I hope the ‘Chorley choir’ will be in full voice again ... and turn back time!
KEN WRIGHT HAS ALREADY SHOCKED WOLVES OUT OF FA CUP ONCE... 35 YEARS AGO HE WAS CUPSET BOSS
FOOTAGE of Chorley’s stunning FA Cup victory 35 years ago still sends shivers down the spines of Wolves fans of a certain vintage.
At the third time of asking the non-leaguers humbled Graham Turner’s Molineux men 3-0 on a muddy pitch in a classic cupset.
Now Chorley chairman Ken Wright – who instigated that shock in his previous guise as manager – is hoping history can repeat itself in front of the TV cameras on Friday night when Wolves travel to Victory Park.
Although there will be no fans, at least the National League North outfit can meet their distinguished visitors on their own turf this time.
“Back in 1986 it was an FA Cup first-round tie which went to two replays, which couldn’t happen now,” said Wright (right).
“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 Wolves fans.
“We drew that game and then the replay at Molineux. The second replay was back at Burnden Park. The ground has great history and it was good for me because I’ve been a Wanderers supporter since I was five.
“To go there and achieve what we did, winning quite easily, was even more pleasing on a personal level.
“I couldn’t believe it when we were drawn against Wolves again. Maybe what happened in the past might work to our advantage – but I think it’s unlikely.
“They are a Premier League club with quality players. It’s a massive challenge but rest assured we will be up for it.”
Back in 1986, Wolves had been on the slide and fallen into football’s fourth tier but the years haven’t dulled talk of one of Chorley’s greatest achievements – one that sits nicely alongside the exploits of Jamie Vermiglio’s current side who have left Wigan Athletic, Peterborough and Derby County in their FA Cup slipstream this season.
Wright added: “Ten years ago we got together all the players and staff who were involved in those games against Wolves, for a 25th anniversary celebration in our social club at the ground.
“Not many missed it. They were a good group, a lot of great characters. That’s why we did so well, and it’s why this present group are doing well. You need a few good characters in your dressing room to get you up for every game.
“I was presented with a cake which was lovely.
“You never know, later in the year we might be able to stage a double celebration if we can create another shock.”
Wright, 76, owns the club together with business partner Graham Watkinson.
“My involvement with Chorley goes back to 1983 when I became manager,” he explained. “I left in the early nineties only to return for a second spell as the manager.
“Later I stepped into the boardroom as a director and in 1995 the then chairman passed away and I got the poisoned chalice.
“But it mustn’t have been too bad because three years ago with Graham we ended up buying it.”
Thanks to the FA Cup run, which could end up bringing in around £500,000, the club’s future feels secure.
Wright admitted: “We would have struggled badly financially if we hadn’t had this Cup run.
“We really appreciate the
Connor Hall scores Chorley’s first goal i the victory over Derby County remuneration we’re getting from it. It’s been a godsend.”
He’s still happy to leave the singing of the traditional Chorley victory song – Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ – to others.
“I leave that to the Chorley choir,” he smiled.
“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.
“The FA Cup has shown what we are capable of.”
Chorley groundsman Ben Kay, who slept overnight to help safeguard the thirdround game against Derby, has now been invited to Wembley to assist in the preparation of the surface for the Final itself.
Wright added: “Could we be following him? You can always dream can’t you?”