Fulham manager Mark Hughes accumulated four FA Cup winners’ medals during a distinguished playing career.
Hughes is preparing Fulham for their fifth-round tie against Bolton at Craven Cottage with the hope their campaign will end at Wembley on May 14.
The competition has been a happy hunting ground for the former Manchester United and Chelsea striker, who has made sure his exploits will be remembered forever.
“You’re always told when you’re younger that when you get to a cup final, enjoy every moment. That’s impossible, I did try,” he said.
“In the first cup final against Everton in 1985 I was walking up the steps when we lifted the trophy.
“I thought that if we win it again, I’ll make sure I’m on the top step when the trophy is lifted.
“If you look at every cup final since, it was always the captain, goalkeeper and me!
“I made sure I was right up there, that way I’d get in all the pictures.”
Hughes added: “Three of my medals are in Manchester United’s museum and the other one’s in a drawer.”
While the FA Cup has lost some of its lustre to the Barclays Premier League and Champions League, it remains special to Hughes.
“The competition has been very good to me in the past. It’s always featured highly at different stages of my career,” he said.
“I had success at Manchester United. I left and the feeling was that would be the end of my opportunity to win trophies, but I was able to go to Chelsea and win the cup there as well.
“As a manager I’ve reached a couple of semi-finals as well and it would be great to make that extra step this year and possibly get to the final.
“Everybody enjoyed the experience of the Europa League final last year and if we can replicate that with a Wembley final, we’d be delighted.
“It’s important for us because I’ve always believed a good cup run helps your league form.
“We’re on a good run and we want to keep that confidence high and maintain our performance levels.
“If we do that by winning another home game, which we’ve been doing of late, that will help us.
“We’re really looking forward to the game. We want to progress.
“It’s about priorities and maybe certain managers and clubs have different priorities in terms of going for Europe or trying to stay in the Premier League.
“That has changed the focus on the FA Cup from what it was years ago, but I feel if you’re in a competition why not go as far as you can.”
