Tamworth Manager Andy Peaks Views Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Draw as Reward for Club’s Progress

Tamworth manager Andy Peaks, who was invited to the FA Cup third round draw at Old Trafford, stated that the club’s pairing with Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the competition represents a fitting acknowledgment of their consistent accomplishments over the last two and half years. Peaks joined The Lamb in February 2022 when the club was in the seventh-tier, and since then, he has guided them to significant milestones. His tenure began with securing Southern League survival, followed by successive promotions, establishing their position in the National League this season, and culminating in reaching the FA Cup third round after their victory on penalties against Burton Albion on Sunday. Peaks conveyed to BBC Radio WM, “It’s like a reward for the last two and a half years for everyone involved.” He also expressed, “It’s just a shame that we can’t get more than 4,000 people in The Lamb. Just me alone I must have already been asked for 4,000 tickets.” Reflecting on the draw, he added, “I was quite happy to have a home draw or a really big game away. And some of the ties I didn’t really fancy, a long way away and a bit tough.” Peaks concluded, “But I just had a feeling when the number 53 came out and I looked at the faces of the ones who were pulling the balls out and they knew it was a big team.” Following his invitation to Monday’s draw at Old Trafford, the home ground of Cup holders Manchester United, Peaks commented, “We’re happy to be at home and it’s a Premier League club so that’s absolutely brilliant. The town will be absolutely buzzing for it. It’ll be sold out and it’ll be a great atmosphere.” “We’ve had a couple of good paydays in beating Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion and this game will almost certainly be on TV. They told me that last night. It’s just whether it’s ITV or BBC. They’ve still to decide,” Peaks stated. He noted that this financial boost is beneficial for the club, especially considering the increased operational costs associated with transitioning to a full-time league this year, which entails more travelling, higher wages, and general expenditure at clubs. Peaks expressed satisfaction that many individuals at the club are considerably happier now compared to when he came in two years ago, attributing this to numerous good victories, fostering unity among players and staff, the return of crowds, and renewed enjoyment. He also mentioned that people who live in Tamworth observe a palpable “buzz” about the place, which was absent previously. Peaks further remarked, “It’s nice to get something like that. FA Cup runs can set clubs up for a long time.” He concluded, “Anyone can beat anyone on the day as we’ve often found out in the cup. That’s what the magic of the cup is all about. But, when you get on a run like we’ve done it could only be beneficial for the club.” Tamworth manager Andy Peaks was talking to BBC Radio WM’s Kath Stanczyszyn. Tamworth boss Andy Peaks was interviewed by BBC Sport’s Kelly Somers.