'Never in a million years did we think we’d need him'
Watford's build-up to the 1987 FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur was plagued by misfortune. First Tony Coton got injured. Then his goalkeeping understudy Steve Sherwood got hurt too. With the transfer deadline having passed and many of the nation's goalkeepers cup-tied, Watford had to turn in the most unlikely direction.
That's how Gary Plumley, a former player with Newport County and Cardiff City – and the son of Watford's chief executive Eddie Plumley – ended up playing in goal at Villa Park. Unfortunately, Graham Taylor's golden touch deserted him this time.
Enjoy the game by Lionel Birnie. Read by Colin Mace. Produced by Jon Moonie.
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