Legend backs Wembley experiment

Davis is backing the Football Association's decision to double up on the same day for the first time by staging the FA Trophy final immediately after the FA Vase at the national stadium.

Billed as Non-League Finals Day, Hereford FC and Morpeth Town are set to battle it in a lunchtime kick-off for the Vase, the trophy famously won by Davis and his side in 2006, before FC Halifax Town and Grimsby Town lock horns for the FA Trophy.

The Crewe Alexandra boss backed the experiment at last Friday night's tenth anniversary reunion of the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division club's FA Vase winners and the launch of a new book charting their exploits at Birmingham City's St Andrews on May 6 2006- 'When Nantwich Turned The Vase Green'.

Staged as part of special celebrations organised by the Nantwich Town Independent Supporters Association (NTISA) exactly a decade later to mark the club's 3-1 win over Hillingdon Borough, the event at the Weaver Stadium was attended by Davis, current manager and then skipper Phil Parkinson and all bar three of the 16 man squad, pictured.

The famous trophy, loaned by the FA for the night, was also in attendance and and Davis said: “I like the way they put the two finals together because of the crowds they get and doing it on different days it will be nice to get one crowd in and maybe people will stay for the second game.

“It’s almost a Non-League day out and a lot of those grassroots football fans have a day’s football and I think if it appeals to people and they enjoy watching grassroots football it’s a great thing to do.”

The Dabbers were just one step away from being at Wembley themselves having knocked out three National League sides before losing out in the semi-finals to FC Halifax. Despite the reverse, Davis likes the way the current Dabbers side are playing under his former captain.

“It sort of reverts back to when I was here playing the right type of football, the quality and type of football then want to watch," he said. "I hope the attendances continue to improve so people can come and support the club and hopefully they can get more and more as they get more successful."

He added: "It’s also great to see, as someone said earlier, the sole is back in the club and I think that has returned.”

Compared by Dabbers director of football operations Jon Gold, fans at the reunion also heard from Albert Pye, Ivan Robertson and Rob Woods, the trio adding their thoughts on the historic season.

Event organiser Ian Garnett said: “Wow, what a fantastic event to celebrate the 10th Anniversary and I'm delighted we got a high number of former players down from the final winning team. I would like to thank them so much for coming down and celebrating with the fans what has been the Dabbers best moment in the club’s history.”

“Also, many thanks to the FA for allowing us to have the FA Vase here for the night. Many people will remember seeing it being lifted by Parky in Birmingham or carried round the town on the open top bus. So it was fantastic to see the trophy back in Nantwich and brought back great memories. All in all, a successful and enjoyable evening for everyone.”

“When Nantwich Turned The Vase Green” was penned by Dabbers press officer and freelance journalist Richard Scott, pictured, a year after he joined the club.

Priced at £4, the book is on sale at the club shop. For more information email: functions@nantwichtownfc.com.

Images courtesy of Simon J Newbury Photography

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