AND IT’S LIVE
The Magic of the Cup is in full flow this weekend. Several upsets yesterday, including Gillingham beating Cardiff, and Accrington Stanley (who are they?) reminded us why we love the FA Cup so much. There is something about it that’s different, that feels pure, at a time when football is more commercialised than ever.
When amateur teams reach the latter stages of the cup, you’ll often come across teams featuring players and coaches who have other jobs. Some broadcaster will conduct a patronising interview with them on the touchline while the game is mid-flow. “So, you must be knackered, what with being a postman and all?”, they’ll say. “Do you mind, mate, we’re defending a corner here,” the coach will respond.
It’s great, it’s unique.
Sometimes, you’ll even find coaches who are also commentators, like today, when Sky Sports stalwart Martin Tyler will be putting down the microphone and picking up the… whistle… for Woking’s FA Cup tie against Watford at the Kingfield Stadium this afternoon.
The legendary Martin Tyler #COYCards coaching staff. #wokwat #FACup pic.twitter.com/uuLhmzG9Gq
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 6, 2019
Tyler has been a coach for many years, working alongside Alan Dowson. Together, they have worked at Walton & Hersham, Kingstonian, Hampton & Richmond and since May 2018, Woking.
Their move to Woking was something of a homecoming for Tyler, who supported the club as a boy, despite ever-present rumours on social media that he supports Manchester United.
