FOOTBALL fanatic Steve Ausden from Okehampton will realise a childhood dream when he steps onto Wembley's hallowed turf tomorrow (Friday) — days before the bulldozers move in.

Steve will be playing in the last ever match before the famous football arena is demolished to make way for a new stadium.

The 36-year-old Okehampton Argyle defender, who has seen both Arsenal and England games at Wembley, owes his privileged position to his mate James Mitchell from Swindon who selected him for his team after winning a Radio 5 Live competition.

Following a night at the Hilton Hotel, the team will kick-off against a Sheffield side tomorrow afternoon watched by a host of stars including ex Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday player Mark Bright — and Steve can hardly wait.

'The members of the team are mostly from Swindon which is where I come from,' he said. ' But I met them all the other night and we discussed tactics with Jimmy Quinn who used to be Swindon Town's manager.'

The game will be broadcast live on Radio 5 Live and be treated like an FA Cup Final. All the men will be playing in the England strip and have been given England blazers and caps.

After the game the winning team will climb the steps of Wembley to collect a replica FA Cup from a queen look-a-like.

Steve said winning the game had not really featured in his thoughts: 'I still can't believe I will actually be playing at Wembley — it's more than a dream, it's a fantasy.

'I have always played football but unfortunately never been good enough to get to play Wembley — I have always wondered what it would be like.'

Hearing the roar of the 80,000 strong crowd at Wembley in England's pre-Euro 2000 friendly against Argentina was something that will remain in Steve's mind for many years to come.

'As the players came out the noise was deafening,' he said. 'I know the crowd will be nothing like that for our match but running out onto the pitch will be a very special feeling.'

The player will be taking his wife Sandra and three children Lauren, ten, Callum, eight, and six-year-old Bradley, the latter two of which are avid Manchester United fans. Steve's mum and his in-laws will also be cheering their son on from the stands.

'It does not matter whether we win or lose,' said Steve. 'Just being there is fantastic and if we are getting hammered I could also kick someone and be the last person to be sent off at Wembley,' he added jokingly.

Chairman of Okehampton Argyle Football Club John Domaille said it was a first for Okehampton to have someone play at Wembley.

'It's great for Steve and his family to be part of this and I am absolutely delighted for him,' he said.

'He has been with Okehampton Argyle for as long as I can remember and although he is not as young as he once was he still plays a good game.'