Potters Bar Town v Brimsdown Rovers
The FA Vase in partnership with Carlsberg
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 25 September 2004 - 3.00pm
£600 to each winning club



The England captain has wished Brimsdown Rovers all the best for their trip to Potters Bar Town in the Second Round Qualifying.

David played for Brimsdown Rovers’ youth team for two years and was named Under-15 Player of The Year in 1990, two years before winning The FA Youth Cup with Manchester United and making his first team debut.

Graham Dodd was chairman of Brimsdown Rovers, who play in the Spartan South Midland Division One, during David’s spell at the Enfield club.

Graham, club life member and vice-president of the Spartan South Midland League, recalled: "David joined us when he was 14 and was part of an immensely talented youth team."

Six of the side went on to play professionally, including Micah Hyde, who was signed by Cambridge United, and Jason Brissett and Ryan Kirby, who were both snapped up by Arsenal. But it was David who would make the biggest name for himself.

Graham said: "At that age, David was one of the smaller kids in the team. There were other kids who looked like they would be a professional, like Ryan. David had lots of talent but we wondered whether he was ever going to be big enough or strong enough."

David was signed by Manchester United and the rest is history.

Graham said: "Everybody at the club was very proud when he went to Manchester United and have watched with some amazement what he has achieved.

"We were all delighted that he joined United and hoped he would do well but even I did not expect him to attain the status he has. The club has had some very successful youth teams over the years, but David is very much the star of the show."

After leaving for Old Trafford, David would often be seen with his parents at the club and presented memorabilia including a shirt bearing his name and original squad number of 28, which was later stolen from the clubhouse.

The Real Madrid midfielder said: "I have some fond memories of playing for Brimsdown Rovers as a teenager. It was great to be part of such a talented youth team. After leaving there for Manchester United, I used to enjoy going back to the club whenever I could.

"Having won The FA Cup twice with Manchester United, I know how much The FA Vase means to clubs at this level of the game. It’s their FA Cup.

"I would like to wish Brimsdown Rovers all the best in this season’s competition and hope they get off to a great start."