Ahead of Derby's 3rd FA Cup visit to Victory Park to visit non-league Chorley FC, we speak with Julian Vass from the Chorley FC Supporters Trust to find out about their season so far!
How exciting are you and the club for this match?
A home game in the FA Cup 3rd Round, does it get much bigger for non league clubs?! Unfortunately the usual buzz in the club we would normally feel just isn't there as fans currently stay away from Victory Park. The hype on social media though is definitely present as fans look at ways to enjoy the game safely from there homes.
It's been a great cup run this year, what has been the secret to the cup success?
As cliché as it sounds, togetherness and a never die attitude. One thing people will have seen from the Wigan and Peterborough games is that our heads did not go down despite going a goal down in both games.
How excited were you when Derby County came out the hat?
At the time of the draw it was all about Wayne Rooney coming to Victory Park but looking at the form tables and Chorley in the FA Cup v Derby's form in the league, the excitement of another upset was definitely the feeling in the air.
Chorley have been in great form recently (despite this weekend's loss). What's been the secret to their success?
It's true what they say in football about a team gelling and clicking. It's taken a few games in but finally they are all singing from the same hymn sheet.
What formation do Chorley normally play?
How are they tactically? I'm no tactician, my record on Football Manager shows that, but we stick to the traditional 4-4-2. It's not often a team breaks us down and gets behind the back line, but if they do then it usually gets swept up and we're quick on the counter. Elliot Newby or Connor Hall on the ball will ensure that happens quickly.
What type of manager is Jamie Vermiglio?
Jamie has been in and around Chorley for a long time so has gained the respect of a lot of life long fans. Whilst the step up to manager has been difficult with the highs of Conference football to the lows of being rock bottom, this year he's managed to get a very settled and well put together team. He comes across as a realist, knows when we've played well and also acknowledges when we've been well beaten. Speaks with a level head and brings a certain time of buzz to the club. But speaking tactically, it seems to be safety first and counter.
Who are the dangermen for Chorley?
I could name quite a few here, Lewis Baines as our wing back, Newby in midfield and our FA Cup hero Connor Hall up front.
Where is the game won and lost from a Chorley perspective?
Being in this round of the FA Cup is a win as it is. Just such a shame we can't watch it at the ground.
What can Derby County expect from Victory Park on Saturday?
It would have been a hostile yet friendly atmosphere if fans had been allowed to attend. It wouldn't surprise me to see or hear a few random shouts from the hedgerow as people make their way to the park or gardens to get a glimpse of the game. Apart from that, they can expect a very old fashioned, worn and cold ground! But, it's our home.
Tell me a little bit about the Chorley FC Supporters Trust. Why is the trust's role and why is it important?
The Trust was formed in 2013 by the amalgamation of the Supporters Club and Magpies Trust. A very long story short, we needed to combine forces in order to keep the Trust alive and we now own a percentage of the football club. The Trusts role is to ensure there is a bridge between the fans and the football club board. This is done by our supporter director and regular contact with fans via social media and our monthly meetings. The importance of the Trust is to keep the fans engaged as much as is possible to how the club is run and ensure the decisions are benefiting not just the fans and the club, but also the community. My biggest aim as a board member is to increase membership and make sure the people of Chorley know what the Trusts aims are.
With the money floating around the game these days, is non-league football still relevant? If so, why?
Without a doubt it's relevant. Non league isn't just about the football, it's the social aspect and the benefits for mental health. It's without a doubt that Victory Park and many other non league grounds around the country act as meeting spots and potentially the only social interaction someone will have that week. It's about feeling part of the family and the community.
What is your score prediction?
I am a realist but also quietly confident. After going a goal down in our last 2 FA Cup games I thought we was going to experience another Doncaster result from 2 years back. With that in mind, 2-1 to Chorley.
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