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Barry Fry tells of pride over son's FA Cup success

James Burridge/BBC Frankie and Barry Fry standing on a floodlit pitch at Latimer Park. Frankie is wearing a black jumper with a black gilet over the top. He has long brown hair swept back and is smiling. Barry is wearing a light blue shirt with an unbuttoned navy blazer. He has short grey hair and is giving a thumbs up while smiling.James Burridge/BBC
Frankie Fry scouted for his father, Barry, in the past at Peterborough United

English football veteran Barry Fry has told of his pride over his son's FA Cup success with Kettering Town.

Frankie Fry was part of the Poppies' coaching team that oversaw the side's first round victory over local rivals Northampton Town on 2 November.

His father, a director at Peterborough United, visited Latimer Park on Friday to help raise money for the seventh-tier club.

Speaking to BBC Look East, Barry Fry said: "[Frankie] deserves his chance to be first team coach and they've done a great job."

Kettering are due to host League Two opposition Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the cup, live on BBC Two from 11:45 GMT on Sunday.

It will mark the first time the Northamptonshire side has played at this stage of the tournament since 2009.

PA Media George Akhtar and Fabian Forde join celebrations with fans at Sixfields Stadium. They are running towards the away fans as red smoke from a pyrotechnic flare drifts over the goal behind them.PA Media
Kettering Town co-owners George Akhtar and Fabian Forde were among the jubilation after the side's first-round victory

Barry Fry, who has managed clubs including Peterborough United, Southend United and Birmingham City, said victories such as Kettering's over Northampton were what kept many lower league sides afloat financially.

"I'm very proud of him," Fry said of his son, who used to scout teams at Peterborough

"He's totally different to me - I'm off the cuff and he's very serious.

"He's done a lot of reports for me on teams and individual players, and his reports are second to none."

Fry, 79, said he hoped Kettering's progression in the FA Cup would lead to financial opportunities for the club.

PA Media Kettering Town's Lewis White celebrates with supporters after their side’s victory in the Emirates FA Cup first round match at Sixfields Stadium, NorthamptonPA Media
Frankie Fry said the players and supporters deserved to enjoy Kettering's moment in the spotlight

Fans have been working to prepare Latimer Park across three separate volunteer days, helping to paint and refurbish the ground ahead of Sunday's fixture.

Frankie Fry said everyone involved with the club could not wait for the match to kick off.

"For the fans, for the club, for the volunteers, this is what the magic of the FA Cup is all about," he said.

"They deserve it. We've got a great support here and we have done for years, so to have an occasion like this and bring them back here is what it's for."

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