LONG-serving former Burton Albion player Aaron Webster says he will always be grateful to Nigel Clough for getting the chance to play against Manchester United.
A decade ago, Albion were looking forward to a replay at Old Trafford on January 18, 2006, after earning a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup Third Round against United.Webster was a key player under Clough in the Conference years but missed the first game through injury and nearly missed the replay 10 days later.
The defender says: "I had a medial ligament injury and had missed the previous 11 games. I still really wasn't fit enough for the replay but was on the bench.Â
"I remember trying to train before but my knee was still weak. But Nigel Clough made sure I got on that pitch in the second half and I will always hold him in high regard for that as I'm sure there were lads were who fitter than me. I will always remember and be thankful for that.
"Just getting on was amazing with 55,000 at Old Trafford. You couldn't hear yourself on the pitch. It was a great one-off experience I will always remember.
"When the draw was made I knew I wouldn't be fit but was still begging for a plum tie for all the lads. But we still had a game to win against Burscough in the Second Round which was a big pressure game and it was really frustrating being injured.
"It was crazy really. I watched the draw on Sky Sports News with a few of the lads. It's what every small club wants when you are watching the draw and your team is in the hat.
"Being a Liverpool fan, that was the draw I wanted most but we missed them and got United and there were unbelievable scenes. It was so surreal.
"I was still part of the build up after that and did lots of interviews and felt very much part of it. Me and Darren Stride were the local lads and that was part of our roles at the club.
"Ten years ago we were playing Conference football and weren't used to all the media interest and demands for interviews on a daily basis. It was the same interest as top footballers for a short while and it was nice to have that interest.
"All the lads soaked it up and enjoyed all the interest.
"In the first game I remember the pitch was a sandpit and Manchester United couldn't get used to it. Even when they brought Ronaldo and Rooney on, the lads still dug in.
"They are great memories for the fans, players and the management that will live forever."