Twenty years after his penalty miss decided the FA Cup final in Cardiff, Anton Ferdinand is chasing a different kind of history as a coach. Hornchurch, where he joined as first-team coach over the summer, face 1953 winners Blackpool in the first round proper, aiming for one of the biggest upsets of the round.
Bittersweet memories of the 2006 final
Ferdinand's miss decided the shoot-out in the last final played in Cardiff, after Steven Gerrard's memorable goal for Liverpool denied West Ham victory. Reflecting on that day, he said: "As a kid you grow up dreaming about playing in the FA Cup final and to be able to sit here and say that I've done that is really something that I'm proud of."
He added: "Obviously it's bittersweet because we never won it, we should have won it on the day then me missing the penalty caused us to lose it, which wasn't great. But to be a part of it and be a part of arguably one of if not the best final that has been - definitely in the last century - is something I'm really proud of."
New journey with Hornchurch
Ferdinand was talked into joining Hornchurch by former CEO Mark Hammond and manager Daryl McMahon, a friend from his West Ham academy days who he has known since the age of 11. McMahon is supported by Steve Gritt, best known for his spell as Charlton Athletic boss in the 90s, and the duo have overseen two promotions in three years.
Hornchurch are currently mid-table but know that wherever they finish this season, it will be their highest ever placing in the pyramid. The club has a rich local history dating back to the 19th century but have only reached this stage of the cup on a handful of occasions.
Surprised not to be on TV
Given the David versus Goliath nature of the game, Ferdinand is surprised Hornchurch were not chosen for TV. He said: "It's a fantastic draw. Getting anyone in the football league at home, coming to The Bridge at Hornchurch, would have been a fantastic draw."
He added: "I'm surprised we're not on TV but we've got an opportunity to break records this season. Every week we're breaking records, it's the highest that the club's ever been so it's fantastic to be a part of this football club and be involved in that."
Learning from Daryl McMahon
Ferdinand is picking things up quickly during his first season at The Bridge, owing much to McMahon, who has already racked up more than 500 games as a manager at the age of 43. He said: "Nothing really surprises me with Daryl. I've always known his football brain and the way that he sees football. It's more the intricacies of management."
He noted the challenge of a smaller budget: "Obviously we don't have the biggest budget in the National League so we have to do things differently to other teams. We have to be a lot more tactful and tactical in how we bring players in and change players around - it's a lot harder."
On the FA Cup's appeal, Ferdinand believes a return to terrestrial-only coverage and moving the semis back to neutral grounds could restore its prestige. He said: "And the beauty of the FA Cup is it is a giant-killing competition. Things happen on those days and we're going to put our best foot forward to try and be part of that conversation."
