Redlands United boss Matt Chandler is confident his side won’t be intimidated by Adelaide United in the Westfield FFA Cup as the historic Queensland club approaches its 100-year anniversary.
Redlands, one of Queensland’s oldest clubs, will be catapulted onto the national stage when they host Hyundai A-League champions in the Round of 32 of the Westfield FFA Cup.
It’s been a huge achievement for the club – currently third in the Queensland NPL – to make it this far and Chandler says it’s a dream for his players to take on Marcelo Carrusca, Bruce Djite and co.
“We joked during the week about who we wanted and all the boys said we want an A-League team and so it’s fantastic,” Chandler told www.theffacup.com.au following Thursday’s draw.
“I should imagine training tonight will be amazing for the boys.
“It’s a dream for the club and the players. It’s the biggest tie in the club's history.
“We’re coming up to our 100 year anniversary in 2018 so there’s a lot of exciting things happening at the club and [playing Adelaide] will be an amazing night in Queensland.”
Chandler is in his fifth year in charge at Redlands and says he has a squad with an excellent mix of young talent and experienced players.
And despite the huge challenge that awaits his side, you couldn’t wipe the smile off the coach’s face once the draw was confirmed.
“How can you not be excited by it?,” Chandler said.
“We’re very much a community club, we’re very much part of the Redlands community and the city and for the whole city and for the whole region it’s a big sporting event for us, one of the biggest we’ve ever had.
“It’s a very family-orientated club and we’ve got some very good players who work so hard and they deserve this tie.
“I’m sure we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”
While admitting plotting a plan to beat the Reds will be the biggest challenge of his coaching career, Chandler will instruct his side to approach it like any other.
“It’s an event for us but we also have to remember it’s a football match,” he said.
“And we want to do well in that game. So it’s important we concentrate.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight their talents and play against the best. They [Adelaide] are a wonderful side but we’ll give it a big crack.”
