Rob Edwards excited for AFC Telford's FA Cup trip to Stafford Rangers - VIDEO
AFC Telford United boss Rob Edwards insists he cannot wait for tomorrow’s FA Cup encounter at Stafford Rangers, adding: “I am looking forward to it immensely.”
The Madeley-born Bucks chief is eager to have a fine run in the competition to lift the spirits of supporters.
Since the club’s reformation in 2004, the furthest they have got is the second round proper – losing 1-0 at Bristol City in the 2014/15 season.
They have already beaten Barwell 2-0 and a victory over Rangers would put them in the fourth qualifying round – one step away from when Football League clubs enter.
“I am excited about the game, I am looking forward to it immensely,” said Edwards.
“We really want to be in the hat for the next round but Stafford will be massively up for it as well, we know that.
"We need to make sure that we more than match them in terms of work rate, really put that effort in.
“And as long as we do that, we have the players who have the potential to be match-winners, come up with that bit of quality for us.”
Like Barwell in the last round, Boro play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier.
Dan Westwood, who Edwards let leave Telford shortly after taking over, is their star striker.
“I think they are different to Barwell,” said Edwards.
“They have Dan, who we are aware of and has got pace so they will look to use that and play the ball around.”
The Bucks were training today, after sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
That has allowed Edwards to extensively plan for the game and he said: “We have had four sessions.
“We had a smaller group on Monday.
“We are still paying the lads part-time money and asking them to be full-time.
“They can’t always make all of the sessions, but it has been a good week with the lads and everyone is raring to go.”
Ryan Wilson is cup-tied having played for Matlock Town in the competition earlier this season.
Jack Rea is still recovering from an ankle injury while Aaron Simpson, who is on loan from Wolves, still has a hamstring complaint.
On the condition of Simpson, Edwards added: “Aaron is still a couple of weeks away.
“He needs to make sure he is right before coming back as with a hamstring there is a high risk of re-injury.”
