ANOTHER blast from the past turned up when I received a business card from Manny Andruszewski who has just started up his own All Year Garden Maintenance Business.

Manny was never an international star but he was one of the best squad players ever. He would probably have had many more first team appearances at other clubs but stayed loyal to Saints, where he became one of the best man to man markers in the top flight.

He had every right to feel used because I would give him specific jobs to mark out opposition star players like Trevor Francis and Liam Brady, which he did to great effect.

His most memorable contribution came in a two-legged League Cup semi-final with Leeds. We drew 2-2 at Elland Road but their team, packed with stars, were favourites to win at the Dell.

I was pigeon-holed in my career as more a manager than a coach, but happened to be the first at the top level to employ a sweeper system and on this particular occasion, and much to the surprise of the team, gave Manny the job of marking Tony Currie, their star midfield player.

My players thought that as we were at home, we didn't need that. But the move proved right. Manny was outstanding, Currie never got a kick and Terry Curran scored his one and only goal and we were in our second Wembley final in three years.

The downside to it all was having to tell Manny he wasn't in the 12 for Wembley.

We could only name one sub and, after spending hours agonising over who to choose, I finished up with an attacker in young Tony Sealey. That decision ranks along with Hughie Fisher, my sub in 76 and not appearing on the pitch, as being the two hardest in my time with the Saints.

But Manny, as Hughie did, accepted it in a professional manner. I'm sure he'll apply the same strengths to his new business and I can guarantee people who use him they will finish up with the best garden in the street.

Contact him on 02380 266255 or 07969 986766.

It may not make up for a cup final appearance, but I hope I can help Manny this time.