FINAL THIRD
Ex-Football League striker Peter Beadle to smarten up for Wembley
PETER Beadle had a lengthy career in the Football League as a powerful striker, but this afternoon could top the lot – and he’s promised to smarten up for the occasion!
The former Gillingham, Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, among others, forward will lead out his Hereford team against Morpeth in the FA Vase final at Wembley.
On for the quadruple, the 44year-old wants to make sure the Bulls’ first ever season is the ultimate and will be a changed man at the home of football – he’ll be casting his famous red matchday cap aside and will dust off his suit for the first time in years!
State
The Hereford boss will usually not be seen dead in anything but his tracksuit and baseball cap and says he is more than aware that he “looks a state” on the sidelines.
But even the unstylish former Newport County boss has standards and, despite the leisurewear combo bringing him luck this season, he will make a big wardrobe alteration for the Vase final.
He said:“This won’t come as a huge surprise to many people but I’m not the smartest dressed manager in the world. Wait and see… I may just have something up my sleeve.
“The cap may go – but only for the beginning part of the day. I am saying no more than that. It will be there for the game but I will be keeping you all guessing – you’ve got more chance of getting my team out of me!”
As a club we have spoken this year about doing things the right way and I just think leading my team out at Wembley in a tracksuit is probably not the right thing. All the staff have lovely new suits so you’ll be seeing something rather special even if the football’s not!”
The Bulls are going to have to try to get the better of a real golden oldie if they’re to taste success under the arch.
Opponents Morpeth are set to field ex-Doncaster, Ipswich, Bury, Rotherham and Oldham defender Chris Swailes in their ranks – at the ripe old age of 45!
“We are not just here to make up the numbers as little Morpeth,” he said.“We are going to go out there with the hope of winning the game and providing a special moment for the fans. I am hoping that by three o’clock I will be lying in the bath in the changing rooms with a nice can of beer and a winner’s medal!”
After two retirements and subsequent comebacks, Swailes is still enjoying playing.
“I am absolutely loving it at the moment although I am certainly not as quick as I was when I first started!” joked the veteran. “A lot of people say that you should play as long as you can and I have certainly taken that literally! I have had broken legs, heart surgery and several operations but I still love the game.”