With today being the big day, Pies thought we’d take a timely look back at some of the fine, fine offerings that have soundtracked the FA Cup Final over the years – specifically their cover art.
Believe us, the word ‘art’ has never been used so loosely.
‘Sunderland’s Cup’ – Sunderland, 1971
Oddly, we’re kicking off with a post-final vinyl offering, in that the ‘Sunderland’s Cup’ official souvenir LP actually consisted of various audio commentary highlights from the Black Cats’ famous 1-0 win over Fulham.
‘Viva El Fulham’ – Tony Rees & The Cottagers, 1975
With a melody nicked wholesale from ‘Y Viva Espana’, this song spirited Fulham to a mighty 2-0 defeat against West Ham…
‘Ossie’s Dream’ – Tottenham (feat. Chas & Dave), 1981
Perhaps the archetypal FA Cup anthem, complete with relentless Cockney chirruping and the mocking of a foreigner’s accent…
‘Here We Go’ – Everton, 1985
Standard ‘team photo’ fare from the Toffees, though it’s always nice to see the clear outline of Howard Wilkinson’s genitals…
‘Hot Shot Tottenham’ – Tottenham (feat. Chas & Dave), 1987
Why tinker with a winning formula?
‘Go For It’ – Coventry City, 1987
Quite possibly Steve Ogrizovic’s finest hour…
We Are Wimbledon’ – Wimbledon, 1988
An uninspiring stinker of a cover for an uninspiring stinker of a record. How the Dons actually went on to win the cup after this is a mystery…
‘The Anfield Rap’ – Liverpool, 1988
The very epitome of late 80s hip-hop…
‘Glad All Over/Where Eagles Fly’ – Crystal Palace, 1990
Alan Pardew, front and centre, brylcreemed to within an inch of his life and absolutely in his element…
Glad All Over is a staple at Selhurst Park, but ‘Where Eagles Fly’ is a hidden gem in its own right.
‘Move, Move, Move’ – The Red Tribe (Manchester United), 1996
Fisheye lens, Lee Sharpe in a denim shirt and the Neville brothers sporting twin curtains. Couldn’t be more redolent of the 1990s if it tried…
‘Blue Day’ – Suggs & Co. (Chelsea), 1997
Try to imagine the worst Madness song you’ve ever heard, then add Dennis Wise to the mix…
‘Hot Stuff’ – Arsenal, 1998
As hard as it may be to believe, the cover was ten times more exciting than the song itself…
Suggested further reading/listening…
Top 10 Truly Dismal FA Cup Final Songs