Golcar United defender Kiero Lawrence has been at the club for over a decade and has seen the Weavers pass many milestones.
Now the 29-year-old centre-back hopes to play in the club’s first ever home FA Cup tie against Trafford FC at the Skye Direct Stadium on Saturday (August 5).
Trafford are in the league above Golcar and Lawrence and his teammates are under no illusions it will be a tough fixture in what is officially called the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.
Lawrence said: “Look at where we have come from to now. The club is holding its first ever home FA Cup match. No one thought that would happen 10 years back when we were in the West Riding League.
“I’ve always dreamt of playing in the FA Cup and here it is, and I want to make sure we can have another game in the competition by winning on Saturday. I didn’t play last year when we played our first ever game in the cup because I was banned after being sent off in a second team fixture. So this will be my first game in the cup and I’m buzzing for it.
“They are a good club, make no mistake, but if we play at our very best I know we have the players to beat them. I’m very excited so bring it on.”
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Golcar started the Northern Counties East League Premier Division season with a defeat but won a pulsating game at Handsworth 3-2 on Tuesday night and promotion is the stated aim.
Lawrence said: “Last season we didn’t start well. We need to change that this time around if we want to achieve what we want to this campaign and that is earning promotion. That’s my aim.
“I want to continue to help this club move up the leagues. We’ve come a long way from that uphill pitch with a fence around it and that’s credit to the club for their ambition.
“Everyone has put real time, effort and money into improving things. Everyone should be immensely proud of what they have already helped this club achieve.”
On what Golcar means to him, Lawrence added: “I care for this club and I play on the edge with real passion. This is my club and when I step onto that pitch I put absolutely everything in 110%. I never leave anything out there. I go into tackles hard and make sure I do all I can to help the team.
“I don’t play at the club for the money, I could get more elsewhere. I play at Golcar because I’ve always believed in what they are trying to do – and I still do.”
Having arrived at the club at the same time as management duo Ash and Gav Connor, Lawrence has built up a special relationship with the pair.
On that he said: “When I first arrived at Golcar I was a striker, and now I play at centre-back. I do like playing in defence, though. The trust and bond I have with Ash and Gav is great, it’s special.
“They completely trust me and I trust them. I would play in any position for Golcar and for them if they asked, even goalkeeper. They have been a huge part in why Golcar are where they are and deserve a huge amount of respect.”
Finally, Lawrence wanted to praise the Golcar faithful and said: “The fans are a huge part of this club. When they get behind us we feel so positive.
“They make a lot of noise and create a great atmosphere, particularly at home. I’m looking forward to once again playing in front of them this season.”
