Seize the day says Wolves FA Cup hero Don Goodman
FA Cup hero Don Goodman believes Wolves’ players are well aware a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits them this weekend.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are welcoming Manchester United to Molineux on Saturday night (7.55pm) in the Cup quarter-finals.
And former forward Goodman, who scored the winner when Wolves last won in the last eight, at Leeds in 1998, said: “They’re all seasoned professionals, playing under a wonderful coach, so they don’t need any advice from me.
“I’m sure they’ll all realise it’s a fantastic opportunity – one that may never come around again. If you’re a team outside the top six in the Premier League, you don’t get these opportunities every year.
“It’s a potential trip to Wembley and that’s a fantastic incentive.
“It’s a chance to win silverware, a brilliant opportunity, and I’m sure they’ll leave absolutely everything out there to try to make it through to the semi-finals.”
Wolves are going into the encounter with a good record against the top-flight’s heavy-hitters this term, including a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in September.
Goodman would not at all be shocked if Nuno’s charges pulled off a memorable triumph too.
“I don’t think anybody could have envisaged this amazing journey when Nuno took the reins only a couple of years ago,” he said.
“And I think Man United getting through in the Champions League is the best thing Wolves could have asked for.
“They’re still fighting on other fronts and this game really is a 50/50 split for me.”
Goodman, born in Leeds, came up with the goods to win at Elland Road on March 7, 1998, delightfully dinking the ball into the net in front of a packed-out away end.
Wolves keeper Hans Segers then saved a Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink penalty late on.
“A pal messaged me the other day saying ‘Happy Birthday’, and I wondered what on earth he was on about,” added Goodman.
“Then it dawned on me it was 21 years since that goal – I’m getting old now.
“It was an incredible feeling, for the fans especially.
“At the time we were a mid-table Championship side and weren’t given much of a chance.
“Wolves were in a different place then, so that people still talk about that goal now makes me very proud. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
