We can keep making history, says Bromsgrove Sporting boss Smith - The Bromsgrove Standard

We can keep making history, says Bromsgrove Sporting boss Smith

Bromsgrove Editorial 25th Jan, 2017 Updated: 25th Jan, 2017   0

BOSS Paul Smith says there is no reason why his Bromsgrove Sporting squad cannot keep making history ahead of this weekend’s FA Vase last 16 clash against Bristol Manor Farm.

The Rouslers are enjoying their best ever year in the national tournament and are just three rounds from a dream trip to Wembley.

But first they must overcome a Manor Farm side who are running away with things in the Toolstation Western League in the level above but Smith believes his squad is more than capable of producing the goods.

The Sporting boss has also done his homework on last season’s Vase quarter-finalists as he went to watch the Western League leaders secure a 3-1 victory over Lydney Town on Tuesday night.




Smith said: “Manor Farm made nine changes from the game on Saturday which one of my scouts went to see but if what I saw was their second string side it was a very good second string side.

“One thing which stuck out from the off was they liked to play football from the back.


“They have got some very good footballers in their side but like I have always said, the squad I have put together for this level is better than I have ever had before and it can beat anyone on its day.

“What I will be drilling into the players is it is very important as individuals that they do their job.

“To get this far in the Vase as a Step 6 side is tremendous so they should grasp this opportunity as it’s going to be an historic day in Bromsgrove’s history.”

Smith is also hopeful of a record attendance at the Victoria Ground on Saturday after more than 850 printed tickets have been sold as well as those paying on the gate.

A total of 875 people turned out to watch the Rouslers beat Midland League Division One title rivals Leicester Road 1-0 on Saturday but Smith is expecting a four-figure gate this weekend.

“The support we have at this level of football is magnificent as it is,” he added.

“We are attracting bigger crowds than sides a couple of levels above us so the support we receive is out of this world.

“Having that kind of support though is testament to the work we have done both on and off the pitch.

“If you don’t put the work in, play bad football and have a poor environment, you won’t attract the crowds.”

Smith welcomes back Daniel Morris and Keenan Meakin-Richards to the fold for Saturday’s game but with goalkeepers Chris Jay (groin) and Jon Brown (ineligible) out, the Sporting boss is hopeful of bringing in the experienced Ryan Price from Alvechurch to deputise.

*Bromsgrove Sporting officials have urged anyone attending Saturday’s game to get to the Victoria Ground at the latest by 2.45pm to avoid a rush at the turnstiles.

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