Worcester City’s Lee Hughes dreaming of Wembley return in FA Vase

By Matt Bishop
Worcester City joint boss Lee Hughes says the Blues squad should need no extra motivation as he dreams of a second trip to Wembley.
The experienced striker, 41, was part of the Kidderminster Harriers squad that lost 2-1 in the 1995 FA Trophy final to Woking, and he will be either on the touchlines or up front for Worcester tomorrow as they play Boldmere St Michaels in the FA Vase.
The tie against their Midland League Premier Division opponents is the first match in a journey that could lead to the famous arch, and Hughes is just as keen now to play at Wembley as he was 22 years ago.
Speaking to The Shuttle, the player/manager said: “To play at Wembley is an honour for anyone and even at my age, it would be fantastic to walk out at the new stadium having played at the old one.
“The lads will need no firing up for this game but I have been mentioning what could be at the end of the tunnel. It should give them the lift to have a right go.
“It was a disappointing result on the day, of course, but it was nice to be there, play there and soak up the atmosphere. I have played at some really nice stadiums but Wembley is something else.
“We went down the day before, trained near the hotel and had a walk around the stadium. It is all about the couple of days you’re there, not just the match.
“It was a great time, a brilliant experience and something to tell the grandkids. I have kept everything from my career so I still have my medal along with the different things. My mum and dad kept them all for me and I have no room in the loft now.
“It was a dream come true and many players don’t get the opportunity. I think that makes it the most important cup competition we’ll play in this season.”
Catch up with all of Saturday’s FA Vase reaction in Sunday’s @NonLeaguePaper.