Wright hopes history repeats
FOOTAGE of Chorley’s stunning FA Cup victory at a muddy Burnden Park 35 years ago still sends shivers of fear down the spines of many older Wolves fans.
At the third time of asking the non-leaguers humbled Graham Turner’s side – the four-time winners of the famous trophy – 3-0.
Fast forward to 2021 and after beating Derby in the last round, Chorley chairman Ken Wright, who was behind the first shock in his previous role as manager, is hoping history can repeat itself in front of the cameras on Friday night when Wolves travel to Victory Park.
Although there will be no fans, at least the National League North outfit can finally meet their visitors on their own patch.
“Back in 1986 it was an FA Cup first-round tie which went to three games which, of course, couldn’t happen now,” said Wright.
“We were forced to move the first game, which was a home tie, to Bolton’s Burnden Park because it was deemed our facilities wouldn’t be able to cope with the influx of Wolves fans.
“We drew that game and also the replay at Molineux.
“The second replay was again at Burnden Park.
“The ground has great history and it was good for me because I’ve been a Bolton Wanderers supporter since I was five years old.
“To go there and achieve what we did was even more pleasing on a personal level.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it when we were drawn against them.
“The ambition is to take this club as far as we can.
“We got into the National League a couple of seasons ago and we were then looking at the Football League.
“That has got to be your ambition as a nonleague club. That’s the dream.”