Third Time Lucky For Speed

By Mark Heys
February 17 2006

Gary Speed knows that time is not on his side nowadays but the Bolton Wanderers midfielder still hasn't given up hope of winning an FA Cup winners medal.

The 36=year old Welshman reached the finals of the prestigious competition in 1998 and 1999 whilst with Newcastle United with each occasion ending in heartache for the Magpies.

Now on the eve of the Wanderers fifth round tie against West Ham United, Speed is hopeful of making progress with his current club in this years competition which will hopefully be staged at a redeveloped Wembley Stadium.

"The FA Cup is a big one for me. I’ve managed to play in two finals and got beaten. Every year that passes by, I know the chances of me winning it are less." said Speed

"West Ham are doing very well. We have beaten them twice this season so they might be up for a bit of revenge. We have to go out there all guns firing. I’m sure whoever wins will be one of the favourites to win the cup." he added

In recent times Wanderers reached the semi-finals in April 2000 but lost out to Aston Villa on penalties with both Michael Johansen and Allan Johnston having their spot kicks saved.