18, May 1991. It is a date etched in the history books at Fir Park. Nearly 27 years to the day, Motherwell will take to the field against Celtic hoping to reclaim the trophy.
One man who has been there and done it in the claret and amber is former striker Iain Ferguson who opened the scoring in the 4-3 victory over Dundee United.
As Steven Robinson’s side look to erase nearly 30 years of missing out, he looks back that historic day at Hampden Park.
What are your reflections on the 1991 Scottish Cup Final win?
I, along with a few of the other players had experienced cup finals before so we had fair idea of what the build up would be like.
We went into the match on a high as we had a good season, beating Rangers 3-0 at Fir Park a few weeks before to stop them winning the league that day.
There was a lot of unemployment in Motherwell at the time and you could sense that everyone received a huge lift by us reaching the final and the anticipation that was built up.
Everywhere we turned there was claret and amber so we had in our heads that if we got the result, it could be something special.
The game itself was really frantic and we were in the lead for most of the game but a late Dundee United equaliser took it to extra-time.
Stevie Kirkwood was our talisman and we always thought it would be him that would score the winner.
It was great achievement for such a small club.
The celebrations were a little bit muted for me immediately after the final whistle as I had to console a few of my former teammates at Dundee United so that took the edge of it just a little as I was speaking to so many upset guys.
The open top bus tour the following day was unbelievable and the things dreams are made of.
How do you enjoy still being revered around Fir Park as a legend along with the other players?
I was local boy, starting my career at Fir Park Boys’ Club so to win the Scottish Cup with my hometown team was a huge thing for me.
In the context of Motherwell’s history, I suppose we are all considered as legends but, 27 years on, it’s time that someone else took on the mantle and I wish them all the best for Saturday.
I’d love for another team to enjoy what we experienced in 1991. It was unbelievable and something you’d like to see happen more often for Motherwell.
What have you made of Motherwell under Stephen Robinson?
You could see right from the beginning on the season that they were disciplined, organised and fit.
I don’t think anyone would have enjoyed going to Fir Park this season due to their physical style of play.
Robinson is working with a limited budget and his side work well as a unit. They are often tarnished with the reputation that they’re too physical but I don’t agree with that. I don’t see anything wrong with them getting in the opposition’s faces and playing within the rules.
Do you think Motherwell’s loss against Celtic in the Betfred Cup Final will have any impact on their performance in the final?
I think they’ll learn their lessons from that loss and if anything it could work in their favour.
Their performance in the semi-final at the national stadium will give them a lot of confidence and hopefully it’ll be that performance they’ll look to for inspiration.
Iain’s Prediction
Celtic 1-2 Motherwell