Tonight one of England’s most consistent performers of all time will don the famous Three Lions for the 100th time. But it’s fair to say that you would see much more fanfare if this feat were to befall the likes of Lampard, Gerrard or Rooney than you will for tonight’s centurion, Mr Ashley Cole.
José Mourinho, the self-proclaimed Special One, is not exactly a man who lacks self-confidence. However, in the week when he marked his 50th birthday, even Real Madrid’s current manager could be forgiven for indulging in a little quiet introspection, as his tenure has become strangely embroiled in allegations of in-fighting and player subterfuge.
Harry Redknapp has claimed quite strongly that he is not a Wheeler Dealer, he is a football manager.
“I’m not a wheeler dealer, f**k off”
Harry Redknapp to Sky’s Rob Palmer, 2010
The magic of the cup has often been overstated but when a genuine cup shock comes around this in no way seems to dilute that excitement we feel, even as a neutral. The latest installment in the love story that British football has with the underdog? League Cup finalists Bradford City. And for them, the fairy tale continues.
“It has been quite some 150 years. The minutes from that original meeting pinpointed the three values at the heart of football. Vision, commitment and team work. They remain our inspiration.”
David Bernstein
FA Chairman