On Friday evening, Richie Hamill will lead Sheppey United for the biggest game in the Clubs history as League Two side Walsall visit Holm Park under the gaze of the ITV cameras as the First-Round proper weekend of the Emirates FA Cup begins, and Hamill cannot wait! 

“It’s a massive honour for me to captain the side on such a big day for the Club,” the skipper explained.

“I have been at the club for five or six years now, the captaincy was thrust upon me at the time, and we have gone from strength to strength and grown as a team especially from this time last year.

“We tried to keep as much of the squad together as we can and we have got stronger and in the dressing room, we are not too surprised that we have got this far!” 

“Obviously we’ve taken it game by game, but we know we’re capable of beating anybody on our day.” 

“By beating Merthyr and Billericay, I think we have shown the level that we want to be at next year and it has been a good test for us against teams from the higher level, especially Billericay who are fancied to win the Isthmian Premier if not be right up there. So, it is good that we can compete with teams like that should we get to that stage next year. 

“Walsall are going to be a massive challenge but as the Gaffer has said, it is a one-off game and we fancy ourselves down here against anyone, we know that we will have to be at our very, very best and them have an off day, so hopefully we can put on a show. 

“I hope that our supporters will get behind us as they did against Billericay and make some noise making the game hostile for the away team and possibly helped us in parts of the game where we were struggling a little bit or being under the cosh a little bit.” 

“Friday will be right up there in my career probably the biggest game that I’ve ever played in and hopefully the win will make it even sweeter!” 

Image courtesy of Sheppey United FC