One of the most endearing things about the FA Cup is its universal appeal.

The competition’s ability to pit professional with amateur, giants with underdogs, favourites with rank outsiders forms part of its enduring charm.

By the time this fourth-round weekend is over, David Wright will have sampled that special magic on both sides of the coaching spectrum.

And while he is busy helping Kevin Keen plot Tottenham Hotspur’s downfall this week, the Colchester United assistant manager might be forgiven for reflecting on his FA Cup experiences against somewhat less glamorous opposition.

Little more than five months ago, Wright was Maldon and Tiptree manager and preparing his side for a tricky preliminary-round trip to play Essex Senior League side Hullbridge Sports.

As a Ryman North side, Maldon went into the tie as favourites but ended up losing 2-0, in front of a crowd of 83 at Lower Road.

Wright said: “Going with Maldon, we were the bigger team and we did perform well that day.

“But we made two mistakes and we got punished.

“Hopefully, the roles will reverse this time.”

Maldon’s defeat at Hullbridge was another example of an FA Cup shock, albeit on a more minor scale.

Wright left Park Drive last month in order to link up with Keen and become Colchester’s new management team.

And having suffered the disappointment of being on the wrong end of a cup shock, the U’s number two is hoping to inflict an upset of his own on Premier League side Spurs, at a sold-out Weston Homes Community Stadium.

“It has been a very quick rise but they are two very different challenges,” said Wright.

“Tottenham are very big favourites and we know it will be very difficult.

“I watched them at Leicester and I thought they were excellent in the first half but it’s a day we should enjoy.

“The pressure is on Tottenham as they know they are expected to beat us so we can relax to some extent and enjoy it.

“But we must remember to perform and it’s not just a nice day.”

Wright made nearly 550 league and cup appearances during his impressive playing career for the likes of Colchester, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic.

But the 35-year-old was never fortunate enough to reach the latter stages of the FA Cup.

He said: “The FA Cup is a great competition and every year, there are upsets - the games are really special.”

For all of the build-up to the U's game against Tottenham Hotspur, see the Daily Gazette.