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      John Dempsey dead at 78: Chelsea legend who won FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup dies as tributes pour in

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      CHELSEA legend John Dempsey has died aged 78.The former defender spent nine years at Stamford Bridge between 1969 and 1978.Chelsea legend John Dempsey passed away at the age of 78Credit: AlamyThe former defender played 207 times for the BluesCredit: Rex FeaturesThat saw him lift the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in back-to-back seasons for the Blues. In fact, the centre-back scored “one of the crispest volleys seen from a Chelsea player” as the Blues beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the 1971 final replay in Greece. In total, he scored seven goals in 207 games for the club, having joined from West London rivals Fulham where he started his career.Chelsea announced his sad passing on Wednesday morning.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe club said: “It is with tremendous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing of our former centre-back and FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup winner John Dempsey. He was 78.”All at Chelsea send our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Trish and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”Dempsey had stints with the Serbian White Eagles and Philadelphia Fury in North America before finishing his career as player-manager at Dundalk in Ireland in 1984.Born in London, he represented the Republic of Ireland 19 times.Most read in FootballThe defender became the first Irish player to be sent off in a World Cup qualifier when he saw red against Hungary before the 1970 tournament.After his time in football, Dempsey spent time working as a carer supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties in North London. How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyJohn Dempsey’s careerPOSITIONCentre-backCLUB CAREER1964–1969 Fulham 149 league games (4 league goals)1969–1978 Chelsea 166 (4)1976 Serbian White Eagles1978–1980 Philadelphia Fury 81 (2)1983–1984 Dundalk 10 (0)Total 404 (10)INTERNATIONAL CAREER1966–1972 Republic of Ireland 19 (1)TROPHIESFA Cup: 1969–70European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1970–71MANAGERIAL CAREER1976 Serbian White Eagles1982 Maidenhead United1983–1984 DundalkEgham TownSource: WikipediaTributes poured in from the footballing world for Dempsey following his passing. One fan said: “Sorry to hear about the death of John Dempsey. A very underrated centre-half and as most of you will know a particular favourite of mine for his iconic hairstyles.”A second wrote: “Rest in peace legend.”A third added: “With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Chelsea legend John Dempsey. His legacy on the field and his contributions to our club will never be forgotten. “Our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”A fourth typed: “A true Chelsea legend who will never be forgotten.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a fifth replied: “Really sad to hear that Chelsea’s legendary 1970s centre-back John Dempsey has died. “My ex-wife’s sister worked for the Philadelphia Fury team when he played there and stayed close to him. As a result I got to chat to him and found him to be a lovely, warm, humble man.”Dempsey started out at Fulham before making the short switch across West LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored in the final of the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup against Real MadridCredit: PA:Empics SportDempsey worked for local charities and supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties after footballCredit: Rex Features More

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      FA Cup surprise package Harborough Town sign former Premier League star, 35, who played with Ronaldinho

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      FA CUP history-makers Harborough Town have surprised football fans once again after announcing the signing of former Tottenham star Sandro.The Leicestershire outfit produced a giant-killing in the first round of the FA Cup as they ran out 4-1 winners over Tonbridge Angels.Ex-Tottenham star Sandro has sealed a shock transfer to Harborough TownCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harborough_town_fc/Sandro, 35, made 106 appearances for SpursCredit: GettyHe starred with Ronaldinho and Neymar in the Brazil teamCredit: AFPHarborough were playing a first-round tie for the first time in the club’s history against the Vanarama National League South side.The Southern League Premier Central club – step seven of the English pyramid – struck first in the 41st minute before regrouping after conceding an equaliser to go on and register an emphatic win.Their place in the second round saw them drawn against ex-Premier League side Reading.However, the club have now stunned fans by announcing the signing of 17-time Brazil international, Sandro.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 35-year-old retired from football in September 2023 at the age of 34 after a career that also saw him star for West Brom, QPR, Udinese, Genoa, and Internacional.Manager Mitch Austin said of the move: “What an unbelievable signing for the club, I really cannot express how I am feeling. “I had a chance conversation with Sandro a couple of weeks ago and we got talking about football, told him about Harborough Town FC and the journey we are on and he has been messaging me ever since to sign on, totally unbelievable and gobsmacked is how I would describe this signing. “These sort of signings don’t happen every day but when you get a chance to sign an ex-professional footballer who has played at the highest level in the Premier League and Internationally with Brazil, you just cannot turn it down.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAustin added: “Being a Tottenham Hotspur fan myself I knew all about Sandro.”But when I looked back at a few photos online and there he was stood in a Brazil team photo with the likes of Neymar Jr., Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Marcelo, I was like what is going on, pinch me!Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead “But credit to Sandro he has kept himself really fit and is an absolute great guy, down to earth who when the Chairman and I met with him came across very genuine, polite and humble, you could really sense there was a real desire to get the signing done on his part, I am absolutely delighted to have him at our club. “I think the players and staff around the club can learn great things from him and develop and watch his professionalism and understand what is needed if they want to progress and play at the highest possible level of the game. “However long he stays we will all become better for it.”Bees chairman Peter Dougan also said: “What can I say, Mitch has done it again! “I don’t know how but what a signing this is, a real show of intent from the club to be as good as they can. “When I met Sandro I have to say there was trepidation, but really I cannot speak highly enough of him and his professionalism and will to make this signing happen. “Everything about the signing was positive, what negative could there possibly be? READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will certainly help all the players around him and what a time to be one of those players, I am sure they will relish him being at the club as should we all.”Sandro starred for Spurs between 2010 and 2014, making 106 appearances and scoring three goals.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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      How Channel 4 star helped non-league Chesham United to 3900 per cent increase in shirt sales in ‘first serious job’

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      CHANNEL 4 star Alex Horne has turned non-league Chesham United from minnows into potential FA Cup giant killers while also boosting shirt sales by 3900 per cent.The Taskmaster star joined Chesham’s board in 2022 in his “first serious job”, with his show becoming their sponsor.Channel 4 star Alex Horne has helped transform Chesham United over the past few yearsThe comedian stars alongside Greg Davies on Channel 4 show TaskmasterCredit: PAAnd the sixth-tier club have since gone from strength to strength on and off the pitch.They achieved promotion to the National League South last season.And their average attendance has increased from a few hundred to over 1,000 fans.Shirt sales continue to rise too, with last term seeing 1,200 jerseys flogged compared to just THIRTY the previous campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAround 4,000 fans are now set to descend on The Meadow for tonight’s FA Cup first round tie against League One Lincoln City, with a second round trip to Crawley Town the reward.The match will be shown live on ITV, with Chesham having to quickly install TV gantries and even extra toilets.And Horne is hoping to find a way to see the action unfold as he will be performing a comedy gig in Edinburgh at the same time.He told The Guardian: “Elton John apparently watched Watford’s FA Cup final on an iPad on his piano during a gig in Copenhagen.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But it’s mainly about the occasion, so it’s gutting I’m not there.”Chesham will be paid £50,000 in broadcast fees, a huge sum of money for the club.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd it will immediately be spent on a new toilet block.Horne explained; “I haven’t chucked millions of pounds at Chesham because I can’t, and my wife would not let me.“Before, the chairman and owner had to dip into their own pockets a lot.“Now we’re doing repairs that we’ve needed to do for years. No one’s making money in non-league football.”In terms of the game, Horne also predicts Chesham will give Lincoln a run for their money.He added: “I actually think Lincoln won’t be miles ahead. They’ll be ahead in fitness but not in skills.“I speak with the players and they’ve said this is the biggest game of their lives. For our lot, this is possibly a one-off.” More

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      Watch astonishing FA Cup ghost goal as linesman appears to fall victim to ‘surreal’ optical illusion

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      PETERBOROUGH United were left miffed when they were denied a clear goal in their game against Newport County.The Posh travelled to South Wales to face off against the League Two side.Peterborough were denied a clear when the ball went in at the near post from a cornerThe officials had a bizarre theory as to why it wasn’t a goal despite the ball nestling in the back of the netAfter consulting his linesman, ref Stephen Martin ruled out the goalAt 2-1 down, they were awarded a corner which was swung in by Jack Sparkes.The ball appeared to loop all the way into the net, although some Peterborough players did not celebrate.However, some seemed to think it was in – and ran to the corner flag to congratulate Sparkes.But referee Stephen Martin wasn’t convinced and consulted his linesman.Read more football news Incredibly, the officials deemed that the ball was headed out of play before it made its way into the net through a hole in the netting.Later, Peterborough United’s social media shared video of the ghost goal that showed the ball clearly crossing the line.They amusingly captioned the video: “Well…”Peterborough chief Darragh MacAnthony was fuming with officials for missing the goal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe wrote on social media: “Multiple officials missed this clear goal yesterday. That nonsense cant happen in our game in 2024 anytime ever.”Manager Darren Ferguson was equally as miffed and said it was a “surreal” moment when the goal wasn’t given.Abandoned ‘ghost stadium’ of EFL club given new lease of life with fans given once-in-a-lifetime chance to play on pitch“It’s a goal. The footage has showed that clearly. There’s good coverage of it to show it’s a goal,” he said.”I think I was the same as everyone in the stadium as it was a bit surreal and everyone sort of stopped like someone had pressed the pause button. Then we started celebrating.”The goal was the reverse of a phantom goal at Watford back in 2008.Back then, the ball went towards the touchline wide of the Hornets’ goal before now-Premier League ref Stuart Attwell consulted his assistant Nigel Bannister.Attwell then awarded a goal to visitors Reading despite the ball going nowhere near the goal, in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw.Luckily for Peterborough, the mistake on this occasion didn’t change the outcome of the match.They ran out 4-2 winners, and will play in the FA Cup second round against Notts County. More

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      FA Cup draw LIVE: Lower league sides one win away from dream Prem tie as second round fixtures are REVEALED – updates

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      The FA Cup second round draw has concluded – and there are some blockbuster ties!Steve Bruce’s Blackpool side face his former employer Birmingham, while Charlton battle Walsall. But all eyes will be on the lowly-ranked Kettering Town who host Doncaster Roberts.The Premier League clubs don’t join the party until the third round.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the FA Cup second round draw with our live blog below…When will the second round happenYou’ve asked, so we’ll tell you.The FA Cup second round will be played between the 29th November and 2nd December.Dreams will be created or shattered.Copy linkCopiedSeventh heavenAnother seventh tier side who have made it this far at Harborough Town.They thrashed Tonbridge 4-1 in the first round.Next up for them is League One Reading.That’s a banana skin for the Royals they won’t want to slip on.Copy linkCopiedGo on KetteringKettering Town saw off League One Northampton.Ex-Newcastle bad boy Nile Ranger was the hero this weekend.Their reward – a tie against Doncaster Rovers at home.Amazingly, they’re a seventh tier side, Kettering. They’ll be dreaming of facing the big boys if they get past this one.Copy linkCopiedIt’s getting interestingBirmingham City are currently the highest ranked team in the FA Cup.They didn’t suffer the same fate as Wrexham, seeing off non league Sutton.It’ll be a test for them, an all League One clash with Blackpool away.It certainly won’t be a day on the beach.Copy linkCopiedFA Cup Second Round DrawSalford City vs Cheltenham TownWalsall vs Charlton AthleticExeter City vs ChesterfieldLeyton Orient vs Oldham AthleticBarnsley vs Bristol RoversAFC Wimbledon vs Dagenham and RedbridgeAccrington Stanley vs Swindon TownCrawley Town vs Chesham United/Lincoln CityBurton Albion vs TamworthBlackpool vs Birmingham CityStevenage vs Mansfield TownPeterborough United vs Notts CountyStockport County vs Brackley TownWealdstone vs Wycombe WanderersMorecambe vs Bradford CitySolihull Moors vs BromleyKettering Town vs Doncaster RoversReading vs Harborough TownHarrogate Town vs Gainsborough TrinityCambridge United vs Wigan AthleticCopy linkCopiedCup drawThe full draw is coming up shortly.Hold my beer.Copy linkCopiedAnd that’s itThat concludes the draw.The ties will be played 29th November and 2nd December.Copy linkCopiedCup drawCambridge Utd v WiganCopy linkCopiedCup drawHarrogate Town v Gainsborough TrinityCopy linkCopiedCup drawReading v Harborough TownCopy linkCopiedCup drawKettering Town v Doncaster RoversCopy linkCopiedCup drawSolihull Moors v Bromley Copy linkCopiedCup drawMorecambe v Bradford CityCopy linkCopiedCup drawWealdstone v Wycombe WanderersCopy linkCopiedCup drawStockport County v Brackley TownCopy linkCopiedCup drawPeterborough United v Notts CountyCopy linkCopiedCup drawStevenage v Mansfield TownCopy linkCopiedCup drawBlackpool v Birmingham CityCopy linkCopiedCup drawBurton Albion v Tamworth Copy linkCopiedCup drawCrawley Town v Chesham or LincolnCopy linkCopiedCup drawAccrington Stanley v Swindon TownCopy linkCopiedCup drawAFC Wimbledon v DagenhamCopy linkCopiedCup drawBarnsley v Bristol RoversCopy linkCopiedCup drawLeyton Orient v Oldham AthleticCopy linkCopiedCup drawExeter City v Chesterfield Copy linkCopied More

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      Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch during FA Cup first-round clash

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      THIS is the bizarre moment a brave footie fan sang Let it Go in front of 2,765 fans at half-time of Wycombe’s 3-2 FA Cup win over York City.And the groom-to-be belted the Disney karaoke tune while dressed as Princess Elsa from 2013 film Frozen. A football fan offered half-time entertainment during Wycombe’s 3-2 FA Cup win over York CityCredit: XThe brave supporter sang Let It Go in front of the crowd as part of his stag doThe hardy soul was the half-time entertainment at Adams Park during the first-round fixture and gave a hilarious performance.What he lacked in talent he made up for in grit, giving it all his energy as part of his stag do, as his giggling mates filmed on the sidelines.And while footage doesn’t show many singing along, the vocalist has attracted support on social media.  One user wrote on X: “This is peak British culture.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA second said: “This is marvellous. Him and his mates will be telling this story for decades to come.”While another wrote: “Stitched up right there. He didn’t get off lightly 😂.”Another replied: “The magic of the FA Cup.”A fifth added: “What bet or forfeit did he lose?”Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLuke Leahy scored twice and Gideon Kodua added another as they saw off National League high-flyers York City.The Minstermen are top of the fifth tier and are looking to break back into the Football League in their ninth season of exile.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sackThe fun continued as Wycombe currently sit second in the League One table. Matt Bloomfield’s side are targeting a return to the Championship for the first time since the 2020-21 season.Luke Leahy scored his third goal of the season More

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      Non-league star fills in as BBC commentator after he’s left out of FA Cup squad… and it goes exactly as you’d expect

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      A NON-LEAGUE star filled in as a commentator for the BBC after being left out of the FA Cup matchday squad.And it went exactly as you would expect when his side scored a dramatic equaliser.Guiseley’s equaliser prompted superb commentary from player Lucas OdunstonCredit: BBC SportGuiseley of the seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division were handed a dream draw in the first round proper away at League One Stevenage.However, Lucas Odunston was not in the starting XI or among the substitutes for Mark Bower at the Lamex Stadium.So instead, the 24-year-old right-back headed up to the gantry and picked up the microphone for BBC Sport.And that prompted utterly wild scenes when the Lions found the net to make it 1-1 with just seven minutes to go on Saturday. READ MORE ON FA CUPFollowing a mix-up between the Stevenage defender and goalkeeper, the ball fell perfectly for Will Longbottom.And he made absolutely no mistake as he tapped into the empty net.That sparked chaos in the away end – and on the gantry.Because Odunston simply could not contain his excitement and joy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe could be heard over the main commentator shouting: “Oh my God,” as the ball fell kindly for Longbottom.Then after some brilliant inaudible commentary, Odunston added: “Yeahhhh!!” before some more crazy indiscernible screaming. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundOdunston then regained an ounce of composure to bellow: “Get in there!”Oh my God.”Ohhhh, ohhhhh. Can I go on the pitch, can I go on the pitch?”The commentator then replied: “If you want to go my friend, you go.”Look at the scenes here at the Lamex Stadium.”This competition is magic because it produces moments like this.”The clip got shared on X by BBC Sport and went viral – with dozens of fans loving the wonderful reactions from a jubilant Odunston. Why 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.One said: “This is the kind of energy we need on commentary! Lucas is living his best life! “When life gives you lemons, you become a commentator! Lucas is bringing the vibes!”Another wrote: “Classic commentary gold!”A third added: “That’s a classic! Love seeing players getting involved even off the pitch! Lucas is bringing the energy!”And a final user replied: “Magic of the FA Cup.”However, despite the special scenes following the equaliser, the day did end in bittersweet fashion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is because Guiseley did manage a draw at Stevenage.But with replays scrapped, it went to extra-time and then penalties, where the third-tier Boro nicked it 5-4 in the shootout to book their spot in the second-round draw. The right-back wanted to get on the pitch to celebrate with his team-matesCredit: BBC SportWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Ex-Sunderland hero desperate for Harrogate to down Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham and seal star FA Cup dream

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      PAUL THIRLWELL almost helped his boyhood club reach the FA Cup Final – now he is desperate for one of his Harrogate Town players to secure their own fairytale.The 45-year-old grew up following Sunderland home and away alongside his parents and brother, which included a trip to Wembley for their 1992 final defeat to Liverpool.Paul Thirlwell, left, played for Sunderland against Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup semi-finalCredit: AlamyThe ex-Premier League midfielder is hoping for some cup joy on Sunday with Harrogate TownCredit: X @HarrogateTownThirlwell then burst on the scene aged 20 as the Black Cats thumped Chelsea, who included stars like Marcel Desailly and Gianfranco Zola, 4-1 in the Premier League in 1999.But it would be a midfielder he came up against that day that would help inflict FA Cup heartbreak on him four seasons later when player-manager Dennis Wise guided Millwall to a 1-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford in the semi.Thirlwell told Sun Sport: “We’ll probably never get a better chance to get to the final with it being two Championship teams at the time. Unfortunately it didn’t go our way but it was a great experience. It’s just a shame we got done as we’d have faced Man United.“I’d played against him [Wise] before on my debut but everyone knows what he was like, tenacious and knowing all the dark arts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“But Millwall had some good players like him, Tim Cahill who scored on the day and went on to have an unbelievable career, Danny Dichio, but they also had that edge that made them so tough to play against.“Of course you want to win, but when you look back and think that you played in a semi-final then you appreciate now that it is quite a big achievement.”These days Thirlwell is assistant manager to Simon Weaver at League Two Harrogate Town, a club he finished his playing career at after spells with Sheffield United, Derby and Carlisle.“I moved to Wetherby and was totally unaware that it was next to one of the club’s directors. “He maybe spoke to the gaffer and then mentioned me and after a chat we hit it off straight away.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I didn’t just want to go anywhere as a player as I’d dipped my foot into the coaching so I wanted a bit of both.“I got involved with coaching the U21s here and then we went full-time and the opportunity arose to become assistant manager and wow, here we are still here nearly a decade later.”Major A-list celebs Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expand Wrexham empire with new breweryDuring that time they have climbed from non-league into the EFL and enjoyed FA Trophy joy in 2020.But as they prepare to host Hollywood-owned Wrexham, who are pushing for League One promotion, Thirlwell says that he is desperate for long-serving star Warren Burrell, 34, to get his big FA Cup moment this year.He said: “You’d probably have to speak to some of the younger lads now but I think definitely for people of my era that the cup still has the magic.“I keep trying to tell our lads, who are all Arsenal, United, Spurs supporters, that we have to get Warren, who is a huge Liverpool fan, to Anfield. It’s one of those places that he’ll never play at unless it comes in the cup, so just things like that make the cup massive for me.”Harrogate’s long-serving defender Warren Burrell would love a trip to AnfieldCredit: RexAnd Thirlwell, who admitted the game being televised adds an “extra edge”, says the whole club from top to bottom want to put on a show against the big-spending Welsh side owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.“When you get a big club at home in the early rounds then you are hoping that it gets on the tele and as it happens we have,” Thirlwell said.“And I do think it helps, not that anybody tries harder, but it does give you an extra edge when you know it’s on TV.“But everyone at the club wants to get everything right on the day as you are showcasing the whole club.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “We are one of, if not the, smallest club in the Football League but we have a go on and off the pitch as best we can.“We are realistic to the point that usually bigger clubs do win these games but we are going into it with optimism and want to cause an upset. Someone will this year so why not us?”Who are these famous footballers? More