FA Cup Final

Who cares?

Firstly, it's desperate mancs versus mancs 115

Secondly, the FA Cup has had its magic stripped from it by the cynical PL, FA etc.

Thirdly, the drooling of commentators would be obnoxious beyond belief, but,

Fourthly, we have got to attend a wedding but the first three are the real reasons and I won't be that sad to want to learn how *ankfest enfolds!!!!!

Ten Hag will be gone after the game

Actually forgot that this game was happening tomorrow, the EPL and FA have basically ruined the best cup competition ever created.
Gone are the days when you watched the build up from 9 am, and you could name the last 10 winners.
Nobody knows what the bloody kick off time might be these days and it wouldn't surprise me to see plenty of pockets of empty seats around the stadium tomorrow.
The FA Cup is now way down the pecking order for the elite clubs and even the neutral fan is no longer interested.

It could be an interesting season.

Klopp gone.

Pochetitino gone.

Brighton manager gone.

Ten Hag hanging on.

Could be a right managerial merry go round.

Jeff

I agree. It used to be a big thing like the Grand National everyone would watch even casual fans. But now it is about as meaningful as the Charity shield. It's almost like a benefit match that whoever wins the league is also expected to win.

Really sad how over the years the FA have allowed such an iconic day become almost meaningless except for the fans and clubs competing in the final. I well remember Arthur Caiger in his white suit mounting the rostrum in the centre circle to lead the community singing and of course finishing with "Abide With Me".

You used to switch on the telly to see the players being interviewed in the morning before the game, the whole build-up, even for fans whose team weren't there was exciting.

In those days the FA Cup was the biggest trophy you could win apart from the league, were now its way down the list of achievements.

I suppose if Michael reads this post he will say I am drowning in nostalgia, but they were great days and something todays fans will never experience.

Used to be the season's showpiece grand finale. Now it's just the afterbirth.

Shame – I used to love it whoever (except them) was playing.

Danny @4,

And what if Dyche ends up on the merry-go-round? Plenty of clubs will look at what a great job he has done at Everton and put him under consideration.

I don't think he feels the love of Evertonians and he might jump ship. Some blues need to get their heads out of their arses and realise what a great job he has done.

Not everyone's cup of tea? Do me a favour.

They're would be some very different opinions on here if we were playing in the Cup Final tomorrow!

The possible end of the trophy drought and European qualification, we'd be all over it like white on rice!!

It's still a great competition to win, even though it has been diminished.

Lee, of course we would, but most people these days outside the two teams playing are not interested, like me and millions of others tomorrow,

That's on the FA and EFL.

Just been told on the news that this is a repeat of last season's final – it was erased from my memory the same night. An all-Manc final, completely forgotten about, maybe it's just my age.

Lee,

Many of our older posters on here will remember the likes of Bury and The Wednesday winning the cup when it was truly competitive.

Mark, at least you've got cricket for the summer.

My dogs have to put up with my ramblings.

Where I live in Uxbridge, it's on the Metropolitan Line direct to Wembley Park and used as a staging post for finals.

I'll go out to watch it and expect an influx of both Manchester supporters in the build-up tomorrow, not to mention the London-based Man Utd supporters.

The FA Cup Final – 3 of the best days of my life, and 5 bad ones.

Well done to all involved that managed to get the FA Cup final, the Scottish cup final, and the European rugby final final all on at the same time. Outstanding.

I was convinced we were going to win the Hillsborough final, Peter, to give them payback for all the previous years, but it didn't hurt that much when we lost it, and definitely nowhere near as much as the one in 1986.

The 1985 one was similar, because we had still won the league, and the cup winners cup, and I thought we were going to dominate for the next few seasons, but Heysel, eventually put paid to that.

Watford is still my most treasured memory, and I'd do almost anything, to see our kids, celebrating winning the cup, at Wembley next may💙

I loved the FA Cup, because it has given me so many memories, and it was something that belonged to us all, until the money men came along, and slowly started chipping away at the Romance, of what I considered the greatest competition of them all.

The build up was everything Brian H, and I was genuinely gutted when I missed it against Watford, even though it was one of the best days of my life.

Peter, most memorable for me was being present in 1984 to see Kevin Ratcliffe lift the first trophy in my life. What an experience, which will live me forever.

Then, the 2009 final when I gave my tickets to my son and youngest brother hoping they would have a similar experience. Early hopes as I made my way to a nearby pub full of ticketless Evertonians. Despite the result, a great day out.

I had to have a few words with one or two Chelsea supporters on the way back to Wembley Park as they were being their usual arrogant selves. Nothing that a few strong words and a look in the eye couldn't sort out!!

Shane @ 15. - absolutely ridiculous isn't it?

Tbh, if I wasn't playing cricket today, I'd choose to watch the Scottish final. An old firm derby is on my bucket list.

I remember being angry (I was only seven!) when Dixie Dean, got interviewed before Liverpool played Man Utd, in the 1977 Cup Final, and he tipped Liverpool to win. I remember saying to Dave, when he came down the stairs, that Dixie Dean, has just said Liverpool, are gonna beat United, Dad.

His eyes lit up and he smiled and said, “that'll do for me Tony, Dixie, is only trying to jinx them, they'll get beat now, trust me!”

My first memory is Taylor, in 1975, then was it Bobby Stokes, in 1976. Lou McCary's fluke, going in off Greenoff, Roger Osborne, Sunderland at the back stick, and then Willy young tripping up the youngest ever cup final player, Paul Allen, after he had just gone past him and was through on goal.

Sorry for boring everyone, but my favourite goal was Keith Houchen's header when Coventry City upset the nailed-on Spurs, and the memory of them gate-crashing the wedding reception at their team hotel to celebrate their win with the newlyweds.

Apparently when they heard there was a wedding, a few players started speaking and saying they had never lost a game when they had seen a wedding on the way to the stadium. So they found out where the church was and got the coach driver to do a detour on the way to Wembley Stadium!

As I said, what Romance!!!

Tony.

Apart from being very upset on 10 May 1986, that semi-final still grates me in how we basically surrendered when it was there for the taking.

Mark, I've no interest in the rugby but Ireland has gone rugby mad this past few years.

Throw Man Utd and Celtic into the mix and there's a lot of torn people over here today.

Danny,

The mention of 1984 brings back some great memories for me, my friend and I were lucky enough to have tickets for the players banquet at the Lancaster Hotel after the game. John Bailey was still wearing that tall hat that he had on after the final, and you can imagine the atmosphere was terrific.

I was lucky enough to be on Peter Reid's table with his Mum and Dad and brothers, Andy Gray was dancing and singing on the table.

John Bailey was the first one we met when we got inside the Lancaster hotel and he was saying that he would be in big trouble with the club. Obviously asked why and he said that in the dressing room Howard said,

“Look, I know you want the Cup at your party tonight, but I have to go to the directors party so leave the plinth for me to take to that party.”

But Bailey put the plinth in the carrier bag so Howard would have nothing to take to the directors party.

Nice story, Brian.

The Coventry win over big club Tottenham was sweet.

I'm surprised that the Wimbledon defeat of them hasn't been mentioned.

Fuck them, Danny, but that was another lovely sunny day, and it got even brighter when “custy lar” missed that penalty.

That was the only time I've ever thought that horrible man was custy!

What about Celtic v Rangers Scottish Cup Final?

Rob, I'd go with the FA Cup Final as at 3.43 pm 😀

Ah, crap. Overslept a bit, click into the game and the first shot is of celebrating Man Utd fans. The most sickening sight in the world.

Pep is an oddball sometimes, why take a player like De Bruyne off on 55 minutes and move Stones into midfield?

I thought that was a bit strange, Jeff.

As bad as Man Utd and Ten Haag are, they've had a more successful 2 seasons than a certain German and his much-feted team.

Well, the only good thing to come out of that was that the Skunk Maggots miss out on Europe next season.

Mike (29),

A more sickening sight would have been corrupt City fans celebrating…

Looks like Everton fans hate everyone; City, United and Newcastle.

Well done, United. Defended brilliantly.

I backed United, my favourite other team, but backed Rangers with them to beat another favourite of mine Celtic in a double just for a bit of interest. Celtic scored in the last minute.

I thought City were well off the pace although they had chances to score in the second half. Foden, one of their leaders now, had a very poor game and they gave United the lead with a ridiculous cock-up.

I don't mind Man Utd and have been hosted at Old Trafford and local bars by friends even though I was the only Everton supporter!

Dave, I wouldn't confess to be a Celtic supporter, but I have always tended to lean towards them.

My favourite other team is Roma.

We name my girl dog Francessa Bella after in recognition of Francessco Totti. What a player.

We had our great memories of the final at the old Wembly They don't come much better than losing by two and winning 3-2 despite an awful referee.

A few disappointments as well but losing a semi-final is the most sickening and we have had a few of them.

The cup final is basically a day out but I agree that it has become tarnished because of teams weakening their selections in the early rounds.

Not at all surprised by today's result.

Well I was there when we last won a trophy. 30 years next year. It made up for the previous heartache in 1089.

I recall the Man Utd fans were not up for it at all – having lost the league the week before. Post game we saw the Man Utd coach going past, after the initial "Everton" welcome, we actually applauded the team, most applauded back.

Halcyon days.

Eammon Holmes and Ruth Langsford are divorcing. Can we focus on the real news?

I see the Beeb failed to mention us Blues again for being 2-0 down in '66 and coming back to win!!!

Time to defund the fuckers, methinks!

Is Holmes the big fat fella who sits on couches?

Jezz, I woke up late here in Connecticut at 12:45 and justsaw the result.

Did Utd deserve it; were City misplaced confidence sluggsih?

United were good, City were poor. Glad the red lot won though - if nothing else it will annoy the neighbours.

Poor old Klopp slinks off with fuck all while the dreadful Man Utd have a day to remember at Wembley.

Paul, I would say it's possibly the worst Man City have played all season. Plenty of possession, but very little threat in front of goal. Haaland had one chance which he smashed against the bar, while Foden, their other main threat in front of goal, barely got a sniff.

Doku who was a half-time substitution probably posed their biggest threat, but even the goal he scored was an absolute howler by Onana. Even Man Utd's first goal was an almighty howler by the Man City defence, a ball over the top which Guardiol headed over the advancing Ortega for Garnacho to roll into an empty net.

Overall, a very uninspiring game.

Billy (43)—Agree

Backed the draw in both Finals today,so am down but not out yet!

City didn't turn up, straight from the kick-off... Foden passing it straight back at the keeper, the clues were right there!

Always liked the lad Idah too, who is on loan from Norwich; he could do a job for us, as we can't rely on Calvert-Lewin as both Beto and Maupy want away too judging by footy reports.

If you defend properly, take your chances and ride your luck, anything is possible!

Thanks Rob!

Very strange what happened to Foden.

Billy 49: oh no, Beto and Maupay want away!

We're going to miss Maupay's goals.

Oh no, wait… he does that! 🙄

It's a sad world. Everyone spends their life looking down at an iPhone and has no interest in anything to do with football other than their own team. That's why the Cup Final had been devalued.

You can't blame it all on the powers that be be. Everton's cup finals have been amongst the best and worst days of my life: ‘86 the worst and ‘89 a close second.

Shane, I only despise (hate is too harsh a word even for them) the kopites. I don't like Spurs nor Newcastle, as they are deluded arrogant fuckers, but I'm not really arsed by anyone except the shite, due to Heysel.

I'd support a Waffen SS, Kmer Rouge, Hammas Protestant eleven v the Red Shite but anyone else don't mean shit.

I'm glad Celtic won but Man Utd or Man City means fuck-all. UTFT

Not sure if it was even on TV here in the US but I'm glad Man Utd won based on the 115 unanswered charges.

Funny thing is Ten Haag had their lowest premier league finish since the year Fergie won his first trophy the FA Cup. Will they stick with him as they did with Fergie or will they do what everyone does these days and sack him?

Billy Shears,

I spotted that one too. Last team was Arsenal versus Hull and before that Blackpool v Bolton in the 50s. They just hate us don't they?

The match was awful. Thought City would pass the leather to death in that 1st half instead of getting on with it. Mainoo – what a player he's going to be.

Made up for Ganacho and his cup final goal.

I was sick of seeing his overhead kick, maybe now they can show his goal at Wembley instead.

The 'I actually was convinced United would win before the event' disclaimer, honest, I should've put money on it.

Based on a feeling Man City might have an 'after the Lord Mayor's Show' day following the end of the season. I have to admit that I'd totally forgotten that odd times Pep has a yen to play Tinkerman, which didn't help.

Short version: United hit a bit of form; City don't turn up.

But in reality, a plague on both their houses – and that goes double for Liverpool!

Oh and a big thank you to the Premier League and the FA for devaluing and marginalising the once-respected competition.

Last but not least: Hurry up and fuck off, Moshiri!

End mini rant.

Brilliant watching the Cup Finals. Apart from the obvious victories, the Coventry v Spurs one really hit home the magic.

When all the supporters had left Wembley, Cyril Regis and another player walked out to the centre circle and stood there in silence.

Cyril Regis said later on that he wanted to saviour the day and what it meant to supporters all over the world. That was the magic of the FA Cup. Sad memory.