As Crystal Palace prepares to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final, former manager Steve Coppell reflects on the 1990 FA Cup final, where his team narrowly missed out on the trophy. In an exclusive interview with The i Paper, Coppell and his assistant Alan Smith share the story behind the remarkable run that took Palace to the final.
Coppell’s managerial journey began in 1984, when he took charge of Crystal Palace, then at the bottom of the Second Division. With limited resources, Coppell relied on unconventional methods to build a competitive team. One notable signing was Ian Wright, a relatively unknown player from non-League football. Wright’s talent and potential were evident, and Coppell famously predicted that the young striker would play for England.
The team’s fitness regime was intense, with weekly sessions on a steep hill at Farthing Downs. This grueling training helped forge a strong team spirit, which was crucial in their FA Cup run. Palace’s underdog status was underscored by a 9-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, but this defeat sparked a determination to succeed.
In the FA Cup semifinals, Palace faced Liverpool again, and Wright’s absence due to injury forced Coppell to adapt his tactics. Despite being told Wright wasn’t fit, Coppell named him as a substitute, a decision that would prove pivotal. Wright’s introduction changed the game’s momentum, and he scored crucial goals in the 3-3 draw.
However, in the replay, Palace lost 1-0, with Wright remaining on the bench. Coppell now admits that starting Wright might have altered the outcome. The FA Cup final marked the beginning of the end for that Palace team, as Wright’s departure the following summer signaled a decline.
Coppell praises the current Crystal Palace team, highlighting their potential to win the FA Cup. With talented players like Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Adam Wharton, the team has the ability to cause upsets. Winning the FA Cup would be a historic moment for the club, and Coppell believes it’s time for Palace to finally lift the trophy.
The 1990 FA Cup final remains a significant moment in Crystal Palace’s history, and Coppell’s reflections offer valuable insights into the team’s journey. As the current team prepares to face Manchester City, they can draw inspiration from the past, knowing that their predecessors have shown the way.
Coppell’s experience and knowledge of the FA Cup competition are invaluable, and his words of encouragement will undoubtedly resonate with the current team. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and Crystal Palace fans will be hoping that their team can bring home the trophy.
The FA Cup final is always a showcase for drama and excitement, and this year’s encounter between Crystal Palace and Manchester City promises to be no exception. With both teams boasting talented players and a strong team spirit, the outcome is far from certain.
As the teams take to the pitch, the memories of past FA Cup finals will undoubtedly be on the minds of the players and fans. For Crystal Palace, the 1990 final will be a reminder of what could have been, but also a source of inspiration as they aim to bring home their first FA Cup trophy.
With the current team showing signs of promise and a strong squad, the future looks bright for Crystal Palace. If they can harness their talent and team spirit, they may just be able to achieve their goal and bring the FA Cup to Selhurst Park.
