AFC Telford chief Gavin Cowan up for a good FA Cup run

Cowan reached the proper rounds of the competition twice as a player with the Bucks – taking Southend United to a first-round replay in 2008 and facing Lincoln at the same stage the following year.

He looks back on those runs with a lot of fondness and his charges start out in the second qualifying round tomorrow, against Bedford Town at home.

“I’m a big lover of the FA Cup. When I was a boy, it was the biggest thing in the year,” said Cowan.

“And some of my fondest memories as a player were in the FA Cup.

“It’s really important for us in terms of momentum and amongst the nostalgia, I have a duty to look at the money that comes with it.

“It’s important to try to bring that money in as it is substantial.”

If they win against the Southern League Division One Central side, Telford will get £9,000.

Last season, only 541 watched the Bucks beat Barwell at this stage of the competition.

Cowan has called for similarly strong backing to that they have had for National League North games so far this season – 1,415 were on hand for last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Stockport.

“Why not? We’re doing well in the league and the FA Cup always brings entertainment,” he said.

“Every game that we play in, no matter the competition, is important so hopefully the supporters will come out again and back us.”

Striker Amari Morgan-Smith will not be involved as he is still dealing with a knee problem.

Left-back Steph Morley, who has had a calf injury, could play a part.

On Bedford, Cowan added: “They’ve got some very good players. We look at it as we would any other game.”

Meanwhile, Telford have made long-serving supporter and volunteer Derrick Moore a life member of the club. While appointed a life member, Moore has retired from his role as secretary and member of the Telford United Supporters’ Association. He has served the Bucks as a volunteer for 52 years.

Chairman Andy Pryce said: “We are delighted to recognise Derrick’s incredible 52 years of volunteering.

“Derrick has devoted a huge amount of time to volunteering for the club, we are very grateful for this and this honour is very well deserved recognition of this.”