I endure the four-yearly patriotism of being English until we’ve been kicked out of the World Cup as much as any guy. I felt compelled to write this blog post after reading this article at my favourite independent football blog. The site is normally “the fan’s eye” and is refreshing in its approach to humour, analyses, essential stats and pages for each team. I want to take serious exception to this article though. I really don’t think his views hold water.

Firstly, the FA Cup Final. “Tradition” might dictate a 3pm kick off on the final Saturday of the season but there are fundamental reasons to keep the format that we have all become used to and it has nothing to do with lamenting the demise of traditional values in a Daily Mail type way.

No. The FA Cup Final is one of (if not the) biggest single game in club football anywhere in the world. It is because of tradition and length of time the competition has been going for that this prestigious trophy is seen as a global brand. As such it deserves to be the final game of the season after the final league games have been played, the champions decided and everybody else taking a break from their campaigns to see out the season. To move it to another time of the year, even by a few weeks to have it during the season, devalues the trophy and its global appeal. It becomes just another game lost in the end-of-season fracas. As one of the commentors cynically stated, we should always strive to change things but not at the demands of the company paying to show the game.

The 3pm kick off might have its roots in when the working man did a shift on a saturday morning and had time to have a skinful of ale before the game but today there are just as valid reasons to keep the 3pm kick off (though it is not my personal view that we should necessarily keep it…I’ll come to that in a minute). To move games later, say to have a standard 5:30pm kick off as the Cup Final was this year, we could end up with transport problems. Liverpool fans travelling to London on Saturday certainly had this issue with engineering works particularly last weekend and in general travelling long distances when trains are scarce on a Saturday night. I am happy to have Sunday afternoon football, Monday night football and midweek football so long as the timings do not inconvenience fans too much (and the fixtures are usually worked out so that they don’t – much like Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures are always local games).

Yet the bulk of games are still played at 3pm on a Saturday and I think there is a better reason to change this. Let’s see, if we can, move the bulk of games to midday on a Saturday. Midday would allow travelling fans the opportunity to make a day of it and still be back home at a reasonable hour – especially those travelling from afar. The only difficulty they might have is getting up early. It gives ample drinking time after the game rather than before it, and no Saturday games in midwinter will be played under floodlights (clubs reduce electricity bills and carbon footprint). While it is true that in the summer the bulk of the games will be played at the hottest time of day we are really only talking about early May and late August due to the end of season break and we rarely have weather so hot as to make it unbearable for the players.

So what about it? Any football wants want to discuss the merits of keeping or discarding the traditional 3pm Saturday kick off?

The FA Cup Legends Lunch on 4 May featured a three course sit-down followed by an afternoon of entertainment provided by special guests Peter Reid, Gerard Houllier and Gus Poyet, and presided over by Jim Rosenthal.

Turning out top restaurant quality food for over 500 guests all at the same time is no mean feat, but executive head chef, Frank Coghlan took it all in his stride, organising operations with military precision. Even though this lunch was a big do, it was just a warm-up for Frank, who was also going to be catering for a packed stadium for the FA Cup Final the next day ranging from gourmet burgers and pizzas for the punters to full sit down lunches for the Club Wembley members.

Liverpool looked like the Chelsea of a few months ago – which isn’t a compliment – in Saturday’s FA Cup Final.  Chelsea wasn’t fantastic, but they were more than good enough to claim their seventh FA Cup title in club history.

Ramires (who scored first for Chelsea in the 10^th minute) has poured it on in recent weeks.  He seems to be hitting his stride right now – fantastic at open field runs with the ball, and much more efficient at finishing than he was earlier in the season.  Chelsea was wise to secure Ramires in a long-term deal this year, as he looks likely to be a key player for the club in the next several seasons.

Drogba added the Blues’ second goal in the 51^st minute.  The guy is a clutch performer.  Chelsea will need him to show up in a major way in the Champions League final.  He just knows how to get the job done when a lot is at stake.  Ordinarily I wouldn’t be in favor of resting him so much between matches as Di Matteo has preferred lately, however, the extra rest hasn’t seemed to rust Drogba at all.  I’d really like to see Torres paired up front more with Drogba as opposed to this constant either/or situation.  For the Munich Final, Torres could get plenty of crosses in to Drogba as well as free up some space for him by pulling defenders out of the middle where Drogba usually lurks.

Petr Cech has also improved over the past couple months.  It’s easy to take Cech for granted because he’s been so consistently good for Chelsea for several years.  This hasn’t been a strong season for Cech overall, but like a true pro, he has upped his game at crucial times for the club recently.  His saves were huge in keeping Barcelona at bay in the Champions League semis, and Saturday’s point-blank deflection of Andy Carroll’s header late in the match preserved Chelsea’s lead and ultimately led to their fourth FA Cup title in six years.

Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph is a nice consolation of sorts for what has been a stinky Premier League season for the club.  It’s also another important confidence booster ahead of the Champions League Final on May 19.  Can’t wait for that one!

Who do you think were Chelsea’s key performers in the FA Cup win over Liverpool?

BoJo – on being appointed Mayor of London:

On being re-elected - ‘We survived the rain, the BBC, the Budget and the endorsement of David Cameron’

On becoming Prime Minister – ‘My chances of becoming PM are about as good as finding Elvis on Mars, or my being reincarnated as an olive.’

On how to vote - ‘Voting Tory will cause your wife to have bigger breasts and increase your chances of owning a BMW M3.’

Roy Hodgson – on being appointed England Manager:  

‘Dealing with the mass media has been part of my life, not one I’ve shied away from. But my forte, and what I want to do, is coach footballers; prepare, build and improve football teams. If I’m going to be vulnerable or lacking in any area, it might be that I don’t have a thick enough skin to deal with you guys (the press)’     

Following my SE Asia sojourn, it’s high time I got back into the blogging groove…

We touched down at Heathrow, just over a week ago, having returned from an amazing, thirteen-day, whistle-stop, ‘Highlights of Indochina’ tour, through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Following a nineteen hour return journey, from Siem Reap, we arrived home to experience, at first hand, the much publicised border control delays – just about clearing passport control within the 45 minute maximum waiting time.

Back in the Shire, we were greeted by brooding, slate grey skies and a lawn which resembled the paddy fields we had left behind in SE Asia. Pretty much incessant rain during our time away, has barely abated since our return, making a predictable mockery of the official, drought status, afforded to much of the country, just prior to our departure.

I know how the argument goes, wrong type of rain, wrong time, wrong place - it’s just like leaves on the track! What about improving the infrastructure – building a few more reservoirs and fixing a few leaks in the mains distribution system?  

Unfortunately clear blue skies and temperatures of 40˚C are already a fading memory. 

But, despite the damp dismal days, it’s been an interesting and busy week with one or two noteworthy events raising a wry smile or two.    

In the world of politics, local elections have produced a mid-term anti-austerity backlash against the coalition government, and a second term as London Mayor for one Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, aka BoJo, who survived the endorsement of ‘Call me Dave’, bucking the national trend.

Passed his sell by date, ‘Red Ken’ Livingstone, failed to withstand a media battering and sadly exited, left, a life in politics, spanning over 40 years, to spend more time with his newts.          

It was an extremely close run mayoral election that turned out to be more about personality than policy, and one which Labour might have won with a candidate that carried less baggage than Ken.

It was interesting, but hardly surprising, that the electorates in Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and Coventry (traditionally all part of Labour’s heartland) rejected Cameron’s call for a mayor in every major city. 

I still don’t feel comfortable declaring Thursday’s results a great electoral comeback by Labour. Even I would concede it was more a case of votes against the coalition and that there is still a long way to go in winning back public confidence before the 2015 general election. 

However what the results have done is secure Ed Miliband as leader of the opposition, which many Labour supporters will see as a negative rather than positive. Although, egg splattered, Ed thought it was a cracking result, even he conceded it was just a start. There is no doubting his honour and sincerity, but he lacks the clarity and sure-footedness of  brother, David, who packs a much bigger punch. I fear the wrong Miliband is in charge.      

All parties should be concerned at such nationwide apathy. A turn out of 31% is disgraceful, no matter how disillusioned people may feel about politics and politicians. A silent majority of 69% is not a healthy state of affairs and in effect only serves to encourage those in power to continue doing as they please, with impunity.

 In the sporting press, the appointment of England’s new football manager caught out most pundits. He might not drop his aitches, like ‘Arry, but as ‘The Sun’ cruelly pointed out, ‘Woy’ has a speech impediment of his own.   

As we know all too well, the Murdoch press, like to get their way. The red top had thrown its full support behind media friendly, Spurs manager, Redknapp, as the next man to pick up the poisoned chalice. But to the FA’s credit they were not intimidated, and following a rigorous appointment process, opted for, the mild-mannered, school masterly, ‘Baggies’ boss, Roy Hodgson. 

Like the playground bully who doesn’t get his way, ‘The Sun’ typically, and unfairly, hit back by immediately ridiculing the FA’s new man.

In my opinion the FA have made a good choice and are to be congratulated. I never thought ‘Arry was right for the job and, to be honest, his performance as Spurs manager has been pretty tame since the speculation, surrounding the England position, kicked off.

Hodgson’s C.V. stands head and shoulders above any other English manager in the Premier League. He has European experience, both at club and international level. He even got the Swiss to 3^rd in the world, for heaven’s sake!   

His record, with limited resources, at Fulham and West Brom, cannot be faulted. Yes, there was a glitch at Anfield, where to my mind he was pretty shabbily treated, essentially for failing to be ‘King Kenny’.  

I hope the media and England football fans will, moderate their expectations and give Hodgson the backing he deserves. Although unlikely, it would be lovely if England could spring a surprise at this summer’s Euros. In which case ‘The Sun’ would, surely, have to acknowledge, ‘It’s Woy Wot Won It‘    

Watching yesterday’s FA Cup final, it did cross my mind that if ponderous Liverpool had persevered with Hodgson, there might have been a better brand of football on display from the men in Red – we’ll never know.   

Certainly, in my opinion, Liverpool under Dalglish, have failed miserably, with both their on the field performances, and off the field behaviour – a legendary club brought into unseemly disrepute over the Suarez saga. Kenny’s crown is beginning to look tarnished and distinctly wobbly.   

Yesterday his team certainly weren’t at the races for much of the game.

There was a time when the FA Cup final used to be the undisputed televised sporting occasion of the year. Sadly what was a jewel in the English football crown, has lost its sparkle in recent years.

Times move on, and a domestic knock out cup competition, with a history that was once the envy of the footballing world, is now no more than second-rate, a shadow of its former self.        

At half time in yesterday’s tepid tea time affair, I came very close to switching from ITV’s lacklustre coverage, to ‘Come Dine with Me’ –  which just shows how uninspiring the first 45 minutes had been.    

But the 11 million viewers (undoubtedly, ‘the Cup’ still has a nostalgic allure for many) who stuck with it were eventually rewarded. Chelsea at 2-0 up, after Drogba’s customary Wembley Final goal (four in four) switched off. Liverpool’s last throw of the dice pitched on their over-priced, under-performing striker, Andy Carroll. For one Twitter wag, Carroll galloping into the fray evoked memories of the famous White Horse Final of 1923! 

But the Geordie with the ponytail, seen by many, as more of a cart-horse than thoroughbred, transformed the game and for the final twenty minutes we actually had a spectacle worthy of the occasion.

It was quite alarming, how a Chelsea defence that had been untroubled for over an hour, suddenly buckled, under Carroll’s physical presence. The big man showed deceptively quick feet, in the face of some appallingly pedestrian defending by former England captain John Terry (Roy Hodgson take note) before powering a left foot shot into the roof of the net – game on!

As Liverpool rained yet another long ball into the Chelsea box, Carroll found acres of space to climb and head powerfully towards the top corner. His goal-bound effort had equaliser written all over it, but as it clipped the underside of the bar, Chelsea keeper Cech somehow clawed the ball away before it had entirely crossed the line.

At least that was the linesman’s take on it, and one which, thankfully, appeared to be upheld by countless TV replays. But surely this was another clear example of the case for goal-line technology.  

For sure it was the defining moment of the game, and the single piece of action which will linger long in the memory. ‘Chelski’ deserved their fourth FA Cup win, in six seasons, under the Wembley Arch, picking up a trophy for delighted, caretaker manager, Roberto Di Matteo. But they have far bigger fish to fry, in Munich, in a fortnight’s time.                             

Elsewhere this week, I was invited by the North Worcestershire Rotary Club to give a presentation on the work of VSO, and my recent placement in Rwanda. It was surprisingly well received, and not only have I received a welcome cheque for VSO funds, but also there is a distinct possibility that the Club’s International Committee might become involved in raising further money, for a specific project, involving the two Rwandan schools I worked with – so a pretty successful night!

On the music front, I attended Wednesday’s opening gig of this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Legendary, Grammy Award winning, song-smith Steve Winwood, former guitar/keyboard and vocalist with the Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith and Traffic, was in fine form rocking the colourful Festival Big Top with his current group of highly talented musicians.

I look forward to returning on Monday, when Paloma Faith closes this year’s event, with a world exclusive, performed with the Guy Barker Orchestra, showcasing previously unheard material from her follow-up album to, ‘Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?’.          

For explanation of the above visual, head here

Key
Chelsea= Blue
Liverpool= Red

In fact, it’s now 20 minutes in and Chelsea are already 1-0 up, so I really need to ‘publish and go’.

Chelsea, who are undoubtedly favourites to win based on recent performance, face Liverpool, who under the leadership of the legendary Kenny Dalglish, are hoping to win their first Cup title since 2006.

The successful team will receive a staggering 1.8m from the FA’s Prize Fund. Prize money that will no doubt be used to pay off debts buy new players.

Truth be told though – I don’t give two hoots.

For unlike the average male, I don’t really follow football at all. In fact, I haven’t done for a number of years now, and to be completely honest – I haven’t felt deprived in the slightest, or any less of a man for that matter.

That said, I have remarkable admiration for the players and managers alike. I think they demonstrate significant discipline and courage to be able to play at the highest level of competitive sport, under the watchful and expectant eyes of millions.

Countless viewers, pundits, and fans will be assessing, evaluating, and commenting on their every move and decision.

That’s some pressure.

Yet, many of them will rise to the challenge of the occasion and leave the stadium as victors.

I don’t envy them in the slightest, especially the managers – not one bit! For earlier today I watched my sons play an enthralling Cup Final of their own for a local team they’ve played for this season.

It was end to end stuff, as these 10 year olds battled through into extra time in an attempt to take home the prized trophy, and more importantly, the right to be called ‘Champions’.

Despite playing the league winners, who had earlier in the season beaten them with a rather embarrassing score line (won’t say!), they won 5-4 to the adulation of some very proud parents, family members, friends and managers.

Though I’m not an avid football watcher, being on the sideline today (as with other weeks in fact) revealed something of the passion.

Passion, not necessarily for the ‘beautiful game’, but to see young people, especially my sons’, do well and experience success. To know the sweet taste of victory that will do their confidence a world of good!

It’s wonderful to see.

And by the way. One of my sons scored a hat-trick, including the winning goal. The other, having played a brilliant game, received the Man of the Match award.

BIG smiles from a proud father!

Receive post updates by RSS Feed.

Tomorrow, is the most important game of Liverpool Football Club’s 2011/2012 season. The Carling Cup was a nice addition, pulling us level with United’s trophy cabinet, and bringing us the first piece of silverware since 2006, but not only will securing the FA Cup take us ahead of United, but it’s 90 minutes for redemption.

There’s no denying it – our season has been awful. We were originally aiming for a top 4 spot of the table and into the Champions League, as far as I can tell, we’ve been lucky to stay in the top half.

Call it bad luck, call it bad finishing. There’s no excusing the lack of passion from half the players in the squad. In my opinion, that’s why so many fans are on their backs, and on Kenny’s back. But claiming a lack of passion for Liverpool Football Club on Kenny’s behalf is madness, we all know that.

I’m assuming that’s why people have stopping riding Carroll (people call him a donkey, bad pun, sorry), lately he has really been sticking his gut into it, for the first time I’m starting to see progress. Winning more headers, holding up the play better, having a few cheeky shots on goal. Good! That’s what I want to see, his passion, what we all want to see, his confidence is returning, and hopefully so is his form. It gives us something to cheer about. It can’t be nice having such a big price tag hanging over your head, he doesn’t need you all booing him.

To be won over by our fans, you have to look as if you’re putting your very life on the line as you chase that ball down. It’s why we hold Suarez so dear to our hearts, and Gerrard, they have so much passion for the club. And Suarez definitely owes us a lot, and we’re starting to see a return.

Suarez last week was fantastic, I genuinely couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and in my opinion, that last goal really took the light from his first two, which had me almost equally in awe. The way he created them out of nothing, El Pistolero!

Jonjo has also started to get a little more game time, he was unlucky against Norwich – can I call it unlucky? It’s happened so many times – but again, we’re starting to see progress, he should have scored.

I have no words for Gerrard. He has carried the team so many times, all he wants to do is win. He will be our key man once again, tomorrow. I have faith in his link up play with Suarez and Carroll. I’m ecstatic up he’s committed the rest of his days to us, he deserves to go down next to Kenny, and the other Liverpool greats, as one of the most influential players ever to wear the shirt. We truly are, lucky to have him. – I guess I do have words for Gerrard.

Redemption. I believe this is perfect timing. We’re coming up against a very physical Chelsea side, but we can have hope in knowing that they currently a very busy schedule, and the fact they’re not actually that good, lets face it. Their recent form since Di Matteo has been nothing short of spectacular, considering their players, you’d think he would have given the fans something to shout about, but I guess not. Typical. I’d also like to thank Cisse, not only did he defy the laws of physics with one of the most brilliant goals I’ve ever seen, he stunned Chelsea, and broke their momentum.

Redemption. Our season has been awful, I said before that we lacked passion, which, for Liverpool Football Club, is a totally unheard of, but it’s true, and it’s taken some getting used to. I’ve just finished reading the book of our Captain, Stevie G, and in it, he details the importance of the FA Cup. I believe that tomorrow, we will see a different team than we’ve seen this season.

Redemption. On all three occasions that the Reds have beaten Everton in the Semi-Final of the FA Cup, we’ve gone on to lose. I’m choosing to look at this in a good way. We have never had such a bad season, I believe it’s time for change.

Redemption. What I witnessed on the 15th of April 2012, was disgusting. What moral person, or groups of people, would destroy a minutes silence. You have been silent for 50 years, could 1 more minute really have been that hard? They have trouble making noise when their team scores, yet they made an extra effort to ruin our minutes silence by chanting “murderers”. It is truly blood boiling, and just goes to prove that the Chelsea fans, really are, in a class of their own.

Our form against Chelsea has been great, we’ve won the last couple of games. It will be a hard game, but not impossible. Besides, I think Chelsea forgot how to play football when they headed off against Barcelona, it certainly would explain the 20% possession they maintained. Pathetic.

Tomorrow is a chance for redemption. If we go on to win, then our season will be a success, despite our league standing. For what is supposed to be a transitional season, to go out and win a trophy is fantastic. To win two is something to shout about.

The lads have a lot of motivation to go out and give the performance of their season tomorrow.

They owe it to the club, to the fans, to Kenny, and to the 96.

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Passion vs. Plastic

Look at those fucking flags.

And if you’re still not motivated:

I’m not going to Wembley, I’m a broke-ass student who can’t afford it. But if you are, drop a comment in the box below! And I’d love to see your pictures, my Twitter handle is @anfieldtom7.

Don’t forget to share!

And lastly, if you’re travelling to London, stay safe.

Wembley Stadium is the setting for the 131st staging of English football’s showpiece match as Chelsea lock horns with Liverpool in the 2012 FA Cup Final, renewing a rivalry that has produced some thrilling encounters in recent seasons.

ITV and ESPN will again provide comprehensive coverage of the day’s events, with the subscription broadcaster providing commercial-free and 3D coverage of the match itself.

Chelsea go into this clash as the slight favourites, having lifted this trophy in three of the last five seasons and thrashed local rivals Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in their semi-final here.

This is Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish’s fourth final in two spells as Liverpool manager, while Chelsea are competing in their fourth final since Wembley was re-opened in 2007.

Interim coach Roberto di Matteo has overseen a dramatic transformation since taking over in March following the removal of Andre Villas-Boas.

Di Matteo guided the Blues to a Champions League final in dramatic circumstances with an improbable victory over European giants Barcelona in the semi-final, and an FA Cup final with a controversial victory over Tottenham in the semi-final.

The Italian has his own special piece FA Cup final history, having scored for Chelsea in their triumphs in 1997 and 2000.

Dalglish’s men enjoyed a hard-fought victory over neighbours Everton in the last four and have defeated the Londoners twice at Stamford Bridge this term, winning 2-1 in the Premier League in November and then prevailing 2-0 later that month in the League Cup.

The Reds have seven FA Cup triumphs to their name, the first came under the great Bill Shankly in 1965, while Rafa Benitez was the last Liverpool manager to bring the trophy back to Merseyside, beating West Ham United on penalties at the Millennium Stadium six years ago.

Liverpool’s league form has faltered, but in cup competition the Reds have recaptured the glory years.

Victory today would complete a domestic cup double after Kenny Dalglish’s side lifted the Carling Cup earlier this season.

For the first time in 2012, the FA Cup Final has moved from its traditional 3pm kick-off time to 5.15pm, in a bid to attract a larger viewing audience for broadcasters.

It will be the first FA Cup Final to be played under floodlights at Wembley Stadium in almost 20 years, with the last being Arsenal’s replay win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 when a last-minute header from Andy Linighan in extra-time sealed a 2-1 victory for the Gunners.

Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield will be the chief gest of honour and will present the famous trophy to the winning captain at the end of the match.

Phil Dowd has been selected to referee his first FA Cup Final this year, and will be assisted by Stuart Burt and Andrew Garratt, along with fourth official Michael Jones and reserve assistant referee Simon Long.

Here’s SOTB’s guide to when and where to watch 2012 FA Cup Final:

ITV will provide free-to-air coverage of the 2012 FA Cup Final, presented by Adrian Chiles live from Wembley.

Build-up to the big match begins two hours before kick-off, which is packed with special behind-the-scenes features and interviews with the key personalities who will go head-to-head on the famous Wembley turf.

Studio analysis throughout the afternoon comes from four-times FA Cup winner Roy Keane, 1985 winner Gordon Strachan and and two-time runner-up Gareth Southgate.

Roving reports, team news, interviews and features during the build-up and post-match will be provided by Gabriel Clarke and Ned Boulting.

Match commentary comes from Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.

If you miss any of the action during the day, Matt Smith will present highlights of later in the evening on ITV1.

Coverage is also available to watch in high-definition on ITV1 HD.

Once again in 2012, ESPN will present unrivalled all-day coverage of the FA Cup Final, starting at 8am and finishing at 8pm, including commercial-free coverage of the match itself from 4.45pm.

The broadcaster will continue to revive the tradition of broadcasting all day around the final of the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, with a host of dedicated programmes, documentaries and special live editions of the channel’s signature football shows.

ESPN’s Matchday coverage begins at 2.30pm and will be presented by Rebecca Lowe, who becomes the first woman on UK television to anchor live coverage of an FA Cup Final.

Lowe will be joined by regular pundits Kevin Keegan, John Barnes and Craig Burley plus special guests in the build-up to the 5.15pm kick off, as well as pre-match analysis using the channel’s new analysis tool ESPN Arena from Darrell Currie and Martin Keown.

ESPN will bring fans the FA Cup Final commercial-free from 4.45pm (kick-off 5.15pm) through to the trophy presentation, giving viewers an uninterrupted countdown to the game, the celebrations afterwards, and a break-free half time with highlights and analysis.

Commentary on the final will come from Jon Champion and Chris Waddle, and reports and interviews provided by Darrell Currie and Dave Beckett.

ESPN’s FA Cup Final coverage will also be available in 3D via the Sky 3D channel, with commentary from Derek Rae and guest.

CLICK HERE for full details of ESPN’s FA Cup Final coverage

.

Yesterday I was shooting some chef portraits and doing a recce for a shoot next Fri about the catering for the Cup Final. More on that later.

In between heavy showers the pitch and stadium looked just amazing.

ESPN is to bring fans the every twist and turn of the 2012 FA Cup Final on May 5 between Chelsea and Liverpool in 3D and commercial-free as part of a full day of live programming from Wembley.

The broadcaster will continue to revive the tradition of broadcasting all day around the final of the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, with a host of dedicated programmes, documentaries and special live editions of the channel’s signature football shows.

ESPN’s comprehensive FA Cup Final coverage spanning 12 hours begins at 8am with Breakfast at Wembley, setting the scene for the big day with discussion and light-hearted debate.

Other highlights throughout the day include a Pardon The Interruption UK special with Mark Chapman and Steve Bunce, FA Cup Final Brunch where James Richardson and guests will provide a light-hearted look at the build-up to the big match, plus a Talk of the Terrace special hosted by Kelly Cates with a live music performance from The Enemy.

In a one-hour special at 9.30am, ESPN will debut a specially commissioned 60-minute documentary, Kings for a Day – Football’s Giant Killers which focuses on the unique David versus Goliath aspect of the FA Cup.

Narrated by renowned actor-director Steven Berkoff and using a mixture of behind the scenes footage from this year’s competition, plus archive material, the film provides a unique insight into the psyche of the underdog which is so key to the competition.

The show features interviews with the likes of FA Cup giantkillers Ronnie Radford and Vinnie Jones plus legendary BBC commentator John Motson.

ESPN’s Matchday coverage begins at 2.30pm and will be presented by Rebecca Lowe, who becomes the first woman on UK television to anchor live coverage of an FA Cup Final.

She is standing in for regular presenter Ray Stubbs, who is taking time off following recent heart surgery and will return for the start of the new football season in August.

Lowe will be joined by regular pundits Kevin Keegan, John Barnes and Craig Burley plus special guests, alongside others for the build-up to the 5.15pm kick off, as well as half time and post-match analysis, interviews and discussion.

ESPN will bring fans the FA Cup Final commercial-free from 4.45pm (kick-off 5.15pm) through to the trophy presentation, giving viewers an uninterrupted countdown to the game, the celebrations afterwards, and a break-free half time with highlights and analysis.

Commentary will come from Jon Champion and Chris Waddle, with pre-match analysis using the channel’s new augmented reality tool, ESPN Arena, from Darrell Currie and Martin Keown.

Additionally, The Bench, will be the channel’s additional set overlooking Wembley Way, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes taste of the anticipation of the big match led by Darrell Currie and guests.

Reporters Dave Beckett and Currie will bring fans the stories around the match as the day unfolds.

ESPN will also broadcast coverage of the FA Cup Final in 3D for the second year in a row. ESPN 3D’s coverage of the final will be directed and designed by ESPN, with ESPN commentary from Derek Rae and guest, plus ESPN studio and on-screen graphics.

More than 250,000 Sky World subscribers with a Sky+HD box and a 3D TV will also be able to watch the 2012 FA Cup Final in 3D. It will also be available in the more than 1,500 Sky 3D pubs nationwide.

Ross Hair, Managing Director, ESPN – Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The FA Cup Final has a special place in the hearts of football fans everywhere, and at ESPN we are thrilled to be continuing the tradition of broadcasting all day around the FA Cup Final from Wembley Stadium.

“This year’s FA Cup has produced some remarkable stories and matches on ESPN. Our coverage of the Final will highlight our ongoing commitment to give fans an ever increasing insight into the matches we broadcast and to the stories around them.”

Commenting on ESPN’s 3D coverage of the final, John Cassy, Director of Sky 3D, said: “For the second in a row we are delighted to work with ESPN to bring more than a quarter of a million Sky homes the FA Cup in amazing 3D.

“Partners like ESPN are really helping us expand the content available to customers and therefore extend our 3D leadership even further. It’s a big year of sport on Sky 3D with live football, golf, tennis, rugby and, of course, the Olympics.

“There’s never been a better time to enjoy the thrill of live sport as never before.”

ESPN’s commercial-free match coverage of the FA Cup Final is in association with Wonga.

The 2012 FA Cup Final is also available to watch free-to-air on ITV1 and ITV1 HD, with its build-up beginning at 3.15pm ahead of a 5.15pm kick-off.

.