BACKING THE FLEET TO WEMBLEY GLORY: I'd love to see them win at Wembley, says Lovell - EXCLUSIVE

STEVE LOVELL wants to see one of his former clubs achieve Wembley Stadium success in the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final at the end of this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Now the full-time manager of Ryman League Division One South outfit Ashford Town, Lovell spent a year as player-manager at Gravesend & Northfleet, then a Southern League club, back in 1996.

And the Fleet are just 180 minutes away from playing Torquay United or York City in the Wembley showpiece on Saturday, 10^th May (2:30pm).

The Football authorities would love an Aldershot Town-Torquay United Final but Liam Daish’s underdogs are relishing upsetting the applecart and getting to Wembley themselves.

But Ebbsfleet United face the challenge of WINNABLE two-legs against the current Blue Square Premier leaders Aldershot Town before Kent can enjoy their big-day out.

The first leg takes place here in the Garden of England at Stonebridge Road on Saturday - the game kicking off at 12:00 noon on police advice.

Then seven days later it’s a trip to Aldershot’s hostile Recreation Ground for that all important second leg with so much at stake.

For us in Kent success at Wembley Stadium has been sparse.  Only Deal Town have won a national competition there - the 2000 FA Carlsberg Vase final.

Tommy Sampson’s side defeated Chippenham Town thanks to a last-gasp Roly Graham strike.

And Dartford lost the 1974 FA Trophy Final to Morecambe.

But like the rest of us here in Kent, Lovell is desperate to see a Kent club reach - and win - at Wembley Stadium.

“I think Liam’s done a great job there,” said Lovell, when speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“The FA Trophy is a fantastic competition for the higher non-league clubs.

“Id’ love them to see them do it, one of my old clubs.”

And Lovell wants Trophy success for young midfielder George Purcell, whose netted five goals for the Fleet this season.

“I know George Purcell, who I had at Gillingham and it would be great for him to have a glimpse of success at such a young age,” he said.

Torquay, York and Aldershot have all staged Football League matches in the past but we all know the Fleet can end Kent’s eight-year Wembley draught.

“Over the two legs Aldershot won’t have it too easy and Ebbsfleet will give them a very, very good semi-final,” said Lovell. “Hopefully we’ll see the Fleet in the final.”

The former Sittingbourne boss added: “Although Gary Waddock has done a great job at Aldershot, his pedigree as being youth team manager at Queen’s Park Rangers has helped him with his coaching and organising skills at Aldershot.”

Are you a former Fleet player and would like to offer your support to the club ahead of the two big games against Aldershot Town?

Click on the CONTACT US button to send us an email, leaving us your name, message and when you were at the club.

Don’t forget that the Fleet are at home to Salisbury City in the Blue Squarer Premier on Tuesday night (7:45pm).

Fans can purchase their tickets for the first-leg against the Shots at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday night.

Prices have been kept to the usual £13 (adults) and £7 (concessions).

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering the games against Salisbury City (Tuesday) and Aldershot Town (Saturday).

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk