AFTER playing in a Cup Final against Manchester United, you may think that would complete the dream of every young football-mad boy in the country.

But at 35 years of age, Dagenham and Redbridge striker Mark Stein is not ready to sit back and reminisce, but instead he is preparing to take part in the magic of the Cup all over again.o

Speaking exclusively to the Guardian, ex-pro Stein spoke to us about his hopes of another FA Cup run, following last season's success when the Daggers reached the fourth round proper, finally bowing out to Premiership outfit Charlton after taking them to a replay.

Having played top flight football for Luton, QPR and Chelsea, this is the first time Stein has played non-League football, and despite having offers from abroad, the Daggers came well recommended by his brother who had played there before him.

Stein said: "He told me a lot about the club and that it was ambitious, which is the most important thing. I've still got goals left in me, and what better way to bring the curtain down on your career than getting Dagenham into the Football League?"

The FA Cup outing to Division Three Exeter on Saturday is the next step in what the Daggers will hope is another cup run, and even though the Grecians are a league above Dagenham, they only sit 12 places higher.

Yet the real difference will not be the leagues in which they play, but the training regimes that both sides partake in.

Stein continued: "They train everyday and will be slightly sharper and the ball will be whizzing about that bit quicker than it does in the Conference, which will give them a head start."

With many experiences in the FA Cup during his career, Stein has no hesitation as to which was the most memorable.

"It has to be getting to the FA Cup Final with Chelsea in 1994 when we played Man United. I used to sit at home when I was a kid watching the TV, seeing the whole day unfold.

"Even though we lost 4-0, just to be involved in it was just amazing. The whole day went so quickly and I don't think people realise how special it is. The experience of waking up on Cup Final day and going down Wembley Way to take part in the best cup competition in the world is second to none."

For now though, the thought of Wembley is still a long way off.

"We've got to take care of Exeter first and that won't be an easy game. We've got to go there and give a good account of ourselves. We're under no pressure, and we're under no illusions, it will be a hard game.

"We can go there as underdogs and I don't see why we can't beat them. We are all quietly confident in changing room. We go out with that attitude before every game, it won't be any different."