We can replicate Wembley glory, says record breaker Charles

DARIUS CHARLES says Ebbsfleet United can put their league troubles behind them and go one step closer to retaining their FA Trophy crown, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Fleet make the long trip to face Welsh giants Wrexham in the quarter-finals at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday, knowing they must replicate the performances that they put in last season, which saw them beat Burton Albion, Aldershot Town and Torquay United to lift the silverware at Wembley Stadium last May.

The Fleet may only be five points clear of the Blue Square Premier relegation zone, but Charles insists the Kent side will come back with yet another scalp on Saturday.

“It’s three games away, who knows, hopefully we can do it again and retain our title,” Charles told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Charles, 21, was deeply touched when boss Liam Daish handed him the captain’s armband for the game against Burton Albion, which was abandoned due to snow after 66 minutes, with the Fleet leading 1-0.

“I was quite shocked actually,” was Charles’ reaction. “It’s nice and it gives you a bit of a boost.

“I’m glad the gaffer feels that he can give me the captain’s armband whilst Paul McCarthy’s out, so that was another nice gesture from him.”

Charles was also touched when he made history last month.

MyFootballClub members overwhelmingly ratified his permanent move from Brentford, when more than 3,000 members gave the thumbs-up to the transfer deal with a massive 91.6% of the vote.

The versatile defender arrived at Stonebridge Road at the end of last season on loan and a second loan deal, to the end of this season, was agreed with the Bees in the summer.

Charles has signed a contract until the end of next season in a deal worth £15,000 and a further £10,000 will be payable subject on the performance of the player and the club. The Kent club have also agreed a 10% sell-on clause with Brentford.

And Charles said, “Well, I think myself as a record breaker, it’s nice when people say Darius Charles, they think “ok, he’s the guy who broke the record at Ebbsfleet for whatever reason.”

“It’s nice to be held in that regard. It’s nice to know that fans’ want you at a club.”

Explaining why he wanted to stay on in Kent, Charles said, “To play first team football to be honest. I get on with the gaffer and the players and all the staff really well and I enjoy playing here.

“When I came here initially towards the end of last season, when the opportunity to come here on loan again, I jumped at the chance because people here have made it a really enjoyable experience for me and I want to win loads more at this club.”

Charles, meanwhile, wants to make up for lost time, as he was ineligible for the famous 1-0 win over Torquay United in last season’s FA Carlsberg Trophy Final.

“Last year I was ineligible to play because I wasn’t registered in time,” he recalled.

“But it’s an amazing experience for the boys to play at Wembley and to win.”

Visit Wrexham’s website: www.wrexhamafc.co.uk

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

Wrexham v Ebbsfleet United
FA Carlsberg Trophy Quarter-Final
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AH