Express & Star

Stourbridge do not fear Billericay Town, says boss Gary Hackett

Stourbridge have had some big cup ties over the past few years.

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Gary Hackett’s charges made it to the third round of the FA Cup last season.

They won 1-0 against League One side Northampton before exiting the competition at the hands of League Two outfit Wycombe, in front of more than 6,000 fans at Adams Park.

And now, in the second round of the FA Trophy, they head to Billericay Town.

Managed – as well as owned – by multi-millionaire Glenn Tamplin, the Essex club have been in the national spotlight for the past year or so, for both good and bad reasons.

Big-money signings, Tamplin and his players singing R-Kelly’s ‘The World’s Greatest’ in a huddle pre-match, a bizarre mural and changing room being unveiled – many want to see Billericay fail in their quest to rise through the leagues.

They currently sit second in the Isthmian Premier – step three of non-league.

The Glassboys are 10th in the Evo-Stik Premier – also step three.

Billericay have former Wolves duo Jamie O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant in their ranks, but Stour boss Hackett is not worried.

He respects the New Lodge side, but does not fear them.

“Name alone, we don’t get worried about that,” he said

“Those players have had fantastic careers but it’s about what they’re doing now.

“And we have players capable of stepping up, we have quality.”

O’Hara and Pennant are fit and available, while fellow ex-Molineux man Kevin Foley is also on their books.

Former Arsenal winger Sanchez Watt is another in their squad, while left-back Paul Konchesky – capped twice by England – recently left the club.

“It has been well-chronicled, the manager/owner and the amount of money they’ve been spending – and the players that they’ve signed,” said Hackett.

“The money they’ve been spending is well above what anybody at this level has seen before.

“We go there with confidence, though, believing we can get the win.”

Stourbridge are taking three coaches of fans to Billericay, who regularly attract crowds of more than 1,000.

Hackett is hoping to provide another memorable cup occasion for the Glassboys faithful, and added: “There are three coaches going down there and there’ll be some people making their own way there too.

“It’s a very exciting tie, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Stour have midfielder Richard Batchelor – signed from Stafford Rangers this week – unavailable as he is cup-tied.

Ex-Halesowen Town striker Kaiman Anderson – on loan from Southport – is also cup-tied.

The Glassboys, though, are set to be boosted by the return of Kyle Perry and Aaron Forde from injury.