1980s, but the whiff of nostalgia will hang over the New Bucks Head on Saturday as legendary manager Stan Storton, and members of his squad which produced that incredible Cup run a quarter of a century ago, are reunited for a pre-match parade.

Despite playing against rather than for Telford on the day Lincoln came a cropper in Shropshire, Walker was invited to be part of this weekend's celebrations - and is disappointed commitments elsewhere will prevent him from attending.

"I've managed Maidstone in the Ryman League (premier division) for the last six years and we play Kingstonian on Saturday," he added.

"I would loved to have been there, or at least for our game to have been closer to Telford so I could have popped up for a few beers with the lads afterwards.

"Unfortunately that's not the case - but it will still be the first result I look for."

Walker's links with Saturday's tie don't end there, having assessed new Lincoln manager Chris Sutton as the former Blackburn forward completed his 'A' licence coaching badge in the summer.

"I work for the English and Northern Ireland FAs assessing for coaching badges and Chris was one of the people who came through," he added.

"We got on really well and I was very impressed with him. I think he will go on to become a top manager, but he has only had a couple of weeks to sort things out at Lincoln which isn't enough time."

So with a foot in both camps on Saturday, where will Walker's loyalties?

"With Telford, no doubt about it," he added. "I had two good years with Lincoln but three great years with Telford.

"They gave me my chance by signing me from Bangor City and I would like to think I repayed them.

"I didn't want to leave and had just signed a four-year contract when Lincoln came in for me.

"But I was young and had the chance to go into the Football League and £20,000 wasn't to be sniffed at by Telford back then.

"It's a club that is still very close to my heart and I would love them to cause another upset."