HUGHTON: I’VE LEARNED A HARSH LESSON FROM 1987 FINAL.. YOU NEVER TAKE A TEAM FOR GRANTED
BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton has warned his players anything could happen against Coventry – because he cannot forget losing to them in an FA Cup final.
Hughton played in the Spurs team which went into the 1987 showpiece as massive favourites but were beaten 3-2 in one of the tournament’s great games.
Tottenham had the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Ossie Ardiles and Richard Gough and were 1-0 up after just two minutes through Clive Allen.
But Coventry’s stunning comeback included a memorable diving header from Keith Houchen to take the game to extra time – where Gary Mabbut’s own goal gave them the trophy.
“It was brilliant for them but a real difficult one for us,” said Hughton. “I remember it very well. We were big favourites and scored very early.
“Most people would have thought we would go on from that and win the game. But we came up against a very spirited Coventry side.
“It was a massive occasion for them and whenever I’m around anything to do with Coventry that memory comes back.
“We had a lot of top players and international players in our side that day and it was a real coup for Coventry to win – and a real disappointment for us.”
Hughton hopes he can pass on some of that experience to his players at the Amex today as Coventry, now in League Two, aim to cause another big upset.
He said: “I’ll be telling the players you have to remember there is going to be an incredibly motivated Coventry team turning up and anything can happen. You have to pre-warn your players about that because some haven’t been in that position before.
“But it happened to us against Lincoln only last season and that’s one we will bring up too. The players involved that time – and it’s most of the squad – will know the affect it has on you. It’s a horrible experience you don’t want to go through too often.”
Hughton will give a full debut to £14million club record signing Jurgen Locadia now the striker has recovered from injury.