GAV’S BUCKING THE TREND
GAVIN COWAN believes AFC Telford United reaching the final four of the FA Trophy shows why you shouldn’t be afraid to shoot for the stars.
The Bucks beat Solihull Moors and will now take on Leyton Orient in the two-legged semi-finals later this month with a place at Wembley the prize.
National League North rivals Stockport County will play AFC Fylde in the other tie following their 3-0 humbling of Maidstone United in the replay last Tuesday.
Like the Hatters, Cowan’s side are also making a push for promotion in what is fast becoming a remarkable season.
And it shows Cowan was right to stick his neck out when he took over in the summer and say he thought they could achieve big things.
“I’m a big believer that if you believe something you have to be vocal about it and go all in,” Cowan told The NLP.
“I think a lot of people would like things to happen, they have an idea and they pursue it to a certain level. Whereas, I’m one of them – I’m a bit two-footed in everything I do. I’m very committed and if I believe something can happen I will be very vocal about it.
“Coming into the job I think there were a few sideways looks and some murmurs under the breath when I was saying, ‘Look, I know the budget’s not great, I know it hasn’t been great for a couple of years but there’s no roof on what we can achieve with togetherness. Why can’t it happen?’
“Fortunately the staff and players have bought into the vision I presented to them. The supporters have bought into that as well, everybody is behind this ‘Trust the Process’ that we’re driving.
“It could have gone wrong for me, but at no point did I deter from believing in that. If you genuinely believe something, you’ve got to be courageous enough to say it. But also work hard and make it happen.” Cowan, who captained Telford as a player during a successful period in the club’s history, says a squad full of “honesty and integrity” is getting its rewards. “A lot is spoken about budgets and resources,” Cowan said. “Ultimately you have to play the hand you’re dealt. It’s not about what you haven’t got but we’re very fortunate at our football club in that there’s a lot we have got.
“That might not be in the way of finances, but it might be in other things. Our partners like Lilleshall National Sports Centre have been really supportive with us, local businesses are re-engaging, the supporters are coming back out and believing in what we’re doing – there’s a real connection.
“That’s what I said I wanted to achieve when I came into the job and we’re doing it through a lot of hard work on the staff ’s part as well as the players.”
There’s no doubting the size of the task ahead with a trip to Orient in the first leg.
“What an amazing occasion it’s going to be,” Cowan said. “I imagine Brisbane Road will be near enough packed out and our ground will be packed out. It’s a phenomenal experience for us and one we’re going to be revelling in.
“We go in there and we’re able to play with some freedom and courage and enjoy the occasion. But the biggest part of enjoying it will be achieving. We want to go to Wembley.”
A Jake Kirby double and Jordan Keane’s sealer eased Stockport County past National League Maidstone. Jim Gannon’s side, who took on title rivals Spennymoor Town yesterday, will travel to Fylde on March 16 before hosting the second leg a week later. Pick up next Sunday’s NLP for full FA Trophy semi-final previews