Chelsea v Scunthorpe United
The FA Cup, Third Round
Stamford Bridge
08 January 2005

Veteran Scunthorpe player/coach Peter Beagrie admits victory for Scunthorpe in Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Chelsea would rank alongside some of the greatest-ever upsets in the game.

He said: "It would be a monumental upset, in line with the memorable World Cup wins for the likes of South Korea and the USA, such is the gulf between the two sides.

"Whatever side they put out, you can be certain it will have cost in excess of £150 million or whatever, so it’s going to be difficult for us.

"In three out of the last six Premiership games they’ve beaten sides with a huge amount of money to spend by four clear goals. That’s the size of the task in front of us."

Beagrie, still playing at the age of 39, insists damage-limitation will be Scunthorpe’s chief aim when they step out at Stamford Bridge. "If we can keep the score down, we’ll be more than happy," he said.

"We’ve encouraged everybody to enjoy the day, but being professionals you’ve got your personal pride and you want to come through it unscathed.

"There’s nothing to lose because no-one’s expecting anything other than a Chelsea victory. A lot will depend on how much possession we can retain. The longer we have the ball, the less likely they are to score."

Scunthorpe are flying high in League Two, currently occupying second place behind leaders Yeovil.

However, the suggestion that such a big Cup tie might distract them as they bid for promotion is played down by Beagrie. He thinks the experience will be memorable for players and supporters alike. "It’s a distraction that we’re looking forward to. It’s a chance for 6,000 Scunthorpe fans to get behind the team.

"I’m looking forward to seeing how some of our lads equip themselves in front of a 40,000 crowd because it’s a daunting proposition. Some of them haven’t even played in front of 10,000.

"You find out whether the younger players have got the mentality and strength of character to go on to the big stage and express themselves.

"The nervous energy tires people out very quickly, so we have to hope they don’t get caught in the headlights. It’s an opportunity that might not come again."

Beagrie has played for nine clubs, including Middlesbrough, Everton and Manchester City, in a career spanning 21 years. He is thankful for the fact that he is still involved after fearing at one stage that his playing days were over.

"I had two years out with a knee injury and thought my career might be over. Every game since then has been a bonus. Sometimes you take this fantastic game of ours for granted. But I approach every game now like it’s my last and I’ve been doing that for the last nine years.

"Gone are the days when players hung their boots up at 30 and ran a pub. Things have moved on since then and even at this level we have a dietician and prepare thoroughly. The game has changed for the better and players are going to go on longer in their careers."

Winger Beagrie estimates he has featured in around 84 FA Cup ties, without going all the way.

"It’s a competition that has passed me by," he ruefully admits. "I’ve never got beyond the Fifth Round."

He reveals the nearest he came to being involved in a Cup upset was during his time on Merseyside. "I played for Everton against Woking at Goodison Park and we only beat them by the odd goal," Beagrie recalls.

"It was great to see them as the underdogs get a rousing response from their fans and the home fans."

How does Beagrie rate Scunthorpe’s chances of pushing Chelsea all the way? "You never say never and stranger things have happened, although very rarely, I must add," he replies.

"If we come away without disgracing ourselves and put on a decent show, we’ll be happy."