Hebburn Town boss still dreaming of Wembley success

The Hornets reached the semi-final of the competition for the first time in their history last season – but their chances of walking out at the national stadium were put on hold by the Covid-19 epidemic.

The Football Association has already announced the draw for the early rounds of this season’s Vase will be released on Tuesday lunchtime and the first qualifying round is currently set to take place on Saturday 19th September.

However, the governing body have continued to stress that they are committed to completing last season’s competition and that means that Hebburn and Northern League rivals Consett could still play their respective semi-final ties against Corinthian and Bitton for the right to walk out at Wembley.

Bolam admitted that he had allowed himself to dream of becoming the latest Northern League manager to lead his side to a Vase final – but revealed that he understands why the Football Association are being cautious over making a decision.

He told The Gazette: “I would like to have thought we would have some more concrete information about the semi-final by now to be honest.

“But I realise that the FA are working alongside the Government, they are taking everything into account and that’s the main thing.

“All we can do is prepare for it as if it going to happen and that is what we will do.

“I look back at my first season in the Northern League, sitting at Hebburn at full-time in the quarter-final and thinking we were one step away from Wembley.

“I can’t help but think how good that would be, walking out at Wembley with our players representing the club, the town and the Northern League.

“You try not to let the fact it could be taken away get to you.”

Bolam’s side continued their preparations for the new Northern League season with a 4-2 home win against Division Two club West Allotment Celtic on Saturday.

Next up in their pre-season schedule is Tuesday night’s trip to Northern Premier League neighbours South Shields.

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