Jamie Stott: Winning FAI Cup will ease struggles and pain of a heartbreaking year

​The Derry City defender admits it was 'touch and go' whether he would return to Brandywell in the summer following the tragic passing of his newborn baby but the promise of a cup run provided hope. He feels he's made the right choice as he now gets the chance to give his family and friends a memorable day in Dublin which will make all the 'struggles and pain' of a heartbreaking year 'worthwhile'.

"That was sort of my aim coming back," explained the defender. "In the summer I had a tough decision to make. I was touch and go whether I was coming back. The missus and family told me; 'listen, do what you feel is right'.

"I had my hopes when I first came to the club of playing in Europe and trying to win a league title and a cup. The cup hadn't started yet and we were just about to play in Europe so I wanted to give that a go.

"As the weeks went on I felt I was getting back fitter and stronger. I made the decision with the family that I would see it out until the end of the season and then see where myself and the club are after that.

"They've given me so much confidence and belief to go out there and play. Getting to the final has been massive for me and my final because it's sort of made all the struggles and the pain we've been in for the last months, worthwhile and given us that hope and that boost to keep going. Listen, what happens on the day happens, but to give them that day out and that release just feels like it's been worth it."

Stott was part of the winning Halifax team that defeated Gateshead in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley back in May 2023 and he's honoured to get the chance to play at another national stadium three years later.

"I've been involved in a cup final in England. The National League you have the FA Trophy which is the equivalent to a non-league FA Cup.

"I was involved in that and we had the final at Wembley. So I've had that experience but I think this is going to be a massive one where there will be a lot more fans in.

"I'm buzzing for it and can't wait. You're lucky if you get to a final in your career so we have to cherish it. We want to go and end the season with a trophy and that's what we're all focussed on.

"Wembley was amazing. They had the FA Vase final there before we played and then when we played a couple of hours later, those fans had stayed and our fans came in so there was a really good atmosphere and a great day.

"Sometimes some players aren't able to get to a final of any competition so to be able to get to another is special and to be able to do that at another national stadium is amazing.

"When I first came here I wanted to play in Europe, win a league and get to a cup final. In the year-and--a-half I've been here, I've played in Europe and got to a cup final. Unfortunately we haven't been able to win the league or get close to that this season but we are almost there to bringing a trophy back.

“If we can do that I think that would be a good end to the season for us."

For several of Derry City's English contingent, this will be the first time experiencing the Aviva Stadium but Stott feels he's got a good sense of what the competition means to the city.

"It means everything really. I can only speak for myself, but for an Englishman coming over, you want to impress the fans and show you care about the club you're playing for. Every time I've pulled the Derry shirt on I've always given 110 per cent.

"I've always wanted to impress and do right for the club. To get to a cup final is absolutely amazing. I know now how much it would mean to the club to do that. I know they got beat two years ago and those boys want to put that right,

"For the rest, we want to end the season by contributing trophies to the club. I was involved in the team that lost at Brandywell to Drogheda in the cup last year. I missed one of the penalties and since then I've wanted to make it right."

The 28 year-old former Morecambe player is out of contract at the end of the season but he's content to leave talks about his future until after Sunday.

"There's been no talks yet and in a way I sort of respect that because I just want to keep my head down and play the football I've been playing.

"Once the season's done and dusted I'm sure the club and I will have that conversation.

"Of course it's an option because I've enjoyed my time here. The end goal isn't finished yet. I want to be involved in a team wherever I am, that wins stuff. I can really see the team and the club is going in the right direction here.

"It's only a matter of time I believe that the club is as close to winning something, it just needs those final touches. So of course I want to be involved in that but I will have to reflect at the end of the season and speak with the family. It's a joint decision and I want to do what's right by myself but also for them.

"There's a vision and a goal that I want to get towards, I want to bring that trophy home first and foremost and after that we will cross that bridge when we get to it."