GRAHAM Alexander’s greatest FA Cup memory remains as a teenage Coventry fan at Wembley.

The City boss is at the first-round draw at Valley Parade tonight hoping for a decent tie to kick off their latest attempt in the famous competition.

He has not got a great FA Cup record as a player or manager – never getting beyond the fifth round in 20 years on the pitch and yet to reach round three in nearly 12 years in the dug-out.

But Alexander knows all about its magic from his days growing up as a Sky Blues supporter – and the day they lifted the trophy in 1987 with a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

“I was a season-ticket holder at Coventry City and went to every game that year,” he said. “I was 15 at the time and used to go with my mates.

“It was amazing because Coventry, with all due respect, had never won anything. But we always used to win our last game to stay in the top division!

“That was an unbelievable year and still feels so special to me. I was a year away from starting my own playing career and for a Coventry City supporter to have that sort of occasion and win the FA Cup was incredible.

Coventry's winning captain Brian Kilcline holds aloft the trophyCoventry's winning captain Brian Kilcline holds aloft the trophy (Image: PA)

“We did Manchester United at Old Trafford and played at Hillsborough twice and beat Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds. Then obviously beating Tottenham in the final, it was just something all Coventry fans had never experienced.

“We’d just been there for pure loyalty for your hometown club. So, to have that moment was my biggest thrill as a football person in the FA Cup.

“I’d love to experience something close to that as a manager now. I didn’t have the opportunity as a player, so to do anything that sort of level as manager or a coach would be amazing.”

Alexander is keeping his fingers crossed that City, who are ball number eight, get a favourable draw when Stuart McCall and former Sheffield United and Portsmouth striker Danny Webber do the honours just after 7pm.

"I'd like a home game. I really enjoy our games at Valley Parade and think it would be really good for our supporters again.

"But if not, hopefully a 'localish' away game would be okay. 

"We know over the course of a season we're going to travel a lot. If you can keep that down to a minimum would help.

"But there's always a buzz of excitement before a draw and waiting to see who you get. We're looking forward to it.

"Whoever and wherever we get them, we'll give it our best shot to be in the next round."