WHEN Fitz Hall was lining up for Chesham United against the likes of Maidenhead United 11 years ago, by his own admission, he could never imagine his dream of playing at Wembley would ever become reality.

But on Monday, Hall is set to fulfil his life-long ambition of playing at the iconic stadium when Watford take on Crystal Palace in the richest game in football – the Championship play-off final.

Hall was released by West Ham United as a youngster and although he had a brief stint with Barnet, he ended up joining Ryman Premier outfit Chesham in 2001 as a 20-year-old.

Hall was a striker as a youngster but his manager at Chesham at that time, Bob Dowie, converted him to centre half and it wasn’t long before his brother Iain heard about the talents of ‘One Size’ and signed him for Oldham Athletic for £30,000.

Just over a year later, Premier League side Southampton signed the giant defender and multi-million pound moves to Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic were to follow in the coming years.

Hall has played in the Premier League for Southampton, Wigan, Palace and QPR and secured promotion with Rangers and Newcastle United.

But the 32-year-old has never played at Wembley and the centre back, who was a regular before injury, is hoping he can regain his place in Gianfranco Zola’s starting XI against his former club.

Hall said: “I have done the other side where I played non-league football and had to work on and off. I didn’t sign a pro contract until 21 which is quite late.

“But obviously it has always been a dream to get to Wembley and when I was at Chesham I couldn’t have ever thought that one day I would be playing in a play-off final at Wembley to get to the Premier League.

“I am grateful to have that opportunity.”

He continued: “Everyone talks about it and if someone meets me the two questions they ask me are have you ever played against David Beckham? And have you played at Wembley?

“The answers to both of those questions were no but hopefully I can soon tick one of those boxes now. It is every boy’s dream and I am no different. It has come a little later in my career but it is welcome.”

Another player who used to ply his trade in Buckinghamshire will also be hoping to start for Watford against Palace.

Ikechi Anya was the youngest player to feature for Wycombe Wanderers when he made his debut in 2004 at the age of 16.

However, injury hampered his development and his was released.

But after spells with the Glenn Hoddle Academy and a few clubs in Spain, Anya joined Watford in the summer on loan from La Liga club Granada, who share the same owners as the Championship side.