FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      George Baldock’s old club hold emotional minute’s applause for tragic star before FA Cup clash vs Wayne Rooney’s brother

      by

      GEORGE BALDOCK’S former club Tamworth paid a touching tribute to the late Greece, Premier League and EFL hero after his tragic death.Baldock was found dead on Wednesday night at his home in Athens after drowning in his swimming pool at the age of 31.Tamworth held a minute’s applause for ex-player George Baldock before their FA Cup matchBaldock was found dead at his home on Wednesday at the age of 31Credit: APThis tragic loss has seen the British and Greek football community come together in mourning with tributes pouring in for the popular full-back, who moved from Sheffield United to Panathinaikos last summer.National League side Tamworth also paid their respects to the Greece international and his family ahead of Saturday’s fourth qualifying round match in the FA Cup at The Lamb Ground.The Lambs lined up in the centre of the pitch along with opponents Macclesfield, where Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John, 33, plays.The two teams and the crowd then held an emotional minute’s applause for Baldock, who played for Tamworth on loan from MK Dons in 2012.Read More on FootballThat moment of solidarity moved the fans, who took to social media to also pay tribute to the defender.One fan tweeted: “For you, George Baldock.”Another commented: “Once a Lamb, always a Lamb.”A third wrote: “That’s for George.”Most read in FA CupThis fan said: “Dedicating it to George.”And that one stated: “That’s for you George.”Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England Baldock made 18 appearances during his brief stint with Tamworth, where he also scored a goal.The Sheffield United legend then moved to Bramall Lane in 2017 and enjoyed tremendous success as he amassed 219 appearances and helped the team reach two Premier League promotions.The Buckingham-born ace also played a big part in the Blades’ stunning 2019-20 campaign that saw them finishing in the top half of the Prem table in their return to the top flight after 12 years.Ex-Sheffield United team-mate David McGoldrick didn’t forget that as he pointed to the heavens to dedicate his dramatic late equaliser for Notts County during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chesterfield.Baldock died the day before Greece, which is the homeland of his late grandmother, faced England, the country of his birth, at Wembley in the Nations League.The Greek national team went on to pick up an upset 2-1 win over the Three Lions and his team-mates dedicated the victory to their fallen brother in arms and his family.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

    • 313 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail – I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved

      by

      NILE RANGER has been in prison twice and gone from a £10,000-a-week Premier League star to non-league – but insists he still “could play in any team”.And the 33-year-old is adamant he still has “one big move left in me” as he aims to use the FA Cup to fire himself back into the limelight.Nile Ranger is playing for Kettering Town these daysCredit: Instagram / @nilepowerrangerThe former Newcastle United striker played under both Kevin Keegan and Chris Hughton during his time at St. James’ Park as well as England’s youth sides.These days he is banging them in for Kettering Town and hoping to add to his impressive tally of five goals in five appearances when they travel to Farsley Celtic on Saturday to battle for a place in the FA Cup first round proper.Ranger signed a five-year contract worth £10,000-a-week with Newcastle but both Keegan and Chris Hughton could not get him away from his off-field issues.He had already served time for his role in an armed robbery as a teenager, and he revealed how extreme the latter manager’s warnings were.READ MORE IN football Discussing Hughton, Ranger explained: “He said: ‘Listen, if you’re late again I’ll make you pull out your gold tooth and sell it’. He still named me on the bench. It was a different world.“I’d not been long out of the young offenders’ institute – now I was getting changed next to Michael Owen. People would cut their leg off for the opportunity I had.“I would bring all my friends up to Newcastle [from London] for parties. “I had more money than sense. There was no discipline from me. I was living life in the fast lane.Most read in Football“Chris Hughton would say to me ‘you need to focus, you need to tell all your friends to go back to London’ because we used to cause havoc in Newcastle.Ranger runs his own football academy these days but wants others to learn from his own mistakes after serving time in a young offenders’ institute for his part in a robbery, although he denies using weapons. Former Premier League bad boy Nile Ranger returns to football with non-league club after two years unemployedHe ended up back in jail in 2017 for fraud following a spell at Southend.Ranger admitted: “Looking back I’ve realised the many silly decisions that led to the situations I found myself in. I messed up.”However, he still believes that his chance to reach the top has not passed him by as he prepares for FA Cup action.He added: “I could play in any team at my age if I’m fit – any team.“It has to be a fit me, not a rusty me. But the rust is coming off.“I still feel there is one big move left in me. I’m going to roll the dice one more time.”Ranger used to play for NewcastleCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Why former Arsenal star Rob Holding, 29, has been exiled to Crystal Palace U21 as ‘disagreement’ finally revealed

      by

      LEAVING Arsenal was a momentous decision for Rob Holding.The versatile defender appeared embedded at the Emirates after seven years as a popular squad member, picking up two FA Cup winners’ medals.Ex-Gunner Rob Holding is now only playing with the Eagles’ Under-21sCredit: RexBut Crystal Palace pounced for £4million on Deadline Day in September 2023, giving Holding a three-year contract.Doubts have since emerged over his value – as he’s made just one appearance for the Eagles.But those queries have been eclipsed by a far bigger question – that of why manager Oliver Glasner has exiled him to Palace Under-21s.Now tantalising details of an answer have surfaced – more than six weeks after the 29-year-old was forced to start training on his own.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHolding was even left out of joint photos of the Palace men’s and women’s first-team squads.Austrian Glasner, who took charge at Selhurst Park in February 2024, was enigmatic when quizzed about the ex-Bolton star on September 1.The former Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt chief, 50, said: “Rob is training individually at the moment.”We will talk together – he knows the reason. But it is something that stays between Rob and me. Nothing public.”Most read in FootballOliver Glasner has let Holding out of his senior squad since August 24Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the BBC say insiders have revealed the incident behind the dispute.It relates to the last occasion Holding was in Palace’s senior squad – a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham in the Prem on August 24.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers Holding never made it off the bench that afternoon, and hasn’t made it ON to it since.That’s reportedly because he had a “disagreement” over a running session held after the final whistle of the home London derby.The Beeb believe Holding has “accepted” being frozen out following that exchange and will keep training “professionally”.But there is no sign of a resolution on the horizonAnd with England’s Marc Guehi leading a sizeable batch of talented centre-backs at Selhurst Park, any hope Holding has of resurrecting his first-team career go beyond his issues with Glasner. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars ‘failed to back Erik ten Hag just moments after winning the FA Cup’ with ‘clear issues among squad’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED stars were not in full support of Erik ten Hag even after their FA Cup final victory, reports suggest.Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag following a poor start to the season that has seen the Red Devils win just three of their first eight games in all competitions.Man Utd players were not in complete support of Erik ten Hag even after the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe latest defeat, a 3-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham, was the latest evidence of a team flat on its back.It follows a continuously concerning trend stretching back to last season, when the team recorded the club’s lowest finish in Premier League history.Winning the FA Cup ultimately proved to be Ten Hag’s salvation from almost certainly being sacked in June, with new club bosses Ineos instead opting to keep faith with the Dutchman for the new season.However, it has now been revealed that United players had their issues with the former Ajax manager’s set-up even in the aftermath of that famous triumph over Man City at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, who claim to have spoken to half a dozen players following the final, some stars had issues with the approach in certain matches throughout the season.While the report stipulated that no player definitively called for the manager to be sacked, no star definitively backed him to stay either.Players had a critical opinion of some of the tactics used during the season – ultimately with a change of approach in the Wembley final against Manchester City proving beneficial.It quotes one anonymous player as saying: “You cannot have teams in the relegation zone like Sheffield United and Burnley coming to Old Trafford and carving us open.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReporter Andy Mitten adds that following the final, while “all the players respected Ten Hag as a person and coach, the mood was far from harmonious”.Though he caveats this by explaining how stars both respected and feared Sir Alex Ferguson.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw SunSport today reported that Ten Hag’s potential exit is being discussed openly by Manchester United players.We understand the vast majority of United’s stars are behind the beleaguered manager.But there has been much talk among the squad over how much longer he will remain in charge with the club floundering in the Prem. Games this week against Porto and Aston Villa could prove pivotal in deciding whether he remains in the job after the international break.Ineos – who now run the sporting operation at the club – handed Ten Hag a contract extension in July.It would have reportedly cost £10million to sack Ten Hag in the summer, but will now set them back £17.5m.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesA number of managers have been linked with the Old Trafford gig in the event that Ten Hag is sacked, with Joe Cole believing that former England boss Gareth Southgate is the “obvious choice” to step in.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Inter Milan gaffer Simone Inzaghi have both emerged as potential candidates.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could also be appointed to the role given his previous, albeit brief, success with PSV.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City legend left family £1.6MILLION in his will following his death after glittering career

      by

      MAN City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his will — including a treasure trove of medals.The football star, who died last October aged 79, passed most of his possessions to wife Gillian.Man City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his willCredit: PAThe football star died last October aged 79Credit: AlamyLee passed most of his possessions to wife GillianCredit: GettyPots of £100,000 were handed to brother Trevor, sister-in-law Pamela and daughter-in-law Sonia.Eldest son Gary, from his first marriage, was to get £250,000, but died last year. The rest of his £1,648,000 estate is in a trust fund for his wife and three surviving kids.“Franny” joined City from Bolton in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 games, and winning the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.READ MORE IN SPORTSHe then won the First Division for a second time with Derby in 1975.Franny, who played 27 times for England, including at the 1970 World Cup and scored ten goals, later launched a successful toilet roll manufacturing firm and a horse racing stable.His final years were spent battling cancer at his £500,000 home in sleepy Wilmslow, Cheshire.England legend Alan Shearer led tributes after his death, posting: “RIP legend”.Most read in Football’Franny’ joined City in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 gamesCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

      by

      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans fume Carabao Cup draw is ‘RIGGED’ as Tottenham handed brutal tie and ‘they don’t want Ange winning anything’

      by

      FANS have fumed that the Carabao Cup draw is “RIGGED” after Tottenham were handed a brutal tie.The third round came to an end with Spurs joining the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the next round.Tottenham face a tricky clash against Man City in the next roundCredit: SKy sportsFans have claimed that Ange Postecoglou will never win a trophy at SpursCredit: PAHowever, the North London side could not have been handed a trickier tie to navigate in the fourth-round.Spurs were drawn against Manchester City with the one boost that it will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.And fans reacted on social media to complain about the tough fixture.One posted: “I’m shocked, draw is rigged as hell lol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second wrote: “That Carabao draw is so rigged, every time we get a hard draw.”A third commented: “Man City at home, I hate this rigged competition.”A fourth fumed: “It’s rigged, they don’t want Ange Postecoglou to win anything. Watch us get Man City in the FA Cup too.”Another added: “Last year we got them in the FA Cup last season 4th round now this year we got them in the league cup 4th round please don’t tell me that’s a coincidence, rigged.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite the claims of the fans, there is no actual evidence that the draw was rigged.Spurs have reached the stage in the tournament after beating Coventry City 2-1 last week.Raging Richarlison slams ‘f—ing s—’ card as Tottenham star’s EA FC 25 rating is revealedCarabao Cup draw in fullHere is the full draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup…Brentford vs Sheffield WednesdaySouthampton vs Stoke CityTottenham Hotspur vs Manchester CityAFC Wimbledon/ Newcastle vs ChelseaManchester United vs LeicesterBrighton & Hove Albion vs LiverpoolPreston North End vs ArsenalAston Villa vs Crystal PalaceMan City, however, played on Tuesday evening and dispatched Watford 2-1 at the Etihad.Postecoglou earlier this season proclaimed that he always wins silverware in his second season at clubs.However, if he is to continue that run he will have to guide his side past Pep Guardiola’s outfit.Elsewhere, Arsenal hammered Bolton 5-1 and Liverpool matched the scoreline against West Ham at Anfield to progress.Arsenal face Preston in the next roundCredit: GettyLiverpool knocked out West HamCredit: Alamy More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Bolton icon who scored against Arsenal in famous upset – here’s why we will beat Mikel Arteta’s men in Carabao Cup

      by

      BOLTON legend John McGinlay believes his old club can dump Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup — 30 years after his Highbury heroics.‘Super John’ scored the opening goal when second-tier Wanderers shocked the Gunners in an FA Cup fourth-round replay back in 1994.John McGinlay celebrates his goal against Arsenal at Highbury thirty years ago with Bolton captain Phil BrownCredit: GettyBruce Rioch led Bolton to victory that night- and a year later was Arsenal bossCredit: PA:Press AssociationArsenal had completed an FA Cup and League Cup double the previous season but lost 3-1 after extra-time to Bruce Rioch’s free-flowing side.The Trotters are now in League One but McGinlay, 60,  believes Ian Evatt’s current crop of players are capable of humiliating Mikel Arteta’s men in Wednesday’s third-round tie at the Emirates — despite their poor start to the season.He said: “There were many occasions when Bruce Rioch was in charge of Bolton that we went into games when people gave us no chance.“But we enjoyed proving them wrong — and that is what we have to do against Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have some good young players, who just need to go out and express themselves. It’s a free hit and it comes on the back of a big 5-2 win over Reading that was much needed.“It is the sort of night that can really click us into gear for the season. If the players play to their potential there is no reason why they can’t produce a shock.“Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for Bolton.“They can cause Arsenal problems and it’s an occasion they must enjoy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRioch’s Bolton also saw off Everton and Aston Villa on that famous Cup run before losing to Oldham in the last eight.And Scottish striker McGinlay, who made more than 250 appearances in five years at the Trotters,  revealed they EXPECTED to turn Arsenal over.What happened to Highbury?He said: “We were the lower-league team nobody wanted to draw in the Cup.“We had drawn 2-2 with Arsenal at Burnden Park so we knew we could be a match for them.“It was a great feeling to score with a header, then Alan Smith equalised.“Jason McAteer leathered one to put us back in front in extra-time and Andy Walker finished it off.“They had pretty much the England back four, with Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn in front of David Seaman, and an excellent manager in George Graham.Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for BoltonJOHN McGINLAY“We respected every team we played but we knew if we played to our maximum, we could get a result. We had David Lee on the right wing — he would rip teams apart with his pace and skill.“One of biggest things was looking back at the footage. Arsenal were on their knees. We were extremely fit but they were out on their feet.“Bruce Rioch was hands down the best manager I played for, there is no question about that.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have a tricky start to the season“He was a great leader. He was a hard taskmaster but he was fair with you.“He was fantastic and, looking back, that win probably sealed the Arsenal job for him.” More