Thursday, February 16, 2006

Will Saturday Ever Come!

BBC have been looking back at the players of the 96 FA cup final, and trace where they are today. I've doctored it a little most were quite dull but there are a couple of jems:

But the 1996 FA Cup final will always be remembered for the remarkable white suits worn by the Liverpool players. Predictably being called the Spice Boys in line with the hysteria surrounding the future Mrs Beckham and company at the same time, they set out to impress off the field as well as on it. But their efforts did not have the desired effect as Liverpool were unable to replicate their success four years earlier, falling 1-0 to an Eric Cantona after 85 minutes.

Here BBC Sport traces those who wore white on that day back in 1996 and those who lifted the trophy.

Phil Neville Played in the same Lancashire Schools cricket team as Andrew Flintoff but was a club stalwart at the other Old Trafford before being sold to Everton in the summer.

David May After joining from Blackburn Rovers in 1994, he suffered the double disappointment of finding it hard to displace Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister in the centre of defence while his former team-mates at Ewood Park won the Premiership. May eventually left Old Trafford for Burnley in 2003 and ended up playing in the North West Counties League for Bacup Borough.

Eric Cantona Still idolised at Old Trafford, Cantona joined United for £1.2m from Leeds in November 1992. The mercurial and controversial figure surprisingly retired a year after the final and has since been involved in beach football, a bit of acting and a voiceover for Asterix cartoons.

John Barnes Barnes, who played 79 times for England, was made the highest-paid player in the country soon after joining the Reds in 1987, rumoured to be on £9,000 a week. Despite capturing winners medals in 1989 and 1992, perhaps his most memorable FA Cup achievement will be his starring role on the number three smash the Anfield Rap. Retired in 1999 and is now a presenter on Channel Five.

David James His idea for the white suits was as wise as his decision to come for the corner that led to Cantona's winner. James carved out a successful career despite being maligned for errors. Has lost his England place to Spurs' Paul Robinson despite some solid displays for Manchester City.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

come on crouchy
Belieive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!