February 2011

In a twist of fate so synonymous with the Beautiful Game, Perryman will receive a huge ovation from both sets of fans, having supported the Bees as a boy, before playing and managing them from 1986 to 1990.

The red and white stripes have never been far from the chest of the Tottenham Hotspur legend, making his rousing pre-match team talk for Exeter City all the more poignant, being delivered just yards from the away dressing room.

Make no mistake though, the two time FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup winner will be putting all of his big game experience at the feet of his Grecians players, who won’t need to look far for some words of inspiration.

Perryman said: “A set of wives and children will be sat in Wembley to cheer their men on and I hope they’re from Exeter. I’m not talking about bonuses, but a chance for families to look on from the Home of Football. We are one step away and that is a huge incentive for the players.

“We have had two proud moments at Wembley before now, when we won one and lost one when trying to get promoted into the league. Half of our squad are still involved now, so they want to go back, trust me.”

Perryman said it was strange going back to Griffin Park for the first leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final in January, having spent four years there as a player manager.

“My mother and father were from Hounslow and Ealing, either side of Brentford, so it felt like going home when I went there in 1986.

“It is a real football place. As you walk to the ground you can smell the game. It is very similar to St James’s Park.

“I have a lot of friends at Brentford. If we weren’t to get to Wembley, then a great deal of good people I know will get there and have a good day out. However, I do hope it’s not them making the trip, however much I like them!”

Perryman said the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy had been invaluable to Exeter City this season in more ways than one.

Not only has a prolonged run in the competition been great for team morale under manager Paul Tisdale, but it has also allowed the club to discover a quality, proven goalscorer.

“What we have here is an exceptional manager in Paul Tisdale who is doing a fantastic job. A lengthy run in the trophy has been just what both he and the team have needed.

“But through the cup run, we have also ended up with Jamie Cureton in our squad. He scored in an early game away at Yeovil when we gave him a chance, and we haven’t looked back since.

“He is now with us all season and were it not for the trophy, the deal might not have been done.”

It was Cureton who scored Exeter City’s goal in the first leg of the southern area final at Griffin Park, and Perryman would be delighted with more of the same on Monday night for the second leg, which is live on Sky Sports (kick off 7.45pm).

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.