In a story that encapsulates the magic of the world's oldest cup competition, semi-professional Weston-super-Mare are preparing for the biggest match in their 84-year history. The National League South club will travel to Grimsby Town this weekend for their first-ever appearance in the FA Cup third round, a remarkable achievement masterminded by chairman Oli Bliss and his father, former chairman Paul.
The Bliss Family Blueprint
This historic run is a family affair. Current chairman Oli Bliss has finally guided the club to the third round, surpassing the legacy of his father, Paul, who served for 39 years at the helm. Paul came agonisingly close in 2004, reaching the second round before a defeat to Northampton Town. Now, the father-and-son duo are savouring the romance of the cup together, fully aware of its transformative power for clubs at their level.
Alongside Macclesfield, Weston-super-Mare are the lowest-ranked team left in this season's competition. Their squad is a testament to the semi-professional game, comprising teachers, sports coaches, and labourers who balance day jobs with football. Yet, they carry the backing of a Premier League star: England forward Ollie Watkins, who had a loan spell at the club while at Exeter City. Watkins remains friends with current players Jacob Cane and Jason Pope, and a signed Aston Villa shirt from the striker proudly hangs in the clubhouse.
Finances, Fans, and Future Dreams
The financial windfall from this cup run is life-changing for a club like Weston. Chairman Oli Bliss estimates they have already banked around £200,000, with a further £121,500 in prize money at stake for beating Grimsby, plus an additional £40,000 in TV revenue as the tie is broadcast live on Discovery Plus.
This cash injection is pivotal for ambitious plans. The club hopes to strengthen the squad and push forward with proposals to develop a new 5,000-seater ground on their existing site at the Optima Stadium, which currently holds 3,500. "We only budget for two cup wins," Oli revealed, highlighting how this run is a monumental bonus. The extra funds could help realise plans for 97 apartments, a new clubhouse, and a largely new ground infrastructure.
Belief, Bonuses, and a Possible Giant-Killing
Despite the daunting 500-mile round trip to Blundell Park, Weston travel with belief. An army of 600 fans will make the journey, and the players are dreaming of a fourth-round draw against a Premier League giant. "My dad’s a Man United fan, but I’m Liverpool and so we’ll take either one of them," said Oli Bliss. "Any away day in the Premier League would be fantastic."
The chairman has promised the players a special bonus if they can pull off an upset against a Grimsby side famous for knocking out Manchester United in the League Cup this season. "We had a bonus structure - but I never expected to get this far so I’ll have to think of something else!" he joked, referencing a previous reward that saw the squad enjoy a trip to Liverpool dressed as Minions.
For Oli Bliss and Weston-super-Mare, this is more than just a game. The FA Cup third round represents a colossal stage for non-league clubs, driving interest, increasing attendances, and providing memories that last a lifetime. As they stand on the brink of further history, this seaside club embodies the enduring dream that makes the competition so special, proving that in the FA Cup, anything is possible.
