A forward thinking manager writes the foreword ! Thanks Robbie

There has been a  slight delay in the production of the book 'The Road to Wembley from Scotland'. The test copies for Kev Panther and I to proof read have not arrived yet but should be with us in the next couple of days. I am still on course to have copies of the book available for the 5th August. However, some fantastic news over the weekend. Robbie Neilson, manager of MK Dons, ex manager of Hearts and a key Scot on the 'Road to Wembley from Scotland' has produced the foreword for the book. Thanks Robbie!

A foreword thinking gaffer! Robbie before the MK Dons v Charlton replay

As the anticipation towards the publication date increases here is wee taster. Below is Robbie Neilson's foreword in full.

When I joined Milton Keynes Dons at the beginning of December 2016 I was unaware that my move south was to prove to be a major event on Chris Donkin’s Road to Wembley from Scotland. I was to learn that Chris was also heading for MK and our paths crossed for the first time when Chris attended the FA Cup replay against Charlton Athletic on the 14^th December at Stadium MK. After he enjoyed pre-match hospitality provided by the club I met Chris briefly and we bumped in to each other again at Gatwick airport immediately after the round three tie at Brighton. We had a good chat and it was here I learned that Chris was following the FA Cup from the Extra Preliminary Round through to the FA Cup Final.

I was interested to find out that for each game on the journey Chris was looking for a Scottish slant, so in many ways he had struck gold when Stevie Crawford and I moved to Milton Keynes at precisely the same time as he was following the Dons FA Cup run. I became aware that Chris had been to many qualifying round games before linking up with our lads. I have also noted that since we unfortunately got knocked out of the cup Chris’ journey has taken him to Lincoln, Burnley, Arsenal and then Wembley for the semi final and the final. What a journey!

Hearts fan Chris and I have one other thing in common. Heart of Midlothian FC have had a huge influence on our lives. I enjoyed playing for and managing Hearts and I know this book will be of interest to Hearts fans as many of the Scottish links are connections with Tynecastle. In fact The Road to Wembley from Scotland will be of interest to all football fans as the magic of the FA Cup continues to appeal to supporters and the Scots influence on the competition is fascinating.

Enjoy the book.

Robbie Neilson