The following is a message from Club Chairman, Shahid Azeem:From Fan to Wembley – A Dream 99 Years in the Making
In less than 14 hours, I’ll be standing at Wembley Stadium—not just as a fan, but as Chairman of Aldershot Town Football Club—witnessing history unfold before my eyes. I can barely believe I’m writing these words. After 99 years, our club has reached its first-ever FA Trophy Final, and we’ll be walking out onto the hallowed turf against Spennymoor Town at the home of English football. It’s a moment that transcends football—it’s a dream come true. I have been to so many matches at Wembley , particularly seeing Chelsea win the Fa Cups, League Cup and Data Zenith Cup, along with watching Crystal Palace where they wore their traditional red and blue and I was daydreaming and wishing they were Aldershot fans cheering Aldershot. The dream has become reality and having over 18000 shots fans at the match from all over the UK and overseas with Stray shots – it will be truly an emotional day for each and every one on their own personal journey. Thank you for your backing.
My love for this game started back in 1970. I remember watching the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Leeds United, mesmerised by the magic of Wembley, the grandeur of the twin towers, the ritual of the day – from players leaving the hotel to the team coaches arriving at the stadium, then lining up for the national anthem. As a boy, I’d be glued to the screen all day with crisps and sweets in hand, soaking in every minute of the occasion. It was more than a match—it was a celebration of football.
And now, decades later, here I am. Not just watching, but part of it. A steward of a club that’s making history. It’s overwhelming. I can’t express how proud I am – not just for myself, but for everyone who’s been on this journey.
I think of John Leppard, a fellow Director who’s supported the Shots since the 1950s. He’s the classic moaner in meetings – grumbling with love – but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the man. Then there’s Deane Wood – another Director who may have once been indifferent to football, but now lives and breathes Aldershot Town and has become one of my closest friends. His transformation is proof of what this club does to people. Together, we’ve weathered many storms, but today, we can say with pride: we’ve played our part in reaching Wembley.
Mark Butler, our commercial manager, record goal scorer, and the very soul of this club, is another man I owe so much to. You just know he wishes he could lace up his boots and be out there. But what he continues to do for this club off the pitch is immeasurable.
To every Manager who ever took the job here, we always said the same thing: we want strong home form, a good FA Cup run, and one day… to get to Wembley. Tommy Widdrington and his team have delivered that dream. They’ve etched their names into the club’s history forever. Thank you, Gaffer.
And behind the scenes: Our volunteers, media team, club shop staff, catering crew, sponsors, the tireless groundsman – you’re all part of this moment. There are far too many names to mention, but this final belongs to each and every one of you.
This final is also for friends and supporters who are longer with us who will be watching down on us on this historic day and I know that Mike Pusey and Frank Burt along with Margaret with their cup of teas and custard cream will be cheering the Mighty Shots on. You are all missed
What moves me most is how this final has united our community. From long-time supporters to young families, from different religious groups to the incredible Nepali community, we’ve seen the whole town come together. There’s a real sense of belonging, of pride, of hope. We’ve become more than a club: We’ve become a symbol of togetherness.
Wembley is not the end of our story, it’s the beginning of a new chapter. This final has lit a spark across Aldershot and I truly believe it will push us toward even greater things.
No matter what happens on the pitch, we’ve already made history. And I couldn’t be prouder.
Lets do the club and the town proud. ❤️
