The FA Cup Final, May 1989 was contested by Everton and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. It became one of the most memorable FA Cup Final in terms of excitement, emotions and tension. John Aldridge had put Liverpool 1-0 up after four minutes but Stuart McCall equalised in the 89th minute to force extra time.
In extra time, Ian Rush put Liverpool 2-1 ahead but McCall made it 2-2. It was left to Rush again to score the winner in extra-time and give the Red half of Liverpool something to cheer in a very emotional season. With the two goals he scored here, Ian Rush became the record FA Cup Final goalscorer with five goals.
The triumphant Liverpool team list on that day consisted of,
Starting: Bruce Grobbelaar, Gary Ablett, Steve Staunton, Steve Nicol, Ronnie Whelan, Alan Hansen, Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge, Ray Houghton, John Barnes, Steve McMahon
Subs Used: Ian Rush, Barry Venison
Manager: Kenny Dalglish
But where are they now?
Bruce Grobbelaar was the flamboyant goalkeeper of the '80s. He was sometimes known as the "Clown Prince" of football at the peak of his career. Best remembered for his "wobbly knees" routine against Juventus in the European Cup Final, he tried his hand at management without any substantial success.
He later became a participant chef in the television programme, Hell's Kitchen. He also does some part-time football punditry and has been seen on ESPN Star Sports recently.
He is voted at No. 17 in the list of "100 Players Who Shook The Kop".
Gary Ablett was a solid defender who performed brilliantly for Liverpool. One of the unsung heroes of the all-conquering Liverpool team of the '80s, he became Everton's youth team coach after his playing career ended. Ablett later moved across Stanley Park to become Liverpool's reserve team coach under Rafa Benitez.
As reserve team coach, he proved his worth when Liverpool reserves team were crowned Premier Reserve League North champions and subsequently playoff champions in April 2008. He is now managing Stockport Country in League One.
Steve Staunton was a powerful attacking leftback who was a consistent performer for Liverpool. His quietly effective footballing career seemed to differ drastically from the fiery and turbulent times he had as Republic of Ireland manager.
Failure to qualify for Euro2008 brought an end to his reign as Irish boss and the position is now held by Giovanni Trappatoni. Last seen working as a scout under Mick McCarthy for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Steve Nicol was the ultimate utility player for Liverpool. Back in the days when utility players were in vogue, Stevie Nicol ranks as the best of the lot. Able to play anywhere across defence and midfield, he could also chip in with a few vital goals during those title-winning seasons.
He has found sustained success as coach and manager in Major League Soccer. Now in his eighth season at the helm of the New England Revolution, Steve Nicol is the longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer and is regarded as one of the top tacticians and talent evaluators of soccer talent in the States.
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