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Page last updated at Thursday, 6 March 2008, 13:52 GMT

Daish flying high with Ebbsfleet

by Pete Oliver

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish
Daish took charge of Gravesend & Northfleet in February 2005 (Getty)
Named after a planned new town that is yet to be built, Ebbsfleet United's current claim to fame is their ownership by fans' website MyFootballClub.

That could soon change though if the Blue Square Premier team, formerly called Gravesend and Northfleet, book their place in the final of the FA Trophy.

The Kent club are just 180 minutes away from a trip to Wembley and a place in the national spotlight.

"With what's been going on with the takeover our profile has been raised and hopefully this raises it a bit more," manager Liam Daish told BBC Sport.

"It shows that we have come a long way recently. We have established ourselves as a decent Conference side with genuine aspirations of achievement."

In theory, Daish is answerable to something like 30,000 owners after the 18,000 voting members of the MyFootballClub scheme agreed a £700,000 deal to buy Ebbsfleet earlier this season.

We have progressed every year. I am not saying it's been easier every year but it's down to the hard work of the players, the staff and the people behind the scenes

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish
In practice, Daish says little has so far changed in the everyday running of the club, which in playing terms appears to be in good hands.

Since the former Republic of Ireland international took charge three years ago, Fleet have gone full-time, become play-off contenders and twice reached the Trophy quarter-finals.

"We have progressed every year. I am not saying it's been easier every year but it's down to the hard work of the players, the staff and the people behind the scenes," Daish said.

A best-ever run in the Trophy has now taken them to the last four with runaway Blue Square Premier leaders Aldershot Town now awaiting them in the two-legged semi-finals.

"It's a big game for both clubs and it's something to enjoy and look forward to, while still keeping our real belief that we can do the unthinkable and get through to a Wembley final," added Daish, whose side have already seen off Burton, Weymouth, Dorchester and Carshalton Athletic.

"It will be a tough game. They are a good side. That's why they are top of the league and 'X' amount of points ahead.

"But the players we have got have proved in the past that they love a challenge and love to upset the form book and hopefully we can do that.

MyFootballClub website
The deal with MyFootballClub has brought Ebbsfleet to a bigger audience
"We have got a lot of work to do but we are in there with a chance and with a chance of achieving something special."

Ebbsfleet are the outsiders to reach the final on 10 May to face either York City or Torquay United and need to make the most of home advantage in the first leg at Stonebridge Road on Saturday before going to Aldershot, beaten at home only once this season, a week later.

"We want to go into that second leg with a real chance and make a real game of it," said Daish.

But like Aldershot, Fleet go into the tie in decent form with just one league defeat since Boxing Day. Former Bournemouth striker Chukki Eribenne is among the goals and former Torquay midfielder Chris McPhee has proved an impressive signing alongside ex-Notts County man Stacy Long in midfield.

And when it comes to experience, defenders Peter Hawkins and Paul McCarthy have it in spades with almost 600 Football League appearances between them.

"We need that calming influence, although we have also got some young players who are mature beyond their years," Daish added.

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"Sometimes it's not about the team in form or who's got the highest league position. It goes on the one which handles the whole situation and spectacle.

"It's important we don't get caught up in everything."

The incentive could hardly be greater for players or managers, both of whom have played at Wembley before.

Shots boss Gary Waddock was a losing FA Cup finalist with QPR in 1982, while Daish, 39, has been there twice, finishing as a winner as captain of Birmingham City's 1995 Auto Windscreens Shield side and as part of Cambridge United's successful 1990 play-off team.

They are memories he wants his players to store up for themselves by booking their own place at the home of English football.

"It's a great experience and I have really tried as a manager to put that across to the players what an experience it is. It is something they will always look back on fondly when they finish playing," Daish said.

SEE ALSO
Fleet boss angry with early start
05 Mar 08 |  Ebbsfleet United
Fans' website to seal Fleet deal
19 Feb 08 |  Ebbsfleet United
'There is no Ebbsfleet'
29 Jan 08 |  Magazine
Gravesend announce change of name
02 May 07 |  Ebbsfleet United
Daish appointed Gravesend manager
10 Feb 05 |  Ebbsfleet United


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