'I love the club, I just absolutely love football' - Consett chairman Frank Bell opens up on Wembley dream ahead of Hebburn Town clash

Bell has overseen a remarkable transition at the Northern League Division One club as he approaches the tenth anniversary of his chairmanship.

A move from their old Belle Vue home to a new purpose-built Belle View facility has paid dividends by becoming a central hub for Bell’s hometown.

The club’s junior system is thriving, and plans are underway to increase the numbers of young players wearing the club’s colours.

Messages of support have flooded in as Consett prepare for their first visit to Wembley and Bell has revealed his pride at representing the town and supporters of all ages.

“I love the club, I just absolutely love football,” he explained.

“I come to the ground on a Tuesday night, and I see 200 boys and girls playing and training with our junior teams, wearing our strips – you can’t help but feel that pride.

“I don’t often get the chance to sit back and think about it, but when I do, it’s something to makes me think of how much I love everything we do here.

“To represent our club, our town, and the supporters at Wembley in an FA Vase Final will be a fantastic moment for us all.

“Both myself and Dianne (Bell’s wife) are both looking forward to a massive occasion for the club and for our town.

“It will be one of the greatest days of my life.”

The government’s decision to not all the Vase final to be used as a test event for the safe return of supporters means that the ‘Conny Army’ will be watching events at Wembley from afar.

However, Bell revealed that they will still make their presence felt as the Steelmen players get their preparations underway under the famous arch.

“We have prepared a video of the supporters and that will go on the video screen at Wembley when the players come out to prepare for the game.

“They will see and hear our supporters and they will know that the people of Consett are right behind them.

“It’s a small way to have the fans at Wembley, they will be seen and heard at Wembley.”

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