PROUD Brightlingsea Regent chairman Terry Doherty says he can hardly wait for the biggest day in the club’s history.

The R’s are preparing for a home showdown against former Football League side Torquay United in the FA Cup third qualifying round on Saturday.

The Gulls are managed by well-known former Yeovil Town and Peterborough United boss Gary Johnson and boast a squad packed with experience, including former Colchester United defender Ryan Dickson.

To add to the sense of occasion, the FA brought the FA Cup to Brightlingsea on Thursday evening for a special photoshoot involving Doherty, manager Tom Rothery and skipper Matt Cripps.

“We’re all really looking forward to the game and hopefully we’ll have a big crowd behind us,” said the long-serving R’s chairman.

“It’s going to be a very special day and a great occasion.

“Lots of memories will be created and we certainly believe we can cause an upset.

“Without a doubt. It’s the FA Cup.

“Tom’s done his homework and although we know it’s going to be very tough, we have to believe we can spring a surprise.

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Picture: the FA

“It’s a really big day for the club and I’m excited for everyone involved – for the manager and players and all those behind the scenes who perhaps sometimes go under the radar.

“Just having the silverware at the club here tonight felt surreal.

“It was a fabulous night and we can hardly wait for the weekend.”

Regent have already pocketed £15,000 from their run in the competition, having eliminated Cambridge City and Egham Town.

Another £15,000 is the prize money at stake on Saturday.

“It makes a massive difference, both in terms of our playing budget – I know the manager would love to add one or two players to his squad – and making improvements to the ground,” added Doherty.

“We have to extend our dressing rooms to meet grading requirements and the money we’ve earned in the competition so far is very helpful and a great boost.

“If we could win on Saturday, it would be another £15,000!

“Even a draw would put us in the hat for the next round and give us another game down there, in front of a big crowd at Plainmoor.”