We spoke to “Dunston Legend” and “Former Model for stick-on eyebrows” Michael Dixon ahead of next weekend’s FA Vase Anniversary Charity game, in Aid of St Oswald’s Hospice, at The UTS Stadium against 4 times FA Vase Winners Whitley Bay FC. 

With over 350 appearances and for Dunston UTS FC, "Dicka" played a pivotal role in the clubs FA Vase success in 2012 he will be back next Saturday as we celebrate that great occasion.

What are your memories of that famous day at Wembley back in May 2012?

I remember the build-up on the day really well, seeing the Wembley arch on the bus and thinking bloody hell I’m playing there today! The match itself was a blur as I was so focused on winning. We scored our goals at perfect times looking back. My lasting memory was seeing how happy my wife and family were at the final whistle. My brother had travelled over from Dubai for literally 24 hours so it was great to share the day with them all and see us lift the trophy. 

I also remember turning onto the balcony and seeing the committee standing there ready to kiss and cuddle, as we all went to get our medals, that was a really special moment. They are the heartbeat of this club and if any committee deserved to win the vase at Wembley it’s them. It’s such a shame ‘Uncle Fred’ as I called him will not be there on Saturday. He would have loved it.

What are your memories from the 2011/12 F.A .Vase run?

I have lots of memories of our cup run and far too many to mention them all. 

Wisbech were a really good team in the last 32 and we did well to get a draw down there. I got sent off in extra-time so it was long bus journey back for me! Ha.

Bethnal Green was such an easy game for our last 16. Shawsy ran riot in the first half, scoring a double to see us through. 

Peterborough Northern Star in the 1/4 final was a crazy game. Bully was superb and my pal Kane Young popped up with a vital goal at the back stick! We went 4-3 up in the dying minutes of extra time and I shouted to Macca “keep it tight and think of them cans on the bus driving home.” It was some journey home and we supped the cans!

The Semi-Final second leg away at Staveley is my favourite memory of the whole cup run. I know the final at Wembley is unbelievable but to win the way we did, down to 10 men for so long and the realisation of reaching the final was unbelievable. The journey back on the bus, then back to the Tudor Rose, was unreal.  I have watched the highlights of that game lots over the years and still get goose bumps when God’s slots that one in and does his somersault! 

I must mention Steve Preen ‘goal machine’. We roomed together for years and I would fill the bath with cold water to put my Lucozade in before we went for our dinner the night before, trying to be all professional, and he would then pull 4 cans of Stella out of his bag and chuck them in for when we got back in. He would say “Say nowt to Bill”. He was brilliant around the dressing room and a great character. 

Looking ahead to next weekend’s game against four times FA Vase Winners Whitley Bay, 

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years it’s flown over. I think it’s great what the club have organised for the day and to play Whitely Bay whom we’ve had some great battles with over the years, especially that quarter final when they knocked us out in 2011, it promises to be a great day. 

 It’s unbelievable to win it once never mind three years in a row, they had some great players across all three teams and great lads too. 

 I hope it’s a good turn out on the day and we can raise plenty of money for St Oswald’s Hospice.