18 May 2018 19:30:18
On the eve of the FA Cup final I have a foreboding feeling of deja vu.

Just like last season we enter our final game wondering if the ends will justify the means. Our season once again balanced precariously on a single game.

Win and most will be happy with a other trophy to swell our cabinet. A win will go along way in masking a generally arduous, tedious and frustrating season. A win helps to forge a stronger mentality into the squad and provides more evidence to both the players and the fans that Jose methods are successful if not pretty. A win ends the season on a high, provides optimism for next year and we can look forward to the World Cup and summer transfer window safe in the knowledge that Jose has delivered success in consecutive seasons. The experience of winning big games can only bode well for the future and maybe we can dare to believe that if Jose actually gets it right we might just become a force to be reckoned with once again.

A defeat however would have the opposite effect. Nothing to show for a largely joyless campaign littered with sobering defeats and performances. Progress undoubtedly made in terms of points gained and goals scored but stagnant with regard to style or patterns of play. Star names under performing, humbling chastisements for players and fans alike, bizarre statements and self proclamation. It's been a funny old year.

So now our season hangs in the balance. Once last 90 minute examination. One final push for glory. Let's hope Jose does what Jose does best. Gets the job done one way or another.

1.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 19:42:36
David de gea said during the week, second isn't good enough for Manchester United, you don't win anything for trophy for that.
He said we have to win the fa cup.
I agree with you Dave.

2.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 20:35:25
I remember from the 76 final, back then when you won the cup it was seen as a springboard to a title challenge the following season. It isn’t like that anymore and to be honest was never really true anyway.

Enjoy the day, win is great but a loss is not the end of the world in the great scheme of things. This is ultimately a one off, just relax and enjoy, I have seen us win and lose, FA Cups on TV and stood/ sat at Wembley. Don’t read too much into it.

3.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 21:34:53
Very true Redman maybe I was being a touch dramatic.

Anyway I'll be down there tomorrow supporting the boys.

4.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 22:25:29
I think it's very clear, a win and Jose gets another year, a loss and he should be sacked. Lol.

5.) 18 May 2018
18 May 2018 23:09:41
Shappy - What if it's 0-0 and we win on pens does he still deserve another year then? 😉 Lol.

6.) 19 May 2018
19 May 2018 00:03:00
Red Man, I would have thought as a man of a certain vintage, you would appreciate the importance of the FA Cup, rather than being quite blasé about it. Seems like someone's downplaying the importance just in case José comes up short. Personally, I think we'll stuff them. Worst Chelsea team in years, with obvious schisms in the team, and between the players and the manager. If we can't win tomorrow, there's something wrong. I can't wait. Love FA Cup Final day.

Good post by the way, DLIB.

7.) 19 May 2018
19 May 2018 00:41:15
I would sack Jose win or lose.

8.) 19 May 2018
19 May 2018 05:15:47
Nou

As a man of “certain vintage” as you put it (not been referred to like that before) I appreciate the FA Cup for the great competition it is. Make no mistake I want to win, winning is what it is all about and will be gutted if we lose, however over the many years of supporting it brings perspective. If the team comes up short it doesn’t mean the end of the club just we start aiming for next season. If we win it doesn’t automatically mean a title challenge, in case you forgot we have sacked two managers after winning it so why would I be “downplaying it” in case we lose?

9.) 19 May 2018
19 May 2018 08:08:28
Good post redman and dilb.

10.) 19 May 2018
19 May 2018 09:26:46
Great debate, I love the Cup but it does seem to have lost some lustre in recent years. Semi finals at Wembley doesn’t work for me either. Let’s hope it’s a great game and we play with freedom. If we do, I think we will do them.