IT'S almost six years since Phil Brown stood on the hallowed Wembley turf for what he still calls "the best day of my life, without a shadow of a doubt."
As the man who masterminded Hull City's play-off final success to reach the Premier League for the first time, Brown will always hold a special place in the hearts of City fans.
Likewise, the club will forever remain in his affections, and the former Tigers boss will be rooting for them as they bid to upset Arsenal at the weekend.
And the 54-year-old Southend manager has already envisaged the perfect scenario.
Feet up in front of his TV, he is planning to plot his second Wembley play-off success whilst watching the Tigers hold aloft the FA Cup.
With his Shrimpers side facing Burton at home in the second leg of their League Two play-off just five hours before City's day of destiny, he is gutted not to be at the game.
"It's cost me a fortune," jokes Brown, who turned down offers from various TV and radio companies eager to employ the services of the man who first took City into the promised land.
"I'm desperate to go to the game, but because of our match and the traffic outside Wembley on a cup final day, there's no way I can get there in time.
"As soon as our game is finished I'll be heading home and hopefully toasting us reaching Wembley and Hull City winning there again."
Since steering the Tigers to Wembley success, the subsequent years have brought occasional lows. But even after that unparalleled high back in 2008 not even Brown could ever have foreseen what lay ahead for City.
Reflecting on a victory that cemented his place in club folklore, Brown is almost embarrassed when asked if he has any advice for Steve Bruce on how to handle the pressure of a major Wembley showpiece.
"There are few people who know that better than Steve Bruce, given all his success as a player," said Brown.
"What we tried to do ahead of the play-off final was to not make things low key, but instead make it as professional as possible with our approach.
"You want the players and all the staff to enjoy every moment of the build-up because it's such a big occasion. This is Wembley, it's arguably the greatest football arena in the world and for an Englishman this is where you've always dreamed of playing.
"So, it's important that everyone takes that in and makes the most of it. At the same time, you have to approach the match like any other game. It's all about striking a balance."
Asked about the Tigers' chances of victory against firm favourites Arsenal, Brown is not one to write off the chances of Bruce's side.
After being knocked out of the cup by them in the fourth round at Roots Hall back in January, he has seen the Tigers at close hand and was also at the subsequent Brighton and Sunderland games as the Tigers continued their cup march.
"It's been terrific to see the run they've been on," added Brown.
"I remember when I was manager of Hull and we lost a quarter-final to Arsenal on a goal that should never have been given. That was an enjoyable run and the best I've ever done as a manager in the cup, so I'm sure Steve and his staff have loved it.
"They have a big task ahead on Saturday, but they've shown enough this season to suggest they can win.
"Steve's team selection is key for me. Against us, Steve went with a group of players like Stephen Quinn, David Meyler, Matty Fryatt and Paul McShane, players who have that lower league mentality.
"They played against us with a group of players who are willing to roll their sleeves up, get stuck in and do what needs to be done.
"Against Sunderland, Steve went with a more footballing side with players like Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore in there.
"There's options there and for me the biggest decision is do you go with a footballing side who are prepared to take Arsenal on or do you go with a battling team?"
