But it was not the Brazilian soccer legend, but the five-month old son of the team's midfield star Ged Smith.

The appropriately named youngster was among hoards of fans queuing up to pass on their best wishes to the team as they boarded the coach to Wembley for the FA Vase final against Lowestoft.

The occasion has been labelled the biggest thing ever to have happened to Kirkham and Pele's mum, Charlotte, admitted she was nervous.

"My stomach is completely churning," she said.

"It's really exciting."

Helen Wright, 42, is another of the 4,000 fans who will fly the flag for the team on Sunday.

She plans to make a day of the cup final, with a glass of bubbly on the way.

"It's the biggest thing to happen to Kirkham since forever," she said.

"Everybody is behind the team and it's a thrill to be going to Wembley."

Sheila Hardy was also on hand for the send off with husband Peter.

She said:"The excitement is at fever pitch. When you think that a lot of these lads are holding down full-time jobs.

"The whole town should be proud of them."