Why Connor Hall has no regrets over Sheffield United exit as he looks to cause another FA Cup shock with Chorley against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Striker Connor Hall admits he has no regrets about his release from Sheffield United as he looks to play a part in another Chorley FA Cup giantkilling when they take on Premier League side Wolves tonight.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Lancashire part-timers defied the odds against Wigan, Peterborough and Derby in previous rounds - each resulting in a dressing-room rendition of an Adele song in celebration - and, according to manager Jamie Vermiglio, have "genuine belief" that they can topple Nuno Espírito Santo's men.

Central to that belief will be striker Hall, who scored the winner late against Wigan and then added goals against Peterborough and Derby for good measure.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hall was picked up by United in 2015 after spells with different clubs in non-league, and later signed professional terms. After leaving Bramall Lane he joined Bolton Wanderers and dropped into non-league to play games after a difficult spell at Bolton, injuries coinciding with the club's financial problems meaning he and his teammates often didn't get paid on time.

“I came up through Sunday League football and never played in an academy, so to be in that position [at United] in the first place, to have a pro contract and be told I wouldn’t have it extended… I still felt privileged, really," Hall said, in an interview with his hero Alan Shearer for The Athletic.

“I was able to take it on the chin and have this feeling of, ‘Whatever happens will happen’. I knew I could work hard and get myself a move and that’s how I ended up signing for Bolton.

"There, I kind of knew it was coming, so I got myself prepared. I kind of expected it. I hadn’t quite cut it in the first team. I signed for Woking at the start of the season, it didn’t really work out and now I’m here.

"I’m happy. It’s good."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chorley's cup exploits have earned the club almost £350,000 in prize money and television appearances, which would help offset the crippling losses caused by coronavirus.

Tonight's game against Wolves is again screened live, on BT Sport.

"I'm talking about a tiny, tiny chance, but while there is we're going to give it a go," said manager Vermiglio, a primary school headteacher.

Connor Hall in action during his Sheffield United days: Simon Bellis/SportimageConnor Hall in action during his Sheffield United days: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Connor Hall in action during his Sheffield United days: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

"There is a genuine belief there," he said.

"Why not? You hear about it every so often, every few years there's something that happens in football that makes you think 'how did they do that?' That could be us."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Vermiglio joked he had been on television more times than Ant & Dec during his National League North side's giant-killing run.

But he said its impact on Locking Stumps Community Primary School in Warrington and the surrounding community had been profound.

Connor Hall of Chorley celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the FA Cup First Round match between Wigan Athletic and Chorley. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Connor Hall of Chorley celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the FA Cup First Round match between Wigan Athletic and Chorley. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Connor Hall of Chorley celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the FA Cup First Round match between Wigan Athletic and Chorley. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

"You're not just talking about 20 or 30 lads who play football, you're talking about boys and girls aged four to 11 and their families and friends," he said.

"The amount of people that it seems to have touched, it's very humbling and something I'm delighted to be a part of.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We're trying to tap into it as much as we can and the quality of the work and the interest and engagement levels at the moment in our school have gone through the roof."

SPECIAL OFFER: By subscribing to The Star’s sports-only digital package you help us to continue providing the best coverage of Sheffield United. Until February 1 there’s 20% off a year’s subscription, taking you through what is expected to be a busy transfer window. All the details are HERE, just use the promo code TRANSFER20.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.