Ben Milnes, captain of Tamworth, is ready to keep his cool as he takes his underdog team into battle against the strong Tottenham side tomorrow.
This calm demeanor is likely expected by those who witnessed his peculiar post-training routine on Thursday evening.
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As temperatures dropped to -4C, Milnes concluded training on the frozen pitch at The Lamb in Tamworth, before immersing himself in a wheely-bin full of icy water for a five-minute recovery session!
The 33-year-old claims this method is an excellent way to gear up for the most significant match of his career, aiding his body’s recovery.
While Premier League side Spurs enjoy high-tech cryotherapy chambers at their plush Hotspur Way training ground, Milnes has to settle for a simpler setup involving a bin and a few ice packs.
As conditions further declined after Tamworth’s solitary training session of the week, Milnes remarked to SunSport, “It feels warmer when the temperatures are this low.”
“I do this after every Thursday night training session leading up to a game.”
Many view underdog Tamworth, given 2,500-1 odds to win the FA Cup, as having slim prospects for causing one of the biggest upsets in football history tomorrow.
However, the part-time Lambs are determined to put on a show and induce some concern for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
Milnes aims to rally Tamworth as they attempt to outmaneuver their rivals, aspiring to transform Aussie Ange Postecoglou’s FA Cup dreams into a nightmare.
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As a midfielder, he could have pursued a professional cricket career instead of attempting to challenge Spurs on a difficult pitch.
His brother, a skilled cricketer, will be at The Lamb cheering him on.
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“He played for the England Lions during their tour of Australia a few years back.
“He could have continued representing England, but he’s faced injuries, including a stress fracture in his back, and hasn’t played much lately.”
Milnes was also a talented cricketer in his youth, making the decision between the two sports a tough one.
He reflected: “My dad, Mark, participated in both football and cricket, and I grew up enjoying both sports.
“I played for Notts Academy and the Midlands youth teams, which was quite competitive.
“However, around age 14 or 15, I had to choose a path, and I opted for football while Matt chose cricket. I found cricket a bit slower than I preferred.
“My brother will be here for the match. He was at our Boxing Day match against Forest Green too. I try to attend his games whenever possible.
“One of the most memorable matches he played was the Twenty20 final victory against Kent a few years back — unfortunately, I was playing for Buxton at the time and couldn’t be there.
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“I haven’t had the opportunity to attend many of his significant matches, but his important games are usually televised, so I can keep track.”
Milnes, who operates a financial planning business with his wife, expresses that he is currently living the dream after securing three consecutive football titles over the last two and a half years.
He expressed: “I’ve secured three titles in a row, which isn’t too shabby.
“I won the Northern League Premier Division with Buxton, then moved to Tamworth and clinched the Southern League Premier Division title, followed by the National League North trophy.
“I don’t anticipate maintaining that streak in the National League this year.
“However, surviving relegation would be equally as satisfying as winning another title.
“Considering the teams we’re facing, along with their resources, budgets, and experienced players, it would be a significant accomplishment.
“But defeating Spurs would be as gratifying as winning three titles in just 90 minutes!
“This is undoubtedly the most important match I’ve ever competed in — though its significance is slightly overshadowed by the league, which remains crucial for us.”
