‘We can dream’ - Stafford Rangers boss eyes FA Cup giant killing

Graham Deakin is daring to dream as Stafford Rangers target an FA Cup giant killing - and a party into the night.

The eyes of the nation will be on the Boro at midday on Sunday when they take on League Two Grimsby Town in the first round proper, live on television.

It is the first time in 20 years that Stafford have reached this stage, and boss Deakin is determined to see their remarkable journey from the extra preliminary round continue.

Asked about the prospect of a historic upset, he told the Express & Star: “We can dream, can’t we?

“I want us to compete. If we’re at our maximum and there’s a couple at Grimsby that have an off day, we’ve got an opportunity and a chance to go and win the game.

“I’m not nervous. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it. I’m confident and I think the players can feed off my energy.

“I’ve told the club to put an extra 10 bottles of Rose in the bar because I’ll be drinking them if we win.

“But the biggest thing for me is seeing people smile, seeing people be happy and giving a little bit back to the fans and to the community.

“And if we can win a game of football, brilliant, because I think we’ll all be partying late into the night.”

The Boro are in line for a potential £100,000-plus windfall. They will receive a £50,000 broadcast fee, with victory over Grimsby guaranteeing a further £47,750 in prize money. Even defeat would earn the non-league side £15,800.

But Grimsby will be wary of the threat, having experienced a giant killing of their own when they knocked Manchester United out of the EFL Cup last year.

“Grimsby have had their giant killing and hopefully we can have one on Sunday as well,” Deakin added.

“My biggest inspiration and the best memories I’ve got of the cup run so far is the smiles on people’s faces.

“The older generation that have suffered a little bit in recent years. But to see the new fans that are coming through, to see them smiling, cheering and singing. They’re the best memories for me.

“I just want to bring good times back to this football club. At the moment, that’s happening. But it’s just a start. The main aim is to try and get the club promoted.

“This club and this town has been crying out for a good cup run over recent years. It’s been 20 years since we last reached this stage. To be part of that and to be manager of that, I’m so, so proud.”

Stafford will once again be backed by a sell-out crowd at Marston Road, with Deakin having described the support throughout their cup run as “fantastic” and as the “12th man”. He knows they will need that backing again on Sunday.

“They really are a difference and we’re going to need them more than ever on Sunday,” he said.

“It will be a very, very difficult game. Grimsby are a fantastic side, a fit side. They run and that comes from their manager.

“Hopefully, we can be the same against them and pull off a shock.”