Bootle manager Chris O’Brien is upbeat about his club’s prospects for the new year

Dec 29 2009

Once the festive season is over, Bootle have a tasty FA Vase Fourth Round tie to look forward to, and Chris is looking at that competition as one in which he wants to make an impact.

"The Vase is a big thing for us and we can't wait for January 16 (for the game at Norton & Stockton Ancients).

"There's been some stuff on the Norton website about a gang of Scousers coming to town, so make sure you lock your cars up and stuff like that. It's all banter and we'll retaliate in the right way by having a laugh back.

"I'm not sure if we'll get a chance to go and see them before hand, we will do if we can and we do have someone at the club who has offered to go up and watch them. But to be honest I'd rather let them worry about us."

"Obviously we would have preferred a home draw, but we are all looking forward to it.

"It's a chance for around 70 Scousers to go on a three hour coach trip, and believe me it'll be like a holiday, and coming home at night will be like a night out.

"We enjoy those sorts of occasions, and we are looking forward to it, it'll be like a cup final for us. We are serious about what we do, but we're Scousers so there is an element of fun about us too."

As a young manager who has progressively built a successful squad, it might be tempting to think Chris has his eyes on bigger jobs. But he insists he is focussed only on the job he has now.

"For me personally, I'm 37 and still cutting my teeth in football management, and I wouldn't leave this club for anywhere.

"That's what has been built up gradually over the past few years, and everyone gets involved, whether it's the physio or the kids we bring out on the pitch as mascots. We're all mates, and it's a great place to be right now".

Looking ahead Chris can see nothing but positives to look forward to 2010.

"I think that on our day we can beat anyone, but we're still cutting our teeth a bit in terms of finding out what's needed at this level.

"You've got clubs like Newcastle who have been in this league for years, and they know what it's about.

"It's certainly looks like Newcastle are away out of sight now, and you have to say that what they have done is fantastic, to win so many games in succession as they have.

"It might be the cups that are our best bet this season, and if someone said you can get Liverpool in the Liverpool Senior Cup Final, anyone you like at Wembley in the Vase Final and throw in the League Challenge Cup as well, we'd take that."