Adrian Heath believes recent FA Cup results have breathed life back into the famous competition.
The Orlando City SC head coach was an integral part of the Everton side that defeated Watford 2-0 in the final at Wembley in 1984 so is well-versed to comment on the romance of the Football Association's long-running tournament.
Heath, who was in the Toffees squad for the dramatic 1989 FA Cup final loss to Merseyside rivals Liverpool, spoke to tribalfootball.com about the apparent 'demise' of the cup which has taken an upwards turn this season after clubs such as Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers knocked out the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Swansea City.
"I can honestly say that the demise of the FA Cup over the last few years with the advent of the Champions League has been one of the really sorry parts of (English) football," Heath said.
"I grew up in an era where winning the FA Cup was as important as anything. When growing up as a kid, I wanted to play in an FA Cup final more than anything in my life.
"Waking up on the Saturday morning (on cup day) and the TV (coverage) is starting at 8am right the way up until kick-off time.
It was great that weekend with the smaller clubs going there and actually sticking it to the big clubs, who some of them, played their best teams.
"It was fantastic for the game."
Heath also touched on the magic of the FA Cup which has produced some memorable David over Goliath performances in the past.
"I think it is a magnificent competition," he added.
"I know from my own time, you look back and every year you find at least one game where you say, 'how the hell did we get through that?'.
"We played Gillingham in 1984, we had three games against Gillingham. (Gillingham's) Tony Cascarino had a chance in the last minute to win the game, so we would have been out, and we won it that year.
"One year (in 1989) we played West Bromwich Albion, had a replay, Kevin Sheedy scores with five minutes to go.
"We nicked a draw and then ended up going to the FA Cup final.
"Those results on the weekend were great for the competition. I would love it to continue. Maybe get two clubs that people didn't expect to the final. It would be great for the game."
