G.O.A.T. - Woking

 

Tim Buzaglo was born on the 20th June 1961 in Surbiton, and in 1991 saw his club become part of FA Cup folklore. Entering the competition at the Fourth Qualifying Round, they beat three Conference sides to set up a Third Round tie away to West Bromwich Albion. It was Woking's first time in the FA Cup third round and before the tie they were 5,000-1 outsiders to win the trophy. Recovering from being a goal behind, it was then that a certain club cricketer from Gibraltar took over. Tim Buzaglo's goals meant Woking triumphed 4-2, thanks to a superb team effort and that never-to-be-forgotten hat-trick from Tim.

It is reported that Tim actually threw up in the dressing room before the game through sheer nervous tension.Afterwards he recalls. " I tried everything to avoid going on Match Of The Day. I had never been on camera. I was forced to do it. They said, 'You're coming with us!' I was on with Des Lynam and Trevor Brooking. To say I was scared is an understatement. I couldn't even celebrate as I had to wait to go live. Everyone else went out. I have got everything still on the old VHS."

He remains one of the most exciting players to have played for Woking. A lightning quick striker with an extraordinary eye for goal, who proved far too much to handle for an Albion defence which fell apart at the seams.

Tim Buzaglo celebrates after scoring the first of his three goals against West Bromwich Albion

 

To be drawn out of the hat in the fourth round with a home game against Everton was beyond everyone's wildest dreams. The tie was switched to Goodison Park and, against a team packed with internationals, the sides were separated only by a solitary Kevin Sheedy goal. Everton had presented Woking with a crate of champagne before the game. Again Tim recalls, " I had a big chance, I played a one-two and then Neville Southall was running out at me. He's a big guy, massive! I had a split second and should have scored. I do still have my shirt from the games and I have Kevin Ratcliffe's jersey from the Everton tie." Over 34,000 people remained in the ground to give the players a rapturous standing ovation and Tim earned himself national plaudits from public and press.

Even now, when Woking comes up in conversation, people will mention the name Tim Buzaglo.

If Andy Warhol was indeed right, and we will all enjoy our 15 minutes of fame, the humble and shy Buzaglo certainly had his on that most famous of third round days.

He was placed in the FA's Team of Heroes to commemorate 125 years of the FA Cup in 2006.