Former Town defender Chris Swailes, 45, could become the oldest player to appear in a Wembley final this afternoon when he lines-up for Morpeth Town when they take on Hereford for the FA Vase (BT Sport Europe, from 11.30am).

“My brother told me the other day that I will be the oldest player to play at Wembley,” Swailes told Mail Online.

“I asked him how he knew that and he said somebody had told him. I don't know if the record is official or not, but it's still impressive and a great thing for me.

“When I started out, I never would have thought I'd be anywhere near setting a Wembley record — I wouldn't have thought I could survive 30 pre-seasons for a start.

“I still remember playing at [Hereford’s] Edgar Street in my first professional match. It's gone full circle, from 23 years ago to now. It doesn't feel like a lifetime ago though.”

Reflecting on this afternoon’s game, he added: “My experience will help, but although I'm older than the manager and all the players, I don't feel any different than I did at the start of my career. I'm a big kid at heart and I don't feel 45.

“I just hope that I'm on the winning side at the end of the match and don't make a fool of myself.”

The centre-half came through the youth system at Portman Road but was released and joined Peterborough United in 1991.

George Burley re-signed him from Doncaster Rovers for £225,000 in 1995 soon after taking over as manager and Swailes went on to make 39 starts and three sub appearances before moving to Bury as part of the 1997 deal which saw David Johnson join the Blues.

Swailes, who has come out of retirement twice, has already won the FA Vase on two occasions.

Meanwhile, another former Town man Tommy Miller is currently the assistant manager of FC Halifax, who face Grimsby in the FA Trophy final, also at Wembley later this afternoon (BT Sport Europe, from 3.15pm).

Miller, 37, is registered as a player with Halifax, who he joined earlier in the season, but has made only four appearances early on in the season.

Photo: Action Images

BrettenhamBlue added 10:53 - May 22 A true star of the past http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/morpeth_town_s_fa_vase_veteran_chris_swailes_
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BlueBadger added 11:11 - May 22 Wasn't he part of the Burley side who kept five clean sheets on the trot?
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BrettenhamBlue added 11:40 - May 22 Good player. Often played alongside Linighan, Yallop and Thompson. Good passer of the ball and remember a superb pass to Lee Chapman he did away at Leeds but Chapman somehow missed a sitter. Also sadly remember him getting tackled by Brian Deane who then set up Yeboah for his hatrick in the same game. Not a hoofer, a real passer and liked to take his time on the ball. Set up a couple of assists for Stuart Slater and produced one of the best curved passes I have ever seen to set up Simon Milton once. Can understand how he is still playing because a lot of his game relied on skill.

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Mark added 12:31 - May 22 Best of luck to Chris this afternoon. To think Swailes cost £225,000 back in 1995 when McCarthy has only signed one player (Knudsen) costing a fee more than that 2012 - 2016. I know it's more about wages these days, but still.
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12th_Man added 14:09 - May 22 He has scored
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Elto added 14:13 - May 22 To be playing at that level at 45 is impressive. I'm 46 and would be dead after 9 minutes let alone 90.
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itsonlyme added 14:19 - May 22 What a story! Oldest Cup Final Scorer got Man of the Match award as well! Take into account he has had 4 heart operations as well. Fantastic story and congratulations Chris! This is what football is all about!
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arc added 14:28 - May 22 Morpeth won 4—1; Hereford took the lead, Swailes equalised before HT, and Morpeth scored three more in the second half. Well done, Chris!
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