Hebburn Town boss urges the FA to 'keep the Wembley dream alive' for supporters

The Ebac Northern League Division One club saw their league season ended by the FA’s decision to curtail the 2020/21 season for clubs in steps three to six of the non-league system.

However, the Hornets could still face competitive action before the end of May after the governing body revealed their intention to continue playing FA Vase ties “on the basis that the road map is implemented as set out by the Government earlier this week”.

Hebburn were set to host a fourth round against Northern Counties East League side Liversedge before the government introduced Covid-19 restrictions that led to ‘non-elite’ football being brought to a halt.

More crucially, both Hebburn and Northern League rivals Consett are awaiting news over when last season’s Vase final will be played at Wembley after they set up a historic meeting with semi-final wins in September last year.

Bolam is hopeful that the two North East sides will get their day at the home of football – although did confirm that any communication on the fixture had been limited.

He told the Gazette: “We would like to think that the FA will keep the Wembley dream alive because both ourselves and Consett worked hard to get there.

“We haven’t been told otherwise, but we haven’t had too much communication about the game to be honest.

“I would be bitterly disappointed if this season’s Vase carries on and our final from last year does not take place.

“We want that occasion, we want it to happen for the players, the staff, the committee and, even more importantly, for the town itself because they have been a big part of what is happening at the club.”

Bolam’s side could find themselves of playing two Vase finals in the space of a month if they can continue their run in this season’s competition.

However, the Hornets boss refused to entertain any thoughts of a speedy return to Wembley and focused on a “big challenge” lying in wait against a Liversedge side that have already seen off three Northern League clubs to reach the last 32.

“I am not even considering reaching this year’s final, it’s not even in my thoughts,” explained Bolam.

“We are in the business end of this season’s Vase and that means every tie is a tough one.

“There are some very, very good sides left in the competition and Liversedge are certainly one of them.

“We will do our homework on them as much as we can, but now we just want the players back so we can prepare for the game if it does take place.”