Source: Daily_Mail
FA Cup final overshadowed: what do Wembley heroes think?
ShareSportsmail asked eight FA Cup finalists what they thought of the prospect of Manchester United winning the title moments before Manchester City and Stoke walk out at Wembley.[LNB]ROGER OSBORNE[LNB] Scored Ipswich Town's winner in the 1978 final against Arsenal[LNB] I'm a huge fan of the FA Cup and it's very sad that the final can't have a day to itself. But it could have been worse and I believe the fact that Stoke are playing Manchester City has saved the Cup this season. It will mean everything to these two clubs but imagine if two of the big four, who are so blas? about it, had been involved. They would have put out weakened teams because the league would have been their priority. It could have been farcical but might still be magical.[LNB] Roger that: Ipswich's Mick Mills and Osborne with the famous trophy in 1978[LNB]LAWRIE SANCHEZ[LNB] Headed Wimbledon's winner in 1988 final against Liverpool [LNB]Ours was the last final to be screened by both BBC and ITV, and it was wall-to-wall coverage from 10am, with Celebrity It's a Knockout and all sorts. That's how much of an occasion it was in those days. [LNB]When my header went in, I remember looking round to check the linesman wasn't flagging, then turning back just in time to see Dennis Wise hurtling towards me and leaping into my arms. [LNB]I'm concerned the world's oldest cup competition is losing some of its prestige and is in danger of becoming second rate. It will be on a par with the League Cup before long. The final should have a day of its own, and the FA have to put their foot down and insist on a Champions League place for the winners. [LNB]STUART PEARSON [LNB]Striker for Manchester United in the 1976 and 1977 finals, and West Ham in 1980[LNB] I was fortunate to play in three Wembley finals and I remember them vividly because that is what playing in a final means to you. I think it is wrong that it is not the showpiece game of the season that it used to be because it was always meant to be a game for the country. My finals were certainly the highlights of my career. [LNB] United we stand: Stuart Pearson (left) and team-mates celebrate in 1977[LNB]PHIL THOMPSON [LNB]Defender for Liverpool in 1974 final against Newcastle [LNB]It's a sham. The FA have no vision. I know they have to prepare the stadium for the Champions League final but they could have juggled the fixture. [LNB]We called Wembley the Anfield of the South. For me playing at Wembley for Liverpool was special. When I was assistant manager at Liverpool and we won the FA Cup as part of our treble in 2001, the overseas players rated the UEFA Cup as the most important but Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen all chose the FA Cup. [LNB] Caught Red handed: Liverpool's Phil Thompson at Wembley in 1974[LNB]ALAN SUNDERLAND[LNB] Striker for Arsenal in 1978 and 1979 finals[LNB] It is very unlucky for Manchester City that their biggest rivals might steal their thunder on Cup final day. When I scored the winner against United in the last minute the FA Cup was the big curtain closer on the season. Now the League is so much bigger and the Champions League is the competition they all want to win. [LNB]Last-minute winner: Alan Sunderland[LNB]MIKE ENGLAND [LNB]Tottenham Hotspur defender in 1967 final against Chelsea [LNB]The problem is the number of fixtures that have to be accommodated but I still feel it is the competition that all young players aspire to play in. I grew up dreaming of playing in the FA Cup final and when it happened it was one of the greatest days of my career. I'm sure that's the way the players will be feeling this weekend, whatever is happening elsewhere. [LNB]JIM MONTGOMERY[LNB] Sunderland keeper whose 'wonder save' helped beat Leeds in 1973 final[LNB]When I saved Trevor Cherry's header, and the ball fell to Peter Lorimer, it was just instinct to be on my feet and reacting as quickly as I could to get a hand to the ball again. It's what I did in training every day, and my only thought, when the ball came down off the bar, wasto be ready for a third save, if need be. [LNB]TheCup provides moments that last an eternity, and images, too. Who could forget Bob Stokoe running across the pitch at the end to give me a hug? The Cup has been going downhill for a while, but I find it scandalous the final isn't even going to have the stage to itself this time. I can't fathom out why they couldn't have found a day, Sunday perhaps, when there was nothing on the fixture list but the final. [LNB]SIR TREVOR BROOKING[LNB] West Ham midfielder in 1975 and 1980 finals, and now FA director of football development [LNB]You have to take this as a unique year. It's fantastic to have such a Champions League final at Wembley. It's one of those things you have to accept. [LNB]I'm biased with the FA Cup, I always think it can stand on its own merit and I think it will on Saturday. Whatever happens in the other games a lot of the headlines will be from the FA Cup. I think it's a really interesting final and with those two sets of fans, I think it will be one of the noisiest finals. [LNB]I am honestly quite comfortable that Man City versus Stoke will stand up. I think the Premier League title was settled last weekend. [LNB] Happy Hammers: Trevor Brooking (centre left) and Frank Lampard snr[LNB] A final insult: United could win the league minutes before City and Stoke contest FA CupManchester United could be celebrating 19th title as great rivals City play in FA Cup finalRoll over for City? You're barking mad! Pennant insists Stoke relish Cup final underdog tagThis week is 'do or die'! De Jong tells Manchester City to make history[LNB] Explore more:People: Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, Trevor Brooking, Lawrie Sanchez, Steven Gerrard Places: Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool
