Comment on The FA Cup
I used to love the FA Cup Final, but nowadays it's been ruined by Yank-type razzmatazz, especially after the presentation of the trophy. Even having two 'unfashionable' clubs in this year's final couldn't make it enjoyable.
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2008-07-01 by Winston Bigglesworth from Heart of England
Comment on The FA Cup
In 1911 my grandfather William Norman designed and engraved the "new" cup (number 3) He worked at Fattorini in Bradford and that year Bradford football club won the cup. I did not know that grandad's cup was replaced in 1992. Does anyone know the whereabouts of number 3? susan.baines@virgin.net
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2007-07-12 by Susan Baines from North Yorkshire
Comment on The FA Cup
Verity (Caiger), at my age (59), I am always reminiscing about your grandad (Arthur Caiger)and how special and enjoyable the Cup Final day was. I remember Arthur very well, in his white boilersuit encouraging people to sing and wave their songsheets. My first final was in 1958 when it was 3/6d behind the goal. I am always moved by the singing of "Abide With Me" and it always conjures a tear - I have so many memories. Now, by the domination of a few clubs and the change of traditions, I am somewhat indifferent, but when it's my team - it's still extra special.
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2007-07-11 by Keith Rogers from keithrogers59@hotmail.com
Comment on The FA Cup
The truth is that the idea for the FA cup was taken from the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA who had run an identical tournament on a local basis for many years.
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2007-07-03 by Steve Vajda from barnsley south yorks
Comment on The FA Cup
Mr. Arthur Caiger conducted the Community Singing at the FA Cup final from approx 1947 until 1962. He also did the Rugby, School Boys and Womens Hockey Finals all held at Wembley. It was him who first introduced "Abide With Me" to the Cup Final, and I am immensely proud to be his granddaughter.
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2007-03-23 by Verity Caiger from hillingdon
Comment on The FA Cup
How could Arthur Caiger have conducted Abide With Me every year since 1918 when it wasn't a regular feature until 1927?
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2007-03-20 by R. Powell from Newark, Nottingham
Abide With Me
I have now discovered that the name of the man on the rostrum since 11.11.1918 is Arthur Caiger. I don't know when he stopped conducting, but I do know that this was the favourite hymn of Mahatma Ghandi (Hindu) ?& is still used at a celebration of India's Independence (I think?).
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2006-12-26 by Don Piears from Brentwood, Essex.
Abide With Me
I love the singing before the match; it builds the tension. But I don't know the name of the man who used to lead the crowd participation in the hymn - was it Arthur Gager or Cager? Anyone?
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2006-12-24 by Don Piears from Brentwood. Essex
Comment on The FA Cup
The most famous national sports tournament in the world and it has so much tradition and emotion.
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2006-02-05 by Joe from West Midlands
Comment on The FA Cup
The FA cup means a lot to me for a few reasons. We used to go round to my granfather's house to watch the finals in the 1950s and early 60s. All that time Arther Caiger led the comunity singing, he always wore a white top and white trousers (not a boiler suit) and stood on a portable gantry with wheels. Wembley looked great on the television until you went there and then realised it was just a clapped out old stadium.b But I come from Liverpool so when you see your team win the F A cup (a few times) you're not to bothered!
Comment on The FA Cup posted 2008-08-20 by Peter Bell from Roby, Merseyside