Football club owner Paul Scholes described it as one of the most special moments in the game after watching Salford City become giantkillers in the Emirates FA Cup.
“It meant everything and was one of the best moments I have had in football,” explained Grasscroft-based Scholes who saw Salford record a 2-0 victory against Sky Bet League Two Notts County, a team three divisions higher in the football pyramid.
It was the first time Salford City had ever reached the first-round proper in what was the biggest night in the club’s history with the tie screened live on BBC2.
Former Manchester United and England midfielder Scholes continued: “It was sensational and took me back to watching Oldham Athletic when they were winning trophies and getting to play at Wembley.
“As a player I had sensational times, but that night is one I will always remember.
“It was a special night stood on the hill (he stood on the terraces with Gary Neville and Nicky Butt) especially when we scored.
“I was worried that Notts County might be stronger in the last 15/20 minutes because they were full-time and their superior fitness might show.
“It didn’t and we scored a second and might have won by more which was beyond our wildest dreams. Hopefully there will be more nights like this to come.”
Salford have been drawn against League Two club Hartlepool United at home in the second round which will be played between December 4/7.
Scholes added that he doesn’t think there is a wide gulf between Salford’s level and Sky Bet League One and Two.
He said: “I see a lot of League One games watching Oldham and there is not a big difference.
“Obviously fitness is an issue as we (Salford) don’t train every day, but our managers (Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson) work hard and we are as fit as any team at our level.”
Scholes, who bought Salford along with Class of 92 team-mates the Neville brothers, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, has already seen witnessed the team winning promotion to Evo Stik League, premier division. They have since sold 50-per-cent of the club to Singapore businessman Peter Lim as they need investment to help achieve their eventual goal of getting the club into the Football League.
And though Scholes is a television pundit and has business interest with a hotel in Manchester and a second one soon, he says Salford City is a huge part of his life.
He said: “Salford keeps me most occupied as I watch many of their games.
“At least one of us (the owners) goes to every game as we believe it is important we support the managers and the team.”