ROYALS GAFFER SEARCH: WILDER SPEAKS OUT MAKING HIST RY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED will play under the famous Wembley arch this Sunday as they take on Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final – the first time they’ve reached this stage.

The Yellas have enjoyed an exceptional season in the league and cup. After winning the Combined Counties Premier North league, they are looking to complete the double adding to the trophies in their cabinet.

Ascot amassed an incredible 102 points in their league campaign and are just one step away from adding to what has already been a memorable season for the club.

Ascot fans will be out in force in the capital this weekend to turn Wembley yellow to try and cheer their team on to victory.

It will be a tough test for the Yellas who are up against the defending champions. n Full FA Vase 2023 Final preview on page 18

Newport enjoyed a fantastic day out at Wembley in last year’s Vase final where they defeated Littlehampton Town 3-0 to get their hands on the trophy. Now, the Yellas are looking to snatch it off them.

The former Sheffield United boss is looking for his next job after his 11 game stint with the Hornets and is currently the bookies favourite to take over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium

“I’m having a week off now, and although this has been a challenging last 12 months, it’s been one that I can massively reflect upon first and foremost,” said Wilder

“Then I’ll go again. My hunger, desire and work ethic hasn’t changed.

“It was there all the time I was at Watford. I slept at night knowing I put every ounce I had into it.

“Whatever has happened in this last year will stand me in good stead and I still want to manage at the top end of English football. My passion for that is still there.”

Despite having a tough spell with Watford, Wilder remains adamant that his passion for the game still remains ahead of his next challenge in management.

The Hornets, who had three managers throughout the 2022/23 Championship campaign, had a troubled second-half of the season and finished in 11th.

He continued: “I’m ready and raring to go back in. I know the type of club I need to work with and be aligned to, and this experience has given me a good insight into a lot of things.”