Danny Gabbidon admits he is still haunted by the memory
of Steven Gerrard's last-minute wonder-goal that denied Hammers
FA Cup glory at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The Welsh international defender was the last player to touch the
ball before the Liverpool midfielder unleashed his 36-yard bullet -
heading the ball clear from the edge of the penalty area to what he
thought was relative safety - and reveals that the incident has
been playing over and over in his mind all week.
"It was a great game to be involved in," says Danny,
"but the way we lost makes it all a bit hard to swallow. We
were so close to winning the game, and all I keep seeing in my mind
is that goal from Steven Gerrard!
"I headed it out and I think Yossi tried to take another swipe
at it but missed. The ball carried on rolling out and, when I
looked up and saw him running on to it, I was a bit worried. As he
hit it, I kind of knew it had half a chance, but it was an
unbelievable strike and something that only he was capable of.
"He was the difference on the day, there's no doubt about
that. If he'd been playing for us, we would have won
convincingly and, if he hadn't been playing at all, I think we
still would have won.
"It was going to take something special like that to beat us,
and then we still had chances to win it, with the ball hitting the
post and then falling to Marlon on one leg! I suppose it's that
kind of drama that makes the FA Cup so special, and there is
definitely some consolation that we were involved in one of the
greatest finals of all time."
And with visions of world class Liverpool captains hopefully
beginning to fade in the coming weeks, Danny and his team-mates
will no doubt look back with pride on their contribution, and build
a platform that will stand them in good stead for next season.
"We'll get on with it and hopefully use the experience to
make us stronger next year," he says. "We've had a
great season but the important thing is that we don't rest on
our laurels or become complacent - because next season is going to
be just as tough.
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"We want to build on our success and improve. We've got
European football to look forward to, which is going to be a great
experience, and if Middlesbrough can get to the UEFA Cup final,
then we can see that as a realistic target.
"It would also be nice to go one better in the FA Cup next
season, and win the trophy - hopefully at the new Wembley. There is
a lot to play for and I think everyone here can be very excited
about the future."
After a long and arduous season that ended with him picking up the
Hammer of the Year award, Danny should be looking forward to a
well-earned summer rest now, but must first head off for a spell of
national team duty with Wales.
The 26-year-old has met up with his international colleagues for a
tour to Spain that will take in friendlies against a Basque
representative side and Shaka Hislop's World Cup-bound Trinidad
and Tobago, and admits he is looking forward to eventually putting
his feet up for a few weeks.
"It's been a long season," he says, "and all the
boys have had to put a lot of effort in. Everyone at the Club can
take credit for the success we have had this year
"It's always an honour to represent my country and I'm
sure it will be a enjoyable trip but, I've got to admit,
I'm looking forward to a good rest once it is out of the way.
"It will be nice to recharge the batteries and relax on
holiday before coming back for pre-season raring to go again."