FROM West End Boys to a Wembley winner – that’s the football journey of Denton lad Jack Tinning.
Seventeen years after launching his fledgling career with his local club, Jack helped Warrington Rylands to victory in the FA Vase final.
The 22-year-old from Dane Bank was left back for the Northern Premier League side in their 3-2 win over Berkshire side Binfield.
Rylands are owned by agent Paul Stretford whose clients include Wayne Rooney and Harry McGuire.
“When you are a kid growing up playing football, playing at Wembley is a dream, especially for an English kid,” said the BT Openreach engineer.
“Just to walk out and take in the enormity of the ground was surreal. So, to play in front of your mum (Sue) and dad (Dave) plus a coach full of mates, it was the best weekend of my life.
“Playing at Wembley is going to be a good day no matter what. But you don’t want to lose.
“However, with the team we have got, it is exceptional and I never expected us to lose a game.
“We didn’t play our best but we still won and I think that shows how good we are.”
Girlfriend Becky plus Jack’s brother Mark and his brother’s girlfriend also watched the game as an Elliott Nevitt hat-trick ensured Rylands’ victory – their eighth of the competition.
A former Denton West End Primary and Audenshaw High pupil, Jack played cricket for Denton West and Denton St Lawrence as a youngster.
But football was his passion and he played at Stockport County and then until he was 16 at Oldham Athletic.
Now in his first season with Rylands after moving from 1874 Northwich, he previously played for Barnoldwick Town and Abbey Hey as well as winning a scholarship for FC United.
“Even though I haven’t played many games because of Covid, to win a trophy in your first season isn’t bad.”
Jack and his team mates certainly had first class preparations for their big day out, training at Derby County on the Friday before the game.
Owner Stretford also paid for a hotel for the weekend for the team and committee plus the after-match victory party.
A club sponsor also provided new boots for the squad emblazoned with ‘FA Vase 2021’.
“Everything was exceptional and I am appreciative for everything that was done for us,” said Jack who eventually has ambitions to further his career up the football pyramid.
“No one wants to settle where they are,” says the ambitious defender.
“Everyone wants to be better and I am no exception. If there is an opportunity I would take it but for now I am just thrilled to have played at Wembley and gained a winners’ medal.”