Former FA Cup Semi-Finalist Neal Ardley says he'll be getting 'knighted' if he guides his AFC Wimbledon side there this year - but with Adebayo Akinfenwa, a good run is possible.
Ardley and his League Two side will be in the hat for Monday's First Round Proper draw, which will be screened live on the BBC from St. George's Park, and the Dons manager admitted he is feeling the magic of The Cup.
'The FA Cup always has, and always will be, the biggest cup competition. And I think recently, for me, it has just started getting a bit of its pizzazz back,' he told TheFA.com.
'For clubs in the lower and non-Leagues, it's such a big deal if they can get to that Third Round. Not just financially, everything. Everyone wants a good run.
'You always look to what you can have. It's really hard to get there, but if you can, then that brings a merry-go-round of attention for teams.
'Cup games are something special and we'll be hoping for a home tie as we want our fans supporting us.'
In his playing days for the original Wimbledon side, Ardley helped the south London club to the Semi-Final of the competition back in 1997, before a Gianfranco Zola-inspired Chelsea ended their dreams with a 3-0 win at Arsenal's Highbury.
Despite the defeat, Ardley still looks fondly on their run that season, and he is dreaming of leading the Dons on another memorable journey this season.
'It was the biggest day of my career,' he said. 'We'd had a great season, went 18 games unbeaten and we'd got to the League Cup semi-finals as well as The FA Cup.
'We had Chelsea at Highbury, and played really well until Zola produced a fantastic bit of skill to score that goal.
'If I got them to the Semi-Finals, I'd be up for a knighthood,' he continued. 'To get them to the Third Round would be a great achievement for me. That's what we'll be trying our best to do.'
Akinfenwa has scored eight goals already this season
And Ardley's Wimbledon side possess a huge weapon in their artillery. 17 stone striker Akinfenwa, recently named as the strongest player in the world on the new FIFA 15 game, has already fired eight goals this season after joining the club from Northampton Town in the summer.
After scoring twice against Bury recently, the heavyweight forward said he feels like he's firing on all cylinders: 'I feel like I've got my mojo back,' he told the Daily Mirror.
'When I'm on form there are not many defenders that can handle me. When I'm not on it, I look cumbersome. But when I'm on it, there's not much they can do.'
His manager echoed his thoughts, saying he's delighted to have him in Wimbledon colours.
'Anyone that tries to play one-on-one with him is going to come off second best. He's unplayable,' Ardley said.
'I've said it before that he is one of the best headers of a ball I've worked with, and I'm delighted that I've got him.'
'What doesn't he bring to the team? He is the point of attack, he holds the ball up, he's clever and he brings people into play - and if your team gets a chance to put a cross in then there's a great chance he'll score.'
The draw will kick-off on BBC Two at 7pm on Monday with three-time FA Cup winner Phil Neville and Derbyshire FA's Coach of the Year Tammy Snape as draw guests alongside host Mark Chapman.
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