Wolves midfielder Surman has Millennium Stadium memories

Jan 3 2010 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

WOLVES midfielder Andrew Surman has reflected on the Millennium Stadium memories as a Southampton fan that gave him a taste for the FA Cup.

The 23-year-old was among the Saints that marched in to South Wales for the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal.

At that time, the former St Mary’s sensation was just a second-year scholar for his hometown club so took to the stands with his parents to cheer on Gordon Strachan’s side.

Southampton failed to pull off a shock, lost the silverware to a solo Robert Pires goal and life has just done downhill for the men from the south coast since then.

However Surman still reflects on that May 17 with fond memories and, as Wolves prepare to head to League One Tranmere this evening in the FA Cup third round (6.15pm kick-off), the summer signing admits that it’s a competition he enjoys.

“I remember being sat in the stands for the 2003 final and that was a fantastic day,” recalled Surman.

“Just getting to the final created a buzz around the city, it was a great day out. As they were playing Arsenal we were never expected to win but nevertheless it was an experience.

‘‘Sometimes if a club is struggling in the league then if they go on a good cup run that form can transfer across.

“Southampton finished eighth in the Premier League so overall that season was a great achievement.

‘‘Obviously it’s gone downhill quite a bit for them since then and many fans will use that as a milestone as to where the club should aim to get back to.