The FA Cup is by far the greatest cup competition in the world. Hundreds of teams from Man Utd to Frickley Town dream of FA Cup success. Success is defined as winning for the bigger clubs, although a Dr Martens Third Division side would love to reach the Third Qualifying Round. Everyone wants a part of the excitement.
Quite simply, the FA Cup has absolutely everything - drama, delight, disasters, shock results, great football and the walk up the 39 steps (I just hope that the New Wembley keeps the same number) for the winning captain and his team.
Who could forget Ian Wright coming off the bench for Crystal Palace against Man Utd to score twice and force a replay? Or Chesterfield reaching the semi-finals before the controversial loss to Middlesborough. And what about Stevenage Borough coming so close to dumping Newcastle out of the cup before losing in a replay. And my team, Bromley's classic run to the first round where they lost disastrously 3-1 to local rivals Enfield!!!!
Already this season, Canvey Island of the Ryman Premier Division are the FA Cup heroes. They scored twice in the last minute to draw 4-4 at home to Port Vale, and then twice more in the last minute of the replay to win 2-1.
Even Man Utd (who upset people by opting out of last year’s competition) seem to be taking it seriously now. I read today that they have booked a hotel close to the Millennium Stadium (this year’s final venue). Now that's true confidence.
The FA Cup is a truly great competition.