Football
Exclusive: Ellis Simms “looking forward” to FA Cup clash against United, eyes a goal at Wembley
With the FA Cup semi-final around the corner, the Coventry striker would like nothing more but to score a goal and advance to the final.
Image Credits: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
A short history lesson
Mark Robins is credited with saving Sir Alex Ferguson’s job - but he could be the man to get Erik Ten Hag the sack.
Robins scored a vital goal against Middlesbrough en route to Manchester United winning the FA Cup back in 1990.
It was the first football trophy of the Fergie era and the rest is consigned to the annuls of history.
Robins’ Coventry City take on the Premier League Red Devils at Wembley on Sunday after.
And Ellis Simms, who sent the Sky Blues into a first semi-final since they lifted the trophy in 1987 with a famous stoppage-time goal of his own to stun Wolves in the quarter-finals, would love to star under the bright lights of the national stadium.
Simms eyes a goal against United at Wembley
Simms, 23, grew up in Oldham as a Manchester City supporter and had to watch through the Fergie years as red dominated the city.
It is Coventry’s second Wembley appearance in as many years after the pain of last year’s play-off final defeat to Luton.
But for Simms, it will be a special moment as he steps out onto the hallowed turf of the national stadium for the first time after missing out on play-off finals with Blackpool and Sunderland in recent years.
Image Credits: Wembley
He said: “Any goal at Wembley would be a great feeling. It’s an iconic stadium, the home of the national team.
“Growing up as a City fan, you go to the games, but as you get older and you’re in the game as well you just focus on the club you’re at.
“It’s a big occasion and we just need to stay calm and not overthink it too much.
“A lot of players played in the play-off final at Wembley last year so they will know what to expect in a way.
“We need to stay calm and just do what we normally do.
“I’m going into the game in decent form. I’m confident and I want to express myself. It’s a big game at Wembley with lots of fans there.”
United a true test for Simms and Coventry
Simms is relishing the challenge of pitting his wits against the likes of Harry Maguire.
And the memories of their heroic comeback at Wolves will be spurring the team on as they are roared on by 36,000 Sky Blues in the stands.
He added: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. We knew whatever team we got it was going to be Premier League opposition.
“We knew it would be a good test because there were three quality teams left in the pot.
“We knew however we got it would be a top game, but I was excited because I wanted to test myself against these Premier League players.
Image Credits: Coventry (X.com)
“We had massive self-belief in that Wolves game. At 2-1 down, late in the game we stuck at it and dug deep and managed to get two late goals.
“We know on Sunday it will be another difficult game. We have to stick together at all times.
“The team belief is there and we’re just looking for it now.
“I’m sure every player is going to be right at it Sunday because it’s a massive game and massive platform.
“It would be massive to get to the final. We just want to get as far as we can really. We know the further you go on the harder it gets.
“Like the quarter-final, it was a special moment. We know Sunday will be difficult, but we want to keep performing well and give it our best shot.
“We’ve got a great squad, we will dig in and hopefully get a result.
“We want to test ourselves against these great oppositions. We’re going to give it our all.”
For the latest news and interviews in the Premier League and the Championship, make sure to stay connected with Sportsboom.com.
Shane is a respected journalist who has covered a range of sports for a number of years.