The magic of the FA Cup, though oft-repeated, is still alive in its own way, even if it feels a little less magical than it used to. There was once a time when the final was a grand spectacle, full of pre-match interviews on the team bus to Wembley, helicopters flying overhead, and stars like Ossie Ardiles looking shaky from nerves. The atmosphere was electric with the likes of Saint & Greavsie and Trevor Brooking scoring the occasional surprise header. The matchups were legendary – the Crazy Gang versus the Culture Club, sweaty shirts, muddy boots, and unforgettable moments. Who could forget Kevin Moran’s red card, or Gary Mabbutt’s knee? It was an era of untamed excitement.
But in recent years, the competition’s allure has faded somewhat. Radio phone-ins about the FA Cup “losing its magic” are now as predictable as the competition itself. Even complaints about the Cup’s supposed decline have lost their own sense of freshness. The days of fairytale runs seem to have slipped away, as top clubs now dominate with ease. Despite this, a new chapter has emerged this year, with a quarter-final draw that offers a glimmer of hope. While we’re not looking at anything on the scale of Harry Potter-esque drama, the draw has given us some exciting, wide-open matchups, particularly with underdogs like Preston North End, who have now become the tournament’s surprise story.
Preston North End, with their long history and humble position in the Championship, have taken on the role of the fairytale team this season. The club, having just pulled off a remarkable feat by being the first team to score against Burnley in ages, now faces Aston Villa at home in the quarter-finals. Aston Villa, though a solid Premier League side, has not been particularly strong on the road, and there is a real sense that the Lancashire team could continue its run. If Preston manages to claim another FA Cup win, it will be their third, with the last victory dating back to 1938.
Other teams in the quarter-finals, such as Fulham, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Brighton, will also be keen to push their way into the latter stages, with the hopes of writing their own stories. While the competition remains tough, especially with Manchester City’s dominance looming over all, there’s a belief among the smaller sides that they might have a shot at glory.
The remaining clubs in the competition, which also include Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, and Aston Villa, share a similar sense of history, though they’ve not lifted the trophy in decades. The last time Ipswich won the FA Cup was in 1978, when Mick Mills was the captain and Princess Alexandra presented the trophy. Now, decades later, the idea of Prince William handing over the trophy to Villa or another underdog feels almost like a distant dream, particularly with Manchester City’s powerhouse team in the mix.
Manchester City, of course, remains the team to beat. Their manager, Pep Guardiola, even found himself blaming the FA Cup ball after his players wasted a number of shots against Plymouth. Guardiola, in his usual style, argued that the ball was to blame for sending his players’ efforts sailing into the stands, a rather bizarre excuse that the FA quickly dismissed. Despite the occasional misstep, City remains the team everyone expects to steamroll their way to victory.
Yet, for all the modern-day dominance of the bigger clubs, the quarter-final draw this year holds the promise of surprises. Whether it’s Preston North End’s unlikely progression or the rise of any of the smaller teams, the magic of the FA Cup still has the power to surprise and delight. So, while we may not see the same spectacle of yesteryear, there’s still hope that this year’s competition can reignite the passion and excitement that made the tournament so special.
The magic of the FA Cup may not be gone, but it’s now up to these underdog teams to prove that it’s still alive and kicking.
