FOOTBALL has an uncanny knack of creating stories that warm the heart.

And for former Colchester United defender Peter Cawley, the dad of Heybridge Swifts’ Jack, Sunday’s FA Cup adventure to Exeter City promises to stir up a host of emotions. From nerves and excitement to nostalgia and poignancy.

Defender Peter played for Exeter and it was during his time with the Grecians that Jack was born, in 1992.

However, he has not been back since leaving and had vowed never to return, following the sad passing of wife Theresa in February 2016.

“It’s quite surreal and very special for our family, when you consider our connections with Exeter,” said Peter, who made more than 200 appearances during his six years at Layer Road, from 1992 and 1998.

“I was playing down there when I met my wife.

“I ruptured my Achilles and was sent to Mount Stuart Hospital in Torquay.

“That’s where I met Theresa.

“We got chatting, went for a drink and the rest is history.

“It’s so remarkable that now, all these years on, football has reconnected me with Devon.

“I’d always said I wouldn’t go back and that it would be too painful, because it holds such a special place in my heart.

“This is about the only way I’d willingly return there and it’s going to be very nostalgic.

“Life has a funny way of creating situations like this and it’s going to be a special weekend for us all.”

Theresa passed away after contracting pneumonia, following a short battle with illness.

Jack was playing for Stanway Rovers at the time and after scoring in a 6-0 victory against Ipswich Wanderers, he lifted his top to show a T-shirt bearing the message “RIP mum”.

“I’m so proud of Jack,” said Peter.

“He’s exceeded expectations in so many ways – not least in terms of passing his Knowledge exams to become a London cabbie.

“He had to do it at a very tough time, just after losing his mum, and I thought that was outstanding.

“As a footballer, he’s doing so well at Heybridge and he’s got a manager who believes in him, in Jody Brown.

“He’s around decent players and everything has married together, which is what happens to successful teams.

“There’s a real sense of anticipation among the Heybridge boys.

“They’re buzzing and rightly so.

“I’ve spent a bit of time around them and it’s contagious.

“They’re good lads and they’ve worked so hard for this opportunity.

“If they start positively, I don’t see any reason why they can’t get something from the game, be it a victory or a replay.

“Heybridge have some very good players - players that could probably play at a higher level - and they’ve impressed me.

“As long as they don’t concede an early goal, it should be an open game and I can see them growing into it.

“I get more nervous watching than playing.

“I could try and control things when I was playing but when I’m watching I just have to keep my fingers crossed, take a deep breath and hope things go OK.

“I just hope he and the team give a good account of themselves but win, lose or draw, I expect it to be a wonderful occasion.”

In terms of role models, Jack need look no further than Peter.

The 52-year-old had a distinguished professional career and was part of the Wimbledon squad that stunned the football world by beating Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.

Although he did not play, he was in the Dons starting line-up that later lost 2-1 to the Anfield giants in the Charity Shield.

“I was lucky enough to get to the final with the Crazy Gang,” said Peter.

“So much of that experience was surreal and there are many, many stories - most of which can’t be printed in a newspaper.

“But I also had some good days with Colchester and Jack used to come and watch me when I was at Layer Road.

“I think my wife exerted more energy than I did chasing him round and keeping up with him!

“It was always particularly special playing in the FA Cup.

“It’s funny because I was never that worried about cup draws when I was playing.

“I don’t ever remember watching one because it was just part and parcel of what I did.

“It didn’t make much difference who we were drawn against.

“This was completely different, though, and I was so excited when Swifts were drawn against Exeter.

“You couldn’t make it up and it’s going to be very special for our family.”