By Duncan Mackay

Dave Clarke London 2012April 28 - Former England and Great Britain blind football captain Dave Clarke will be the guest of honour at this year's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic, it has been announced. 


Clarke, 42, retired at the end of the London 2012 Paralympics after an international career that saw him score 128 goals in 144 appearances.

Clarke has been chosen by the Football Association as it celebrates its 150th anniversary and will follow the likes of the Duke of Cambridge, Sir Bobby Robson, Kofi Annan and Jimmy Armfield who have all presented the trophy to the winning captain in past FA Cup finals at the new Wembley.

"It's a remarkable honour because I've experienced FA Cup finals in the past and to be actually involved on the day is very special and I'm really looking forward to it," said Clarke.

"The FA Cup is a real institution because everyone has a great memory of it like last minute goals and come from behind victories.

"I think it's football's pinnacle competition because it has absolutely everything."

Dave Clarke with David Bernstein and FA CupDave Clarke pictured holding the FA Cup with FA chairman David Bernstein

This year's FA Cup final is due to take place on May 11.

"His record is unique with over 100 goals and appearances but we wanted to recognise Dave personally as he is a great representative of disability football," said FA chairman David Bernstein.

"There's over 115,000 people playing a form of disability football in England and it's the seventh largest participation sport in the country so I'm absolutely delighted that Dave is our guest of honour because it is thoroughly deserved and I'll be very proud to sit next to him on the day."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]