Love affair that started when I was just a lad

13 April 2012

I have always loved the FA Cup. As a wide-eyed schoolboy I sat in front of a black and white television and watched grainy pictures of the Final, which seemed, and probably was, the only 'live' game on the box all year.

As a hopeful non-League footballer I played in the FA Cup even though I never survived beyond September and those early qualifying rounds. However, as a broadcaster, I have been fortunate to go the full distance in the competition.

Apart from a decision not to intrude into the private post-Hillsborough grief of the Liverpool-Everton climax in 1989 I have been at every Final for 30 years.

The mixture of past tradition and anticipation for the Final is intoxicating.

Arsenal, in their record-equalling 15th Final, and Chelsea, looking for a third triumph in six seasons, bring plenty of both commodities to the 2002 party.

In my early television years I had the thrill of broadcasting from team buses on the way to Wembley, once being responsible for the nation hearing the Bobby Moore cry, "Let's get the lagers out," as the coach pulled away from the Fulham hotel on the way to the 1975 Final.

I struggled to retain my dignity and my trousers on another eventful ride to Wembley while interviewing a mischievous Liverpool squad.

As a commentator I have been lucky to be holding a microphone for many moments that you will all remember.

Ian Wright's two-goal explosion was sensational when he came on as a substitute for Crystal Palace during the 3-3 thriller against Manchester United in 1990.

Roberto Di Matteo, with his 42-second flyer for Chelsea, had all the Cup Final commentators gasping in 1997 as did Michael Owen in overturning Arsenal 12 months ago.

In truth, the words at such times are almost incidental. On television it is the pictures that matter and I am very lucky that Sky Sports have full-time football cameramen who paint the picture far more graphically than I can with sound.

For more than 10 years now I have also had the considerable advantage of the companionship of Andy Gray up on the television commentary gantry. He is strong and passionate in his footballing beliefs and a shrewd analyst.

Come Cup Final day with Andy, I do have to make sure that the 1984 FA Cup Final gets more than a passing mention. But you raise the subject of 1985, when Manchester United's 10-men stopped Andy's Everton keeping hold of the trophy, at your peril.

The most nerve-wracking part of the day is the wait. The build-up starts so early. You feel everything that can be said has been said. Then, as the match commentator, always last on, you have to search for some fresh thoughts.

Once the game starts you are conscious that history is being made. No other contest needs to be put immediately into context like the FA Cup Final. This year I shall also be aware that two Cup Final voices of the past have fallen silent since Cardiff 2001. The broadcasting baton was held with such distinction by Ken Wolstenholme and Brian Moore. It is an honour to continue to carry it on.

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Bobby Moore

Everton

Hillsborough

Liverpool FC

Love affair that started when I was just a lad

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