Lee Feeney says it "would be an honour" to emulate the late Frankie Wilson and lead Bangor to Steel & Sons Cup glory.
The Seasiders take on Dunmurry Rec on Christmas Eve bidding to win the competition for the fourth time.
Their last victory came back in the 2011/12 season under Wilson's leadership when they beat Larne 2-1 in the final.
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After Frankie's sad passing at the end of October Feeney says he would love to follow in his footsteps.
"I think a lot of Frankie Wilson, he was a great man who was loved by so many," he said.
"The last time Bangor won this trophy he was the manager, and just like this year, that was Christmas Eve as well.
"I would love to follow in Frankie footsteps and lift the trophy for Bangor.
"It’s a wee list of managers who have won this cup for Bangor.
"It has Frankie on it, and I’d love to join him on that list. That would be an honour."
It's fair to say Feeney has not got the best of memories from the Steel & Sons Cup.
The only time he played in the festive final was way back in 1994 when Linfield Swifts lost, ironically, to Bangor Reserves.
Feeney admitted he can't really recall too much from that game, but last year's semi-final defeat to Newington is one that is clear in his mind and wants to put right.
"I can’t remember 1994, I really can’t," he said.
"I know Bangor Reserves had a cracking side at the time (Niall Currie, Stephen Craigan, John Bailie, Ally McCombe and Stuart McPherson featured) and they beat us 1-0, but honestly I can’t remember it.
"I was 16 but I really remember it and that’s the truth. I remember the build up to it and I remember being asked to play right midfield in a 4-4-2, but I really can’t remember anything else about it. I can’t remember anything that happened on the pitch.
"I’m bad like that. I can’t remember half the things I did in my career. It’s a shame because it’s a special occasion.
"It’s remarkable the prestige that’s involved in this competition. It’s amazing the amount of people that come to this game every Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve.
"I think the prestige is there because no other country has a final like this. It’s unique and I don’t think it will ever change.
"When I think about the Steel and Sons Cup, I think more about last year’s semi-final defeat than a game nearly 30 years ago.
"I’ve always aspired to win this trophy for Bangor, ever since I took the job, but unfortunately last year we lost the semi-final to Newington. That hurt us badly.
"This year we’ve gone a step further, and we’re desperate to clear that final hurdle and pick up the trophy. It’s something we’re really looking forward too."
Bangor are clear favourites to lift the trophy especially given that they have not lost a game in 90 minutes since mid-September.
But Feeney says they will not be taking anything for granted, especially against a Dunmurry Rec side who upset the odds in every round they have played so far.
"I’ve done my homework on them and it’s incredible what they have achieved so far," he said.
"I know the manager well and he’s a good manager who has made a major impact in just a few months.
"They’re happy with what they have achieved so far, but they want to go a step further now and make history.
"Dan (Thornton) did a great job guiding them through the quarters and semis and I’m sure he will make the final difficult for us. To win this trophy, we will have to earn it.
"My main goal since taking this job is to win promotion to the Championship, but I’ve also targeting this competition. I want to lift it for the club.
"The only pressure I pay attention to is the pressure I put myself under.
"We’re doing well. Even when we’re not played well, we’ve found a way to win.
"I improved the squad over the summer with a few key signings. It doesn’t matter how good a manager you are, you need good players to win games.
"I added experience because I felt we lacked that last year. As a manager, I probably lacked a wee bit of experience too at times.
"The new signings have helped us get over the line a few times this season."
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