My dad’s an ex-Premier League star who scored one of the greatest FA Cup goals ever, now I’m making my way in non-league
ISAAC SINCLAIR hopes to go head over heels to become an FA Cup hero — just like his dad Trevor.
The Curzon Ashton star does not have to look far for guidance after his old man made it to the Premier League and played for England.
And as he looks to help the National League North outfit to the second round proper for only the third time in its history by beating high-flying Barnet, he needs little reminding of what can happen in the competition.
Watching ‘that’ goal countless times and hearing about it to the point of being bored rammed that home.
Little wonder, though, when Trevor’s overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area for QPR against Barnsley in 1997’s fourth round is one of the greatest of all time.
Sinclair said when asked if Dad has taught him how to score them: “Oh my God, a few times. I’ve watched it a few times as well. It was an unbelievable goal. You never get bored of watching it but I have seen it plenty of times.
“I never get bored of watching it but maybe I sometimes get bored of hearing about it!
“He inspires me to be like him, I try and take as many tips as possible off him. He picks out little bits in my game that others and maybe even myself don’t.
“I don’t think I could have anyone better to go to for advice on how to progress in the game.
“He’s an amazing dad for everything else but definitely football as well. He always wanted me to play but it was never forced. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do.”
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Sinclair does not just have Dad to look up to as he aims to make it in the game.
Outside the Tameside Stadium — less than six miles east of Manchester City’s Etihad — is a statue of the three World Cup winners whose births are registered in the town of Ashton-under-Lyne, Sir Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Armfield and Simone Perrotta.
The Nash Bar — about half a mile from where he went to school and the inspiration for a fine chant — is adorned with Italy 2006 world champion Perrotta’s shirt with the inscription, ‘To the boys and girls of Tameside, with affection’.
And Sinclair, 22, who plays in a similar right-wing position to his dad, hopes to create another big day for both his club and the town as it punches above its weight once more — even if being the first name out of the hat proved a bit of a dampener.
Sinclair, who designs clothes and sportswear and also helps at his brother’s scaffolding company, added: “We didn’t have long to wait.
It was exciting but I wish it was a few later. Being at Curzon, I think we should be doing well but looking from the outside, maybe we do punch above our weight.
“Barnet is a massive test but I’ve faith in the players. I definitely think we can win it. We’re definitely ready to go.”
Sinclair will certainly not be the busiest man on the pitch, that honour goes to interim player-manager Craig Mahon.
And there is definitely no seniority complex when the Irishman, 34, is on the pitch.
He said: “I told the lads that when I’m on the pitch, l don’t want to be seen as the manager, I’m a player.
“So if I’m making mistakes or doing things I shouldn’t be, you can tell me. I’m not proud enough to have a go back.
“If they think I should have done something better, I’ll be more than happy to hold my hands up and admit it.
“It’s a team effort and we all treat each other with loads of respect.
“That’s what will do us well in the future and this is what you relish, you’ve got to get yourself ready for this type of game. The lads will embrace it.”