John Coleman wants to bring back the atmosphere of those 2003 FA Cup runs to the Wham Stadium.

The Reds kick off their FA Cup campaign tomorrow at home to fellow League Two side York City but, when the world’s oldest cup competition comes around, he can’t help but hark back to the run of 12 years ago.

“We haven’t had a cup run really since beating Huddersfield and then Bournemouth on penalties in 2003,” said Coleman.

“On those occasions the Wham Stadium was full and I would like to get back to those days.”

That’s the aim under new major shareholder Andy Holt who has now paid off the club’s £1.2m debts and will invest a further £600,000 into the club, as he looks to make the Wham Stadium a more inviting place to watch football.

But first Coleman will concentrate on York, who are battling near the bottom of League Two and this week appointed new manager Jackie McNamara to the post after Russ Wilcox left last month.

“For me the first round is always the most difficult one and we have just got to be grateful for a home draw,” said the Reds boss.

“I have had reports on York and watched them a few times and their performances haven’t merited the results they have had. That makes them a dangerous animal especially as it’s a game we will be expected to win – but we know we have to do a lot of hard work if we are to win it.

“There is also a new manager at York – it’s the same players but the new manager will be looking to get a response out of those players . When you come into a club you can’t change players immediately but you can change their mentality a little bit and organise them differently although I think a lot of it comes down to luck, whether you get off to a winning start or you don’t.”

Defender Dean Winnard will miss the game after picking up five yellow cards.

“Dean would have started so it is a big blow but it does give others a chance, now a lot of the injuries have cleared up,” added Coleman.