Doughty urges Town teammates to steal FA Cup limelight
Matt Doughty urges Warrington Town teammates to steal FA Cup limelight
By Alex Bysouth
Matt Doughty hopes to be fit for the FA Cup clash. Picture: JOHN HOPKINS
ONE of Warrington Town's most experienced players is urging his younger teammates to take their chance in the limelight when Exeter City visit in the FA Cup tomorrow, Friday.
Matt Doughty, who spent 14 years playing professionally with the likes of Rochdale and Chester City, is battling a hamstring injury to be fit for the first round tie.
However, the left back will take comfort in missing out if it means a chance for one of the Yellows' younger stars to shine.
"They are playing for their careers," said the 33-year-old. "There will be a lot of scouts there and people watching on TV.
"They need to prove that they can step up to the mark. They don't want to be spending their whole careers at this level – the FA Cup is a chance to impress.
"If I don't play then it gives one of the young lads a chance and I hope he takes his chance. The limelight is there for anyone to take.
"That experience to play in front of around 2,000 people, against a Football League team, is fantastic.
"It's their chance to show 'can I mix it with players from the League'. I hope they take that chance with both hands."
And Warrington-born Doughty does not think Shaun Reid's side will have any trouble coping with the additional pressure of the television cameras.
"I got to the fifth round with Rochdale when we lost to Wolves live on BBC and played for Altrincham on ESPN," he explained.
"It makes a difference leading up to it, but once you are out on the pitch it's just a normal game. You forget about it.
"I can't see them bringing a lot of support to Warrington on a Friday night when the game is on TV.
"We'll have the fans. Reidy is a born winner and gets you going, so if we can start well we've got a chance."
The proud father-of-three has worked at Warrington Hospital since stepping out of the professional game, but would love one last chance for his children to see him on television.
"Nothing beats training every day," he explained. "I loved football growing up and that's what you dream of as a little boy.
"These things happen, you move out of the League and get a job to support your family. I played 14 years as a pro and was very fortunate to do so.
"I've got Cameron, 13, Mia, 10, and Jake, four. This will be the first time, if I make it, that Jake has seen me play on TV.
"Cameron remembers seeing me play for Rochdale on Sky Sports in the play-offs, but it will be the first time for Jake – I want to get fit just for that!"