Freddie Sears’ Maldon & Tiptree on scent of FA Cup shock at Port Vale

The set-up around the squad is also much more advanced than their position in the pyramid would suggest.

“Quite often at this level most players have different jobs so your players are maybe plumbers or electricians, some are even trying to juggle two or three jobs,” said sporting director Mitch Cowling.

“But we’re in a really fortunate position that probably 90% of our team haven’t actually got additional jobs.

“They might have a football interest somewhere like a little bit of coaching here or there but generally we have a hybrid system so some of the players come in full-time.

“We have pros like Freddie Sears and Tom Eastman that are now part-time but we’re able to offer a good enough package to have a comfortable living from a part-time football role.”

With investment comes expectation and Horlock knows promotion is a non-negotiable this season.

Sunday’s cup tie, for the former Manchester City midfielder, represents a free hit.

“This is probably the first week there’s no pressure,” said Horlock.

“We set this as a target to get to the first round proper when Barrie and Scott came in. They’ve invested a lot of time and money in the football club so that was something we wanted to achieve. We’ve done that.

“We still want to progress but it’s a tough ask going to Port Vale away.

“Hopefully they have an off day, hopefully we have a bit of luck and then you just never know do you?”