FA Cup is all about prestige for AFC Telford United, says Gavin Cowan

Lower-ranked Bedford Town visit the New Bucks Head on September 22 as Cowan’s men enter the competition at the second round qualifying stage.

Due to increased prize money from the FA, £9,000 is on offer to the winner of this round.

Bedford, of the Southern Premier Division Central, play two divisions below National League North Telford.

Cowan said: “To have a home draw is great and we look forward to hosting everyone at Bedford Town.

“We don’t want to take anyone lightly, the FA Cup is the FA Cup.

“The FA Cup is very important to any club at this level but for me it’s the prestige more than the financial.

“As manager knocking on the chairman’s door to have the prize money is helping my case.

“But it’s about the prestige, for me it’s a brilliant competition and very prestigious.”

“I’m quite a traditionalist and, to me growing up, the prestige of the FA Cup was everything. It was the highlight of the year.

“I will tell them (the players) how much it means to have played it and done well. It’s a lovely feeling to have been a part of.

“Some players don’t have many highlights in their career and the FA Cup with Telford are a few that I remember.”

Cowan was part of Rob Smith’s team that took League One outfit Southend to a first-round replay at Roots Hall in 2008 and were unfortunate in losing by two late goals.

The Bucks drew 2-2 – with Southend equalising in the last minute to force a replay – in the first tie in front of more than 3,500 supporters.

The current New Bucks Head chief also spoke fondly of reaching the first round again the following season, where Lincoln City ran out 3-1 winners on another packed afternoon at the Bucks’ home.

“I played some great ties in two great years,” Cowan added.

“It was amazing at our home ground with all the fans. It’s prestigious to everyone.

“Now there’s more financial gain because they’ve upped the money even more and money talks.”