It’s exactly a quarter of a century today since the infamous FA Cup clash between Sheffield United and Arsenal at the old Highbury stadium.
As one of the most contentious matches in the competition’s lengthy history, the match has been immortalised. A quarter-final between the two sides was locked at 1-1 when Alan Kelly, the United goalkeeper, pushed the ball out for injured striker Lee Morris to receive treatment. From the ensuing throw-in, Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour tried to get it back to United, but Gunners forward Kanu ran onto the lost ball and squared for an unmarked Marc Overmars to tap in. And chaos ensued.
Incensed United players surrounded the referee and confronted Overmars and Kanu. Then-Blades boss Steve Bruce briefly sought to take his side off the pitch. However, the goal stood—it was obscene but not illegal—and play eventually resumed. With Arsenal ahead 2-1, they chose not to follow the morally right course of action and allowed the Blades to equalise to seal the illegal strike.
Following the match, Arsenal offered a replay, which oddly was held at Highbury rather than Bramall Lane. Arsenal won the second game 2-1 as well, securing their spot in the competition’s semifinals. Bruce called the goal “possibly the most sickening moment of my entire career” at the time. For as long as I live, I will never forget that objective.
All of United’s players from that day have since retired from competition, and others have gone on to have a variety of careers. But in the 25 years that have passed, what has become of them, since one of them regretfully passed away?
1. Alan Kelly
A contemporary Blades icon, Kelly played for Blackburn, Stockport, and Birmingham City following his lengthy tenure at Bramall Lane. After playing for the Republic of Ireland, he later became a coach for Preston, Everton, and the national team. Also maintains in touch with another old club, Preston, on the media side of things.
2. Shaun Derry
After retiring from the game, this individual also became a coach, serving as the head coach of Cambridge United and Notts County before joining Crystal Palace’s academy. After being elevated to head coach of the first squad under Patrick Vieira, he is currently Gary O’Neil’s assistant at Wolves, a Premier League team.
3. Lee Sandford
After retiring from football, Sandford, a former defender with a degree in sports science and coaching, took a completely opposite career route and became a financial trader and mentor. Ten years ago, he published Goals to Gold: Trading the Football Pitch for the Financial Markets. Through his own college, he also provided mentoring to prospective traders.
4. David Holdsworth
The former United captain also tried his hand at management, with Mansfield Town and Lincoln City amongst others, and has also worked at Carlisle United as director of football. He is also a qualified personal trainer, who still lives local to the area
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