I have watched football at all levels now for some 35 years, and seen some quality players. They include the likes of Kevin Sheedy and Neville Southall for my club Everton - two players who, in my view, were world-class performers.

Every now and again a club will climb up the leagues and get into the top flight - teams like Swansea in the early 80s and Wimbledon make the game in this country what it is.

Most games do tend to go to form; it is not very often you get one of the smaller clubs winning trophies. But there are exceptions and this season's FA Cup semi-finals boasts only one Premier League club.

'There were 38,000 Scousers packed into the stadium (that was when Liverpool fans were actually from Liverpool)'


Barnsley have produced two of the best performances I have seen in my life. First they went to Anfield and beat a multi-million pound team 2-1 in front of their own crowd. Then they were drawn at home to Chelsea and came away with another fantastic win 1-0.

My top five games would include FA Cup matches. Everton's Cup Final success against Manchester United in 1995 and the 4-1 trouncing of Spurs in the semi are two of my favourites.

But pride of place goes to the 4-4 draw between Everton and Liverpool in the 1991 FA Cup at Goodison Park.

There were 38,000 Scousers packed into the stadium (that was when Liverpool fans were actually from Liverpool) and the visitors were the firm favourites. But Everton’s never-say-die attitude and the sprinkling of quality that was left in the squad, along with some fervent support, was enough to see us through to a replay and on to the next round.

The game itself went backwards and forwards with one team in the ascendancy, then the other. Liverpool's scorers were Peter Beardsley, who got two, Ian Rush and John Barnes with a fluky cross. For Everton, Tony Cottee came off the bench to score two and Graeme Sharp also slotted home a double.

The game was Kenny Dalglish's final match as manager of Liverpool and Everton went into the fifth round after a 1-0 win a week later, via a Dave Watson goal.