REACTION: "We've Got A Good Club - And Showed That Today" - Waddock on Wembley

WHAT a journey it's been for Wealdstone; not just from The Vale to Wembley Stadium in physical terms, but the whole cup run that's caught the imagination and brought over 14,000 to the national stadium hoping the Stones could lift The Isuzu FA Trophy.

But they couldn't - defeated only on penalties after having arguably the lion's share of the best of the chances during a stalemate against Southend United, currently one of the biggest hitters in non-League football.

Gary Waddock, Wealdstone's manager who joined just in time to witness the spot-kicks success at Kidderminster in the quarter-finals of this competition, paid tribute to everyone connected to the club; a club it's clear has made a big impression on him already.

Said the Stones' boss with a wry smile after the game: "Our club - with the backing of our supporters, who were fantastic throughout the game - can be proud of itself.

"We've got a good club - and we showed that today. I can't thank anyone enough, really, for the support we've had as a group of players and staff."

Waddock argued both sides had good chances and didn't feel there was much in the game.

"They hit the post early on (after a fingertip save from Dante Baptiste) and I thought then that might be our lucky day today, because you need a bit of that, but it wasn't to be.

"We've gone toe-to-toe with the biggest clubs in this division this season and everyone keeps telling us we're "little old Wealdstone". Well "little old Wealdstone" is doing alright, I reckon, even though it wasn't our day today."

Perhaps he needs to campaign for a change of venue if the Royals are to embark on another Trophy run next year. Why?

"I love Wembley. I really Wembley...the problem is I've never won here!" lamented Waddock, who lost in an FA Cup Final as a young Queens Park Rangers player against Tottenham Hotspur.

"It's difficult. It's really, really difficult. I feel for the players because they've given everything today. In fact, they've given everything since I walked into the building.

"They're a good group of blokes, first and foremost. And they're a good group of players as well. They really did give their all today."

Unprompted, the Stones' boss singled out the 14,000-plus Stones' supporters who gave their all too, massed in rank to the north and east sides of Wembley Stadium.

"A special mention to the supporters. I thought they were outstanding from minute one to the last minute and through the penalty shootout.

"It's unfortunate we couldn't have gone the other end with the penalty shootout as they might have helped us a little bit.

"So all our supporters, all our players and all our staff associated to this football club should be really, really proud this evening.

"Let's have another go next season and see where that takes us!"

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