As far as Paul Quinn is concerned, FA Cup heroics run in the family.
Dad Gerry was the first manager to take the original Emley to the first round proper in 1991-92, when they were beaten 3-0 by Bolton Wanderers in a tie switched to Leeds Road and watched by 9,035.
Twenty years earlier, grandfather Ian Greaves led Town to the quarter-finals, with West Ham United memorably beaten 4-2 at home along the way.
Now Paul, manager of Brighouse Town, would love to make his own mark on the famous competition, although he’s not getting carried away.
His side, who won promotion from the Northern Counties East League to the Northern Premier last season, host Ashton United in the first round qualifying next Saturday, September 13.
The Lancashire club, of the Northern Premier League top flight – one rung above Brighouse, who are eighth in Division I North – were once managed by Gerry Quinn.
“I remember going over there often with my dad,” recalled Paul, who cut his own managerial teeth with Sunday side Huddersfield Irish Centre and Kirkburton, of the West Riding County Amateur League.
“I also remember going to the Emley-Bolton game with my grandad.
“He managed Bolton after Town, so it was an interesting tie for him.
“The FA Cup was a special competition to both of them, and it is to me as well.”
Quinn led Brighouse to the second round qualifying last season, when they lost 1-0 to former Football League club Stockport County, now of the Conference North.
It was their best-ever FA Cup run, with 1,704 watching the game at Edgeley Park.
“It was a big day for the club, and helped raise our profile,” said Quinn. “The fans got a great day out and the players got valuable experience of playing at a big venue.
“A good run also puts a few quid in the club’s coffers, so it’s all good.”
Brighouse scooped £1,925 for winning their preliminary round clash at West Didsbury & Chorlton.
First round qualifying victors get £3,000 apiece and Quinn added: “The prize money cranks up quote quickly. There are four qualifying rounds, and I remember Emley finally getting to the first round proper after a few years of trying.
“Realistically, the first round proper is a long way off for a club like ourselves.
“But you always wonder how many of those qualifying rounds you can tick off, how close you can get to the competition proper.
“We know it will be tough against Ashton, because they are a solid and well-established club, but of course we’ll prepare properly and give it a good go.”
Ashton, whose squad include former Huddersfield Town defender Greg Pearson, are 18th in the NPL Premier Division.
Brighouse, who go to Kendal Town today, are eighth in Division I North.
