DailySun
Captain Ben Milnes of Tamworth is ready to keep his cool as he guides his underdog team into an encounter with the strong Tottenham squad tomorrow.
This calm demeanor is likely expected by those who noticed his distinctive routine after training on Thursday night.
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As temperatures dropped to -4°C, Milnes concluded training on the frosty field at The Lamb in Tamworth, before submerging himself in a wheely bin filled with ice water for a five-minute recovery!
The 33-year-old believes this is an excellent preparation method for the most significant match of his career, as it aids in his physical recovery.
While Premier League Spurs rely on high-tech cryotherapy chambers at their lavish Hotspur Way training facility, Milnes has to make do with a simpler arrangement featuring a bin and ice packs.
As the temperature continued to plummet following Tamworth’s solitary training session of the week, Milnes remarked to SunSport: “It feels warmer when it’s this cold outside.”
“I do this after every Thursday night training session to get ready for a game.”
Many view the modest Tamworth, facing 2,500-1 odds to win the FA Cup as having slim chances of pulling off one of the greatest upsets in football history tomorrow.
Despite this, the part-time Lambs are determined to put on an impressive performance and unsettle Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
Milnes is driven to inspire Tamworth as they aim to outmaneuver their opponents, looking to turn Aussie Ange Postecoglou’s FA Cup ambitions into a nightmare.
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As a midfielder, he could have easily pursued a professional cricket career instead of trying to take down Spurs on a challenging pitch.
His brother, a talented cricketer, will be present at The Lamb supporting him.
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Milnes shared: “My younger brother Matt Milnes plays cricket for Yorkshire.
“He represented the England Lions during their tour to Australia a few years back.
“He could have continued playing for England, but he’s had recent injury troubles, including a stress fracture in his back, and hasn’t played much lately.”
Milnes himself was a top cricketer in his youth, and choosing between the two sports was a tough call.
He reflected: “My dad, Mark, played both football and cricket, and I grew up participating in both sports.
“I played for Notts Academy and the Midlands youth teams, which were quite competitive.
“However, around the age of 14 or 15, I had to decide which path to take, and I chose football while Matt opted for cricket. I found cricket a bit too slow for my liking.
“My brother will be here for the match. He also came to watch our Boxing Day match against Forest Green. I try to attend his matches when I can.
“One of the most crucial games he played was when they clinched the Twenty20 final against Kent a few years back — unfortunately, I was on the field for Buxton at that time and couldn’t attend.
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“I’ve not had the opportunity to attend many of his significant games, but the important matches are generally televised, so I can keep up with him.”
Milnes, who operates a financial planning business with his wife, expresses that he is presently living his dream after achieving three consecutive football championships over the past two and a half years.
He noted: “I’ve secured three titles in a row, which is something to be proud of.
“I won the Northern League Premier Division with Buxton, then joined Tamworth and secured the Southern League Premier Division title, followed by the National League North trophy.
“I do not anticipate maintaining that streak in the National League this year.
“However, avoiding relegation would be equally rewarding as securing another title.
“Considering the teams we are up against, along with their facilities, budgets, and players with league experience, it would be a significant accomplishment.
“But defeating Spurs would feel as gratifying as winning three titles in just 90 minutes!
“This is certainly the most crucial match I’ve ever played — though its significance is somewhat overshadowed by the league, which is vital for us.”
