Feature Story: 41 Years of Wait: Wealdstone's Return to Wembley

Image credit: Sam Coffey Media

The word “Wembley” has been mentioned before at Wealdstone Football Club. Quietly at first. Then a little louder with each passing round of the Isuzu FA Trophy campaign.

Now, for Wealdstone keeper Dante Baptiste and his teammates, Wembley is no longer something to whisper about.

“It’s my first full season in professional football,” Baptiste said. “I’m so grateful because playing at Wembley is what everyone dreams about.”

A place in the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium is secured. The dream is real.

“It’s a huge moment,” said Wealdstone captain Jack Cook. “Not just for me but we’re all delighted to be able to do it for everyone at the club.”

For Wealdstone, the return to Wembley has been 41 years in the making.

A landmark moment in the club’s history came back in 1985, when the Stones won the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium with a 2-1 victory over Boston United.

This triumph confirmed a historic double for Wealdstone in 1985, as they were crowned champions of the Gola League, which is now known as the National League, alongside their FA Trophy success.

That was the past. Now, a new chapter is being written, with the Stones once again bound for Wembley in the FA Trophy final, where Southend United await.

Having featured in every round of the FA Trophy, Deon Woodman knows better than most that the road to Wembley has been anything but straightforward.

“Facing Cheshunt and Dagenham in the early rounds, we were favourites. But going to Forest Green, I think everyone had us written off. We went there and caused an upset.”

“Then Kidderminster in the quarterfinals and the drama with the penalties. The journey has been really exciting 100%.”

Although “exciting”, the journey to Wembley has not been without its challenges.

A change in management midway through the campaign saw Gary Waddock replace Sam Cox as head coach.

“We’ve adjusted really well,” said Woodman. “Obviously, it’s not easy losing a manager, but we’ve stuck together. We’ve played the way we want to play, whilst still having freedom. So, I’d say the transition has been easy on the group.”

It all led to one defining moment.

Deep into stoppage time, a 92^nd minute winner against Marine AFC in the FA Trophy semifinal, assisted by goalkeeper Dante Baptiste, secured a 1-0 victory and Wealdstone’s place at Wembley.

“From one to eleven we defended well,” said Baptiste. “We had real determination as we knew what was on the line and we kept a clean sheet at the end of the day, so I’m extremely happy!”

“A 1-0 win is the best feeling in football so you really can’t complain!”

As the final whistle blew, crowds swarmed the pitch of Grosvenor Vale and the significance of the moment began to sink in.

“It’s a huge moment for me personally,” said Cook. “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve been to Wembley, but I am absolutely delighted to be able to do it for all the fans that support us home and away all season.”

“It’s what everyone dreams of to be at Wembley at the end of the season, so we’re all really proud.”

“The fans were massive today, even when we walked out to do the warm-up, to hear the fans it was an incredible feeling.”

“There was a real buzz and feel about the place. The more fans we can get to Wembley as possible is what we’re looking for as they are what brings the energy!”

For a club that has waited over four decades to return to Wembley, the connection between the players and the fans has never felt stronger.

Yet even now, Wealdstone continues to be underestimated.

“We’ve been underdogs the majority of this season,” said Baptiste. “We’ve continued to strive to improve, get better and defy the odds. We will continue to do so.”

This is a theme that has followed the Stones throughout their entire FA Trophy campaign.

“I think everyone had us written off,” said Woodman. “We caused a huge upset. Although we’ve had a few bleeps in form in the league this season, in terms of character in must win games, we’ve shown we’ve got that.”

Now, the reward is a chance to live out that dream and play at the home of football, Wembley Stadium.

“Wembley would mean everything to me,” said Woodman. “I think if you ask anyone, everyone wants to play there.”

“It’s a dream to play there. And when you’re young, growing up, that’s where you want to play. So, I think everyone is so happy to be playing at Wembley.”

“Regardless of who you are, the team you play for, you want to play in the big stadiums and obviously Wembley is one of them.”

But the story is not finished yet. The final chapter is yet to be written.

With just a few weeks left of the National League season, Wealdstone will be keen to rest and recover for the huge final ahead.

“We don’t know whether we will get a week off yet,” joked Cook. “We will have conversations in the next couple of weeks with the leadership team and the whole squad on how we approach the final.”

“But there’s a lot of tight bodies out there. We’ve played a lot of games this season. We got to the FA Trophy final and the FA Cup second round.”

“With all the rearranged fixtures, it feels like we’re playing two or three games every week, so it’s definitely important to rest and recover and be at our peak performance for the final.”

With Southend United awaiting in the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium on the 17^th of May, Wealdstone now have the opportunity to turn this journey into one for the history books.

“It will be a huge team effort at the end of the day,” said Baptiste. “Hopefully we can go all the way and win!”

Now, Wealdstone’s Wembley story awaits its ending.