Mark Robins still cherishes lifting the FA Cup 30 years ago with Manchester United but just don’t ask him where his medal is.
Ex-United trainee Robins, 51, famously scored in a 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest in the third round which supposedly saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job.
United then went on to lift the Cup in a 1990 replay over Crystal Palace as Ferguson took his first major step to building a dynasty.
It saw Coventry boss Robins, then aged just 20, enjoyed a glorious start to his career as a rookie striker.
But sadly Robins no longer has the silverware from his special day as he explained.
(Image: Catherine Ivill)
Robins, who also won the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup at United, reflected: “It is a long time ago.
“That was my breakthrough season and I thought this is the norm: ‘this happens all the time’.
“But that was the last time I got to the FA Cup final.
“Fortunately we won it.
“I was on the bench, came on in the first game.
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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“It went to a replay and I didn’t come on in the second game but we won it and I got a winners’ medal.
“It was a good start to my career.
“But I was very foolish and sold my medals a long time ago.
“It was my decision but I definitely regret it now.
“I should have made a decision to put them in a museum.
“Then you can still keep hold of them.
(Image: Getty)
What are your memories of Mark Robins’ playing days? Have your say in the comments.
“They were in a draw and got moved about and I never got them out.
“So I made a decision when I was younger.”
Robins eventually left United in 1992 for today’s FA Cup third round opponents Norwich.
The FA Cup remains dear to Robins’ heart but the Sky Blues’ manager says the current COVID-19 battle has taken the shine off the competition this season.
He added: “This year has been really strange.
“It is different with this virus to contend with.
“There is no thinking about fairytales and how special things are.
“The injuries have been unprecedented up and down the country too.
“But the FA Cup in isolation is always a special competition.
“It just feels slightly different this year from my perspective.
“But it is always good to try and get through and pit yourself against teams from different levels.
“Norwich are at the top of our league and we were two levels apart last season.”
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