Ask Albert - Number 107

Match of the Day's footballing sage Albert Sewell is poised to answer your queries on the beautiful game.

Albert's off for the summer now so send us some questions when the new season gets going again.

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David, Nottingham

Was Southampton's Paul Jones the first goalkeeper to go on as a substitute in an FA Cup final?

Yes, Jones goes in the records as the first substitute 'keeper. But there was a replacement between the posts in 1957, when Manchester United's Ray Wood was hurt after only eight minutes in a heavy collision with Aston Villa winger Peter McParland.

No substitutes then, so United centre-half Jackie Blanchflower went in goal. The patched-up Wood returned to play on the right wing, but United were virtually down to 10 men and lost 2-1 (both goals by McParland, United's by Tommy Taylor.

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Phil, Manchester

When it comes to the numbers worn by players, that "99" on the back of Porto 'keeper Victor Baia in the Uefa Cup final against Celtic must take some beating. Does it have any special significance for him?

I'm told the reason is superstition. Apparently, Baia hates the number one and chose 99 so as to get as far away from it as possible.

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Mark Lewis, UK

I am trying to find out who scored for Wales when they lost 3-2 to Scotland in Glasgow on 22 November 1967. Thanks for any help.

Wales' goalscorers that day were Ron Davies (Southampton) and Alan Durban (Derby County). Scotland's marksmen, to the delight of the 57,000 crowd, were Tottenham's Alan Gilzean (2) and McKinnon of Rangers.

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Sara Hildebrandt, Germany

I am trying to set up an interview with Roy Bentley or any of the England team who were defeated by the USA in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. We are making a documentary on that astonishing match. Have you any idea how I might contact him?

Roy, now 79, is still going strong and still gets to see his old club Chelsea occasionally. He lives in Reading and I suggest Reading Football Club might be able to put you in touch with him. He was their manager from 1963-69. Their address: Madejski Stadium, Reading, Berkshire.

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Bernard Moses, England

Did Gary Lineker really go right through his career without being booked or is that a myth? I'm sure I saw him given a yellow card during an England match.

Reply direct from Gary: "No myth. I never managed to get a caution at any level, from schoolboy to international level." So it's a yellow card for you, Bernard!

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Tony, England

Who won the Bobby Moore Trophy for Fair Play in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001 and 2002?

Dario Gradi's Crewe Alexandra won that award in every one of those years. It speaks volumes for the way Gradi brings up his young players at Gresty Road.#

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Richard, Surrey

Who was manager of Tottenham Hotspur in season 1992-93?

After manager Peter Shreeves left in May 1992, Spurs made Doug Livermore first team coach (promoted from assistant manager), assisted by chief executive Terry Venables. The club's next manager was Ossie Ardiles, appointed in June 1993.

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John, England

Which team holds the record for the fewest points in the history of the Premiership?

That doubtful distinction belonged to Watford with 24 points in season 1999-2000. But it has now passed to Sunderland, who managed only 19 points in the season that has just ended. Stoke City were relegated from the old First Division with 17 points from 42 matches in 1984-85.

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Steve, Birmingham

Have England ever had a goalkeeper who was playing for a club outside England?

Chris Woods won 20 of his 43 caps as England 'keeper while playing for Glasgow Rangers, from 1987-92.

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Mark Rees, UK

In the FA Cup final, what is the biggest winning margin and the highest aggregate score?

The FA Cup final win has stood for exactly a century: Bury 6, Derby County 0 at Crystal Palace in 1903. The highest aggregate is seven goals in two finals: Blackburn Rovers 6, Sheffield Wednesday 1 in 1890, and Blackpool 4, Bolton 3 in 1953.

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Richy, England

Who scored Wolves' last goal in the top flight - the old Division One?

Defender Gordon Smith was that man when they beat Leicester City 1-0 at Molineux on 7 May 1984. Now Wolves fans can ponder who will score their first goal in the Premiership. After 19 years, it's great to see them back in the top flight.

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That's the end of Ask Albert for season 2002-03. Thanks for your questions - sorry there were far too many to answer them all. Shall we try again in August?

Albert