Lewes can cause an FA Cup upset claims the man who helped plot Stoke City's last humbling in the competition.

Andy Thackeray is player-coach at non-league Nuneaton Borough, who knocked Stoke out of the FA Cup at the first round stage last season.

And the one-time Manchester City defender has urged Lewes players not to go to the Britannia Stadium expecting to be beaten.

Thackeray, 33, said: "No matter what level you play at you have a chance. If the Lewes lads have a pride and a passion in the shirt they are wearing, then there is always a chance of an upset."

After an extensive league career with Man City, Huddersfield, Newport County, Wrexham, Rochdale and Halifax, Thackeray knows all about cup upsets.

He said: "I was part of the Wrexham side who played Arsenal and beat them 2-1 in 1992.

"Arsenal had just won the league and Wrexham had been bottom of the Fourth Division the previous season.

There were four divisions' difference and nobody gave us a chance but we went out and beat them.

"If that provides a glimmer of hope for Lewes, then they should take that with them."

Realistically, Lewes know an upset is unlikely, particularly after they switched the home tie to the Britannia Stadium.

A crowd of 1,802 watched the Rooks beat Mangotsfield 2-0 in their fourth qualifying round replay on Tuesday but the Football Association switched the game at the request of Lewes because the demand for tickets would far outweigh the capacity at the Dripping Pan.

Now they travel to Stoke on Sunday, November 18 and Thackeray says Lewes have to make sure they enjoy the day.

"I have played a lot of Football League games and been involved in big FA Cup games but to take a non-league club to a big league club with a big support is a fantastic feeling.

"For Lewes, the exposure and feel-good factor around the town is something to enjoy.

"Last year, we set out our game plan to go there and enjoy the day and play how we wanted to play.

"If it is the one and only chance you get to play in these surroundings, then you have got to go there and express yourselves."

Thackeray added: "We played with a pride and passion that shocked Stoke on the day.

"Sometimes non-league clubs go there and expect to be the whipping boys. But there are no whipping boys now."

Lewes manager Jimmy Quinn is already aware he will have a selection headache for the game against Stoke. A total of 18 players were involved in the two games against Mangotsfield and that did not include Chris Johnson, Cameron Johnson or Reece Head, who are now on their way back from injury.

Peter Brackley (wrist) and Ryan Hackett (ankle) have already been ruled out of the Stoke game while Graham Mackay and Liam O'Brien are cup-tied but Chris Johnson and Cameron Johnson made comebacks in Wednesday's reserve game and expect to return to the squad for Tuesday's League Cup game against Witham Town.

Tomorrow Lewes entertain East Thurrock and Quinn said: "We have four home games before Stoke and I am a bit concerned about the players.

"They hit heights on Tuesday they have never reached before and we have now got to get them back down again because we want to pick up six points from the two league games and make progress in the other cups. You could say players are playing for their places."

Lewes are laying on coaches to the game at "a viable cost" and anyone wanting more information should contact the club on 01273 472100.

Lewes are looking for someone to join their squad before the FA Cup game at Stoke. Rooks are urgently seeking a reserve team manager and anyone interested should contact Jimmy Quinn via the Argus on 01273 544597.