John Motson answered your FA Cup tweets via @FA

Tuesday 13 May 2014
John Motson answered your tweets in The FA library at Wembley Stadium

From his famous sheepskin coat to his unmistakable commentary, John Motson became synonymous with The FA Cup during his 36 years as the BBC’s voice of football.

He talked viewers through his first Final in 1977 and went from strength to strength, taking the mic for 29 Finals and five replays in all.

'Motty' last covered the showpiece match in 2008 but his affiliation with the world’s oldest knockout competition hasn’t waned – and he was a welcome visitor to Wembley in the build-up to Saturday’s Cup Final between Arsenal and Hull City.

While at the national stadium, Motson took over The FA’s official Twitter account, @FA, for an hour and answered your questions on The FA Cup and more.

The full transcript of questions and answers can be seen below:

@tsymes44
What, in your opinion, is the finest FA Cup final goal ever scored #AskMotty

Gerrard v West Ham in 2006 and Lawrie Sanchez in 1988 spring to mind, but the best visual goal has to be Keith Houchen's in 1987.

@RobertLongcroft
Who is the best player you have commentated on? #AskMotty

I'll give you three - Cantona, who transformed Man Utd, Henry who was fantastic for Arsenal, and the mercurial Ronaldo.

@david_don73thfc
what was your favourite cup final of all time #AskMotty

In terms of the match itself, Coventry v Spurs in 1987, but the 1981 replay always stands out - as does Villa's goal!

@lukejackson1111
#AskMotty Favourite moment you've ever commentated on?

In terms of The #FACup Final it has to be Dave Beasant's penalty save from John Aldridge in 1988.

@MTBell95
what would your advice be to someone wanting to get into punditry and commentary? #askmotty #facup

Things have changed since my day - there are now loads of courses and opportunities for work experience. But you have to graft.

@villamadtweets
#AskMotty Did you and Barry Davies ever arm wrestle to see who was doing the final?

Ha! Never arm wrestled but there were tense moments when waiting for the call. Never any animosity though, good friends.

@Jon_Chalk1
#AskMotty who are your favourite up and coming commentators at the moment

I admire Clive Tyldesley greatly, but BBC tradition of commentators is in good hands with Steve Wilson, Guy Mowbray and JP.

@trewboy
Do you miss the days when teams released a cup final song or had dodgy matching suits (Liverpool 1996 was particularly bad) #AskMotty

I liked 'Good Old Arsenal' but it's gone downhill since 'Ossie's Dream' - I'm a Chas & Dave fan! Liverpool suits - never equalled!

@DStebbings
#AskMotty how many fa cup rounds does the average sheepskin get?

It usually comes out in Nov and back in in March/April, but it's so cold this year I might wear it on #FACup Final day!

@leekennedy23
#AskMotty What's the best game you've ever watched?

Italy v Brazil in 1982 World Cup. That game was so dramatic, my co-commentator was Sir Bobby Charlton and he was in tears!

@jlaver1
#askmotty what do u enjoy the most about fa cup final day?

The whole atmosphere of the day. I think the new @wembleystadium have done a terrific job in getting the ambience back since '07.

@NeilPhilipThor1
#AskMotty Whats the funniest moment you've seen at an #FACup match?

Derby v Man City in 70s. So much mud at the Baseball Ground, groundsman Bob Smith had to repaint pen spot during the game!

dezzie @67gaz
#askmotty. Who was the best manager to interview after a game?

Two words - Brian Clough. You never knew what answer you would get! He was intimidating, but always a pleasure to interview.

By Glenn Lavery