Burton Albion defender Dylan Williams is daring to dream of a glamour FA Cup tie against a Premier League giant, but insists his side must first navigate a tricky third-round encounter against non-league Boreham Wood this Saturday.
The FA Cup Dream and a Stern Test
The 22-year-old former Chelsea prospect admitted the entire squad is "really excited" about the world's oldest cup competition. He sees it as a "good opportunity" for the League One Brewers to embark on a memorable run. The immediate prize for victory is a potential money-spinning fourth-round draw against top-flight opposition.
However, Williams is acutely aware of the challenge posed by National League high-flyers Boreham Wood. Despite the 29-place gap in the English football pyramid, the Hertfordshire side are in formidable form, sitting second in their division and having won eight of their last nine matches. They are considered favourites for the tie.
"It's easy to say we are in League One and they are in the National League and say, 'it's an easy game'," Williams told The Mirror. "But it won't be, these cups provide so many upsets." He emphasised that the sole focus must be on overcoming Boreham Wood to reach the next stage.
Creating Burton Albion History
The incentive for Williams and his teammates is significant. Burton Albion have only reached the FA Cup fourth round once in their 76-year history, back in 2011. A win on Saturday would see this current squad match that historic achievement.
"It's a great incentive," Williams said. "I think this squad is capable... We have got a lot of experience and a lot of young boys that can step up." The Brewers, who currently sit 21st in League One, are viewing the cup as a welcome distraction from their league struggles.
Learning from Legends: Rooney and Rosenior
Williams, who joined Burton permanently from Chelsea last summer, began his professional career at Derby County. There, he made nine first-team appearances under the management of Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney.
Reflecting on that experience, the Shrewsbury-born full-back described it as "amazing." "He knew how to manage players," Williams said of Rooney. "He was great with the young lads... It was so surreal, and I don't think I understood at the time how big he was."
Williams expressed surprise that Rooney's managerial career hasn't yet scaled the heights expected, praising the job he did under extreme financial constraints at Derby. He also highlighted the importance of Rooney's backroom staff, notably his assistant Liam Rosenior, who is now the manager at Chelsea.
On Rosenior's surprise appointment at Stamford Bridge, Williams, who also spoke to former teammate George Evans about it, believes he is more than capable. "His detail... had to be perfect," Williams recalled. "He was great with the young lads at Derby, he put so much effort into us."
For now, Williams' focus returns to the immediate future and the chance to write a new chapter in Burton Albion's FA Cup story, starting with a performance that can overcome a confident Boreham Wood side.
