A remarkable FA Cup fairytale is unfolding on the English coast, masterminded by a dedicated father-and-son partnership. Weston-super-Mare AFC, a semi-professional club from the National League South, has reached the competition's third round for the first time in its 84-year history, setting up a clash with Grimsby Town.
The Bliss Family Blueprint
At the heart of this historic achievement are chairman Oli Bliss and his father, former chairman Paul Bliss. Oli has now surpassed his father's legacy; Paul came agonisingly close during his 39-year tenure, reaching the second round in 2004 only to lose to Northampton Town. Now, the duo are savouring the romance of the cup together, fully aware of its transformative power for clubs like theirs.
Weston-super-Mare, along with Macclesfield, are the lowest-ranked teams remaining in this season's competition. Their squad is a testament to the non-league spirit, comprising teachers, sports coaches, and labourers who balance day jobs with football. Their incredible journey has even attracted support from England and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who had a loan spell at the club as a youngster. Watkins remains friends with current players Jacob Cane and Jason Pope, and a signed Villa shirt from him proudly hangs in the clubhouse.
Finances, Fans, and Future Dreams
The financial windfall from this cup run is life-changing for the Seagulls. Chairman Oli Bliss estimates they have already banked around £200,000, a figure that will be significantly boosted by the £121,500 prize money for the winners of the third-round tie and an additional £40,000 in TV revenue as the game is broadcast live on Discovery+.
This cash injection is pivotal for the club's ambitious plans. "We only budget for two cup wins," Oli admitted, highlighting how each subsequent round is a bonus. The funds are earmarked to strengthen the squad and, crucially, to push forward with proposals for a new 5,000-seater stadium on their existing site, complete with 97 apartments and a new clubhouse.
Belief Ahead of Grimsby Clash
As they prepare to take 600 fans on a 500-mile round trip to Blundell Park, optimism is high. "We feel we'll be in with a chance against Grimsby on Saturday," said Oli, contrasting this belief with their 2004 second-round exit where they were "never in the game." He has even promised the players a special bonus for causing an upset against a Grimsby side famed for their own giant-killing after knocking out Manchester United in the League Cup.
The chairman, a Liverpool fan, is already dreaming of a potential fourth-round draw: "My dad's a Man United fan, but I'm Liverpool and so we'll take either one of them. In fact, any away day in the Premier League would be fantastic." For now, the focus is on extending a cup run that has already provided unforgettable moments, including a squad trip to Liverpool where the players famously dressed as Minions.
This story encapsulates the magic of the FA Cup. It's a tale of community, family, and the dreams that fuel the entire football pyramid. For Weston-super-Mare, the adventure is far from over.
