The FA Cup final is nearly upon us and the nostalgia is cranked up this time of year. Who do you associate with the trophy?
The FA Cup final is nearly upon us and the nostalgia is cranked up this time of year.
Setanta are adding to this with our 9am start on the big day and calling Saint and Greavsie out of retirement.
Of course, in the past the FA Cup final was one of the few live matches on telly so it holds great resonance for fans of a certain age. The competition will never lose its magic or appeal, despite the attempts of some in the media to belittle it, and we want you to identify which players you instantly think of when you bring the final to mind.
Please send us your suggestions using the feedback form below and we will have the list done and dusted before the weekend arrives and we can settle down and enjoy the football.
1. Stanley Matthews - nominated by Setanta
It is some going to have an FA Cup final named after you. Sir Stanley did just this as 'The Wizard of the Dribble' ran riot in 1953 in Blackpool's 4-3 win over Bolton Wanderers. This classic match produced an inspirational performance although one always wonders how peeved Stan Mortensen must be that he got a hat-trick and may have kept the match-ball but did not get his name attached to the final.
2. Steven Gerrard - nominated by LiamLFC
The Liverpool leader was the undisputed star of the 2006 FA Cup final and his last-gasp strike will live long in the memory. Just as West Ham were prepared to celebrate a famous win, the midfielder lashed home a stupendous leveller. It was his second goal of the game and he dragged them back into the clash virtually single-handed, also netting in the successful shoot-out.
3. Mike Trebilcock - nominated by Steve Porter
Most Evertonians had never heard of Mike Trebilcock before he was sensationally picked ahead of England's Fred Pickering for the 1966 cup final. The Cornishman scored twice to set up a fantastic fightback from 0-2 down with half an hour to go. Then, cup winner's medal in hand, he vanished off the football radar just as quickly but there can be no denying his association with the competition.
4. Jim Montgomery - nominated by Ormy86
The Sunderland keeper produced one of the best goalkeeping displays of all time when performing heroics in the classic final of 1973. The underdogs from Roker Park managed to overcome Leeds United with sheer grit and determination, aided by the wonderful work of their keeper. His double save from Trevor Cherry and Peter Lorimer is the stuff of legend.
5. Dave Beasant - nominated by Jason Campion
The first keeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final and the giant Dons star became the main talking point in 1988. Lawrie Sanchez headed himself into the history books but Beasant's spot-kick save from John Aldridge is one of the iconic moments of the match. The classic David versus Goliath encounter was definitely one for the neutrals.
6. Jackie Milburn - nominated by ToonNGloom
A famous Geordie footballer of yesteryear, Milburn struck both goals in the 1951 final. 'Wor Jackie' was idolised on Tyneside and was influential in all three of Newcastle's FA Cup triumphs in the 1950s. In 1955, he hit the back of the net after only 45 seconds of play and there is no doubting his impact on the post-war era.
7. Nat Lofthouse - nominated by Paul B
'The Lion of Vienna' as he was known for his England exploits, the man who symbolises the old-fashioned centre forward terrorised Manchester United in 1958. The Bolton skipper bagged both goals in a 2-0 win when the public were definitely on United's side after the Munich tragedy earlier that year. Furthermore, the second goal was highly controversial as he barged keeper Harry Gregg into the goal but think Nat and you think of grainy FA Cup footage.
8. Alan Sunderland - nominated by Cliff Thorburn
1979 - what a game. Arsenal are 2-0 up and coasting to victory when Manchester United pull back to seemingly force extra time with goals from Gordon McQueen and Sammy McIlroy. Whilst United fans are still celebrating, Liam Brady's cross evades Gary Bailey and Sunderland snatches a sensational winner. The Mexborough-born marksman's celebratory run summed up the emotions involved.
9. Ricky Villa - nominated by Jayhaych
The bearded Argentine embarked on a mazy run against Manchester City in the 1981 final replay and netted one of the most memorable goals of all time. Villa scored twice in the 3-2 win but his solo strike is forever etched in fans' minds as Spurs won a thriller. A worthy member of the Spurs Hall of Fame.
10.Trevor Brooking - nominated by Ian (Gooner)
The West Ham midfielder rarely scored headers but came up trumps in the 1980 final when stooping to conquer Arsenal. The personable English gent was a loyal servant to The Hammers and this 1980 success was the last time a club from outside the top flight lifted the trophy.
11.Bert Trautmann - nominated by Ormy86
What a story this man had to tell. After fighting in World War II, he was held in a prison camp in Lancashire. In 1949, he signed for Manchester City and won over the dissenters with his displays. Trautmann's coverage was never better displayed than in the 1956 FA Cup final when breaking his neck against Birmingham City but carried on regardless.