WEBSTER’S PRIDE AS A WEMBLEY WONDER!
BYRON Webster knows the way to Wembley having won promotion there with both Yeovil Town and Millwall – but the Bromley skipper also knows what a tough task they face against York City. The 34-year-old began his career at the Minstermen, coming through the youth ranks to make his first-team debut in the Conference in 2004.
Since then, the centre-half has enjoyed a successful League career with two playoff wins at Wembley to get into the Championship. While the Ravens’ ultimate goal this season is to go up through the same route, they also have the chance of reaching the FA Trophy final. And Webster knows their opponents better than most. “That’s where I started off many, many moons ago – the youth team and played my first professional game,” Webster says, sat in the new Broomfields Bar & Kitchen at their Hayes Lane home. “So it’s nice, even though a lot has changed.
“I probably know more about York than some of the teams in this league. They’re a sleeping giant. “They’ve obviously got a new ground. I remember when I was there they were saying they were going to move and it’s taken 18 years to do it.
“But, honestly, no one has really spo- k e n about it. Then when we get Saturday out of the way, it will be full prep for York.”
That’s partly because Bromley are having a small dry spell in the league and their focus is on clawing their way back into the top seven.
Their FA Trophy quarter-final win against Solihull Moors shows their capabilities and Webster says confidence is still high. “Listen, we’re going for promotion, we want to be in the play-offs,” he says. “It’s not like we’re at the bottom end scrapping for our lives. It’s a joy, that’s the way I think about it. The promotions I’ve had I’ve always enjoyed it and the lads are buying into that. “I remember at Yeovil, we were unbeaten after four games and then we lost the next six. Football is an emotional game – you’re either up or you’re down. Everyone. The fans, the players, the management – everyone. “I am good friends with Steve Morison. He has a saying, to be that ship sailing through the night. Be steady, be level. That’s what I try and bring to the group.” Webster accepts that last season’s play-off finish brings more expectation this season – both from outside and within the group. “You look at the teams up there,” Webster says. “Wrexham, Notts County, Stockport – who are doing really well with good managers and really good teams. There are massive teams in here. “But little old Bromley – and that’s what we want people to think – can easily go under the radar.”