MAD MAN MACCA’S JUST GOT MADDER!

CRAIG MCALLISTER got called a ‘Mad Man’ when he decided to take over the hot potato of the Gosport Borough manager’s job in the summer – now he’s crazy enough to dream of a Wembley return.

Borough progressed all the way through to the FA Trophy Final in 2013-14 before going down to a 4-0 defeat against Cambridge United at Wembley.

Since then, beleaguered by mismanagement off the pitch, the Hampshire club have endured a torrid few seasons and finished second bottom of the Evo-Stik Southern Premier table last season after winning just five times and shipping a massive 142 goals.

After being spared relegation to Step 4 through the FA restructure, the club turned to the former Crawley Town, Eastleigh and Sutton United striker to help lead the recovery, assisted by fellow Non-League goal getter Matt Tubbs. Under McAllister, Gosport have found their feet again in the Southern Premier South and lie just three points off a play-off place in an ultra-tight division. Now, the 38year-old player-boss is setting his sights on taking the club on another glory cup run in the FA Trophy, starting with the visit of Step 4 neighbours AFC Totton to Privett Park on Saturday.

“That run to the final is still regarded as the ‘good old days’ at this club,” said McAllister, who himself played in the Upton Park final of 2005-06 where his Woking side were beaten by Grays Athletic.

“I’m often reminded how important the FA Trophy is to this club, it’s massive, and we as a group are determined to help the club continue its proud tradition by going as far as we can.

“Playing at Wembley is a dream for any player and while emulating what the club did a few years ago will be extremely difficult, it’s not a chance we’re going to pass up lightly.

“AFC Totton is almost classed as a derby for us. A lot of players have played for both clubs and will know each other well, so we know we can’t take anything for granted.

“Given what happened last season, I’m pleased with the way we’ve started this campaign and if we can just string a few results together on a consistent basis then we can certainly challenge.”