WE’VE LIT UP FACES AROUND THE WORLD

PROUD: Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio EMOTIONAL Jamie Vermiglio believes Chorley have given people, not just in this the country but around the world, a reason to smile during their FA Cup run. The proud Magpies boss saw his side go toe-to-toe with Premier League Wolves on Friday in an historic evening for the National League North club. Vermiglio knows firsthand the impact their fairytale journey has on his Locking Stumps Primary School students where he works as headteacher – and reckons this can inspire them and others. “Up and down the country people are struggling and it’s no different in Chorley,” he said. “We’ve got people who are isolating, people who can’t move outside their house, we’ve got people who have not seen friends and relatives. “Those players in there have given them something to look forward to and that makes me immensely proud. “I’m proud of the performance. I’m proud of what the players have done, not just for me but for everyone. It’s been quite highly documented about my job and the school, what it’s done for that community, not just in the short term, they’re going to remember their headteacher got this far in the FA Cup and it’s going to inspire some of them. “At a moment in our lives when it’s tough to inspire people, I’m so emotional because I feel in such a privileged position to have given those kids and other people that. “We’ve been contacted by people all over the world and I’m delighted we’ve been able to give people something and the magic of the FA Cup is truly still there.” Chorley have raised north of £400,000 from their cup efforts, but now their league season has been suspended. “It’s so frustrating and quite upsetting,” he added. “We’ve worked ever so hard, we’re quite fortunate we’ve had the cup run so we’ve got a little bit of finances behind us so we’re ready to go whereas I understand some clubs aren’t. “I’ve not really thought about it because of the game but I think we’re one that wants to continue when we can.”