Richard Dean
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:26 am GMT
In a unique twist on family rivalries, father and son Nick and Callum Spooner will face off on the football pitch this Saturday as Hyde United takes on Southport in the FA Cup. This encounter not only represents a contest between two clubs in different tiers of the English football pyramid but also sets the stage for a highly personal battle within the Spooner household.
A Family Divided in the FA Cup
The FA Cup is known for its moments of drama and unexpected outcomes, and this weekend’s matchup adds a special layer to that narrative. Nick Spooner, manager of Hyde United, will be leading his team against Southport, where his son, Callum Spooner, plays as a midfielder. The significance of this clash is heightened by the familial ties, adding emotional stakes to the competition.
Callum will compete with the intention of ending his father’s hopes of advancing in the tournament while striving to secure crucial funding for his own club. The match carries a prize fund of £3,375 for the winner and £1,125 for the loser, but for the Spooners, it’s about pride and family dynamics as well.
The Build-Up to the Match
Ahead of the match, both Nick and Callum have experienced a week filled with anticipation following the FA Cup draw. “The mind games will start. It’s going to be a quiet house from next week on; we’ll just see what happens,” Nick remarked, highlighting the competitive spirit despite their close relationship. Both father and son are preparing mentally for a clash that transcends mere sport, as they acknowledge the stakes involved.
The encounter is particularly poignant given the rarity of such family matchups in professional football. The only parallel could be drawn to when Brendan Rodgers managed Liverpool, facing off against his father’s team, Oldham Athletic.
Clubs at Different Levels
Hyde United, a team in the Northern Premier League, had to navigate a replay against FC United of Manchester to secure their place in this round of the FA Cup. After a thrilling match, they triumphed to progress, setting the stage for this eagerly awaited showdown. In contrast, Southport enters the competition at the Second Round Qualifying stage, making the contrast between the two clubs not just about tactics but also about the broader landscape of English football.
Nick Spooner: A Manager’s Perspective
At 58 years old, Nick has been at the helm of Hyde United for nearly three years, guiding the club from a relegation battle to playoff contenders in recent seasons. His experience as a player, which included stints at clubs like Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, and Chester City, has contributed to his understanding of the game on multiple levels.
He expressed realistic ambitions for Saturday’s match, saying, “The FA Cup is a lucrative competition and can create financial opportunities for clubs at our level.” His focus remains not just on family ties but also on the competitive nature of the tournament and its potential impact on the club’s future.
Callum Spooner’s Journey
Callum Spooner, aged 26, has his roots in Hyde, where he played for two years before moving to Southport in the summer. Since then, he has made a name for himself despite not yet scoring this season. His journey has taken him through various clubs, including a critical period with Hyde, where he played a significant role in their successes, including winning the Cheshire Cup last year.
Reflecting on his newfound position at Southport, Callum said, “I would love to play a key role in eliminating my dad’s side,” showcasing the light-hearted competition that lingers amidst the seriousness of the match.
Optimism at Southport
Southport, under the management of Jim Bentley, has shown early signs of improvement this season. After a few years of being caught in mid-table, the Sandgrounders now aspire for playoff contention, sitting just outside the playoff spots with optimism following nine matches.
As Callum prepares to face Hyde, there’s a sense of both excitement and tension in the air. “You can’t write it; you wouldn’t believe it,” Nick Spooner commented, acknowledging the unique storyline that this matchup has created.
The Matchday Atmosphere
As Saturday approaches, anticipation builds within the Spooner household. There is a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie despite the competitive nature of the tie, with both sides knowing that the other wants to emerge victorious. Their family dynamics will take a back seat to professional rivalry as the game unfolds, illustrated by Nick’s comment that they will treat the match “professionally until the game.”
Sister Holly appears to be caught in the middle of the rivalry, reportedly wanting to wear a t-shirt emblazoned with her father’s team and her brother’s name, symbolizing the family’s united support despite divided loyalties on the pitch.
No matter what happens in the game, it will change how the Spooner family interacts for a little while. It will also give fans of the FA Cup an exciting story to follow. As the father and son get ready to compete, everyone who loves football will be eager to see how their match turns out.
