Why Wagstaff is dyeing for a victory after his promise
As well as being desperate for a win against Millwall, AFC Wimbledon’s man of the moment, Scott Wagstaff, has one big hope for today’s FA Cup tie: that it does not rain.
After fulfilling his pledge to dye his hipster beard the club’s blue-and-yellow colours if his side beat West Ham to reach this stage, Wagstaff is petrified of what would happen should the heavens open above Kingsmeadow. “I’m really hoping it doesn’t rain,” he says with a broad grin. “Otherwise the beard will run! And, after the game, it better wash out – otherwise I’m going to have to shave it off, and nobody wants that.”
Wagstaff ’s infectious energy and willingness to send himself up has been a key part of the dressingroom spirit that has carried AFC to their first FA Cup fifth round. Throw in midfielder Anthony Wordsworth’s lucky crystal stones and players celebrating beating West Ham with a 1am Mcdonald’s, and you can see why comparisons are being made with Wimbledon’s legendary Crazy Gang Cup winners of 1988.
For Wagstaff, who scored twice in the 4-2 win over West Ham last month, the past few weeks and the surrounding hoopla around his facial hair have been the highlight of a career spent bobbing around the lower leagues.
At 28, the midfielder is determined to enjoy his moment in the spotlight: “It’s good fun. I’ve not had that in my career, really. It’s nice. Anyone who says it is not, I think they are lying a little. I have been recognised a bit more. I’ve been stopped in the street and
‘It better wash out – otherwise I’m going to have to shave it off, and nobody wants that’
people asking ‘when is the beard getting done?’”
Now that the most embarrassing part of his pre-match preparations is complete, Wagstaff can focus on beating Championship side Millwall and continuing the unlikely run. “Hopefully we can surprise them with some new tricks up our sleeves,” he says.
And thankfully for Wagstaff, no rain is forecast.