Nigel Worthington is set to oversee his maiden FA Cup campaign as York City boss and says his side's forthcoming First Round clash at Bristol Rovers has evoked memories of one of the finest moments of his career.
The former Northern Ireland manager was part of the Sheffield Wednesday side that reached The Final in 1993, where Andy Linighan's 119th-minute replay winner earned Arsenal victory and broke South Yorkshire hearts.
Despite the result, Worthington, who has led Blackpool and Norwich City in the competition, failed to hide his pride at appearing under the famous Twin Towers.
Match Details
Bristol Rovers v York City
The FA Cup with Budweiser
First Round Proper
7.45pm, Friday 8 November 2013
The Memorial Stadium
He said: "I think it's one of the highlights in everybody's career. I was very fortunate to play at the old Wembley which was very, very special, against a fantastic Arsenal team.
"We lost the replay but we had two great games and it went right down to the last kick of extra-time before the game was decided. But they are wonderful memories and it's a very special trophy, not just in this country but throughout the world."
Having played and managed in The FA Cup, Worthington knows that both are very different experiences - and he jokes he would love one last opportunity to put on his boots this weekend.
He added: "I'd rather play. When you're a manager you do all your work prior to the game and you're standing there spectating, living on a wing and a prayer."
York City will face a side ranked one place below them in League Two and Worthington insists he's glad his team avoided drawing lower-league opposition.
"I don't mind playing against teams in our own league or above because I think the lower-league opposition are always a potential banana skin.
"It can sometimes be embarrassing when results don't happen for you so I like to play league teams because there is always potential for a giant killing in The FA Cup."
