Ex Grays boss Stimmo still loves FA Trophy

From the archive, first published Friday 9th Mar 2007.

Stevenage Borough manager Mark Stimson is hoping to continue his love affair with the FA Trophy when he returns to Grays Athletic tomorrow.

The former Southend United defender won the trophy as a player while with Canvey Island in 2001 and went on to taste further success as manager of Grays.

Stimson led the Recreation Ground club to glory in the competition, as they emerged victorious in both 2005 and 2006.

And, having reached the semi-finals with his latest club this season, he is keen to continue that fine record.

"The FA Trophy is a great competition and it holds a lot of fantastic memories for me," said Stimson.

"I've tried to get that over to the players here and we've been taking it very seriously so far. We've done well to get this far and we're looking forward to facing Grays."

The clash between Stimson's past and present sides will be decided over two legs, with the first being held at the Recreation Ground tomorrow.

The tie will then be decided at Broadhall Way next weekend.

But Stimson would rather have met Grays in the final.

"I would have preferred that if I'm honest," he said.

"It would have been a great day and either Grays or myself would have gone on to make history because no-one has ever won the Trophy three times in a row.

"It hasn't happened though and it will be a tough game for us. There are still a lot of good players at Grays and I'm sure they will make things hard for us.

"But over two legs the best team will go through and I obviously want that to be us."

The winners will face Northwich Victoria or Kidderminster Harriers in the final and Grays' current boss Justin Edinburgh is also desperate for success.