For Plymouth Argyle fans, it was a night to remember—one that will be talked about for generations.
Manager Miron Muslic urged supporters to celebrate and turn the city green after their historic FA Cup victory, but while the fans were ready to party, Muslic himself had more modest plans—a plate of nachos and a glass of Fanta.
The past 18 months haven’t been easy for Plymouth.
Since their promotion from League One, the club has endured managerial shake-ups and relegation battles, leaving supporters longing for something to cheer about.
But on this night, all of that was forgotten.
Under their charismatic Bosnian boss, who captured hearts with his motivational speech just weeks ago, Plymouth delivered a performance that will be etched in the club’s history.
A Manager at a Loss for Words
Muslic, usually eloquent and passionate in his speeches, found himself struggling to describe the emotions of the night.
“Normally, I have the right words, but today, I am speechless,” he admitted.
Facing Liverpool—the giants of English football—in the world’s most famous cup competition, Plymouth wasn’t expected to stand a chance.
But Muslic had a clear vision: “We just wanted to represent Argyle with bravery.
To use this huge stage to shine.” And shine they did.
Calling it the greatest moment of his managerial career, he quickly added that his ultimate goal remains keeping Plymouth in the Championship.
“This is huge, but staying up—that would be even bigger,” he said.
The Magic of the FA Cup
For one night, Plymouth fans allowed themselves to dream.
At halftime, a young boy in the stands turned to his father, excitement in his voice: “We’re going to win this, Dad, I really think so.” His father, seasoned by years of football heartbreak, responded cautiously: “Don’t get your hopes up.”
But with every tackle, clearance, and interception, belief grew.
Defender Maksym Talovierov celebrated blocking a shot like he had scored a goal, and the entire squad fought as if their careers depended on it.
“The togetherness, the sacrifice… if we bring this every week, we can stay up,” Muslic said.
“We deserved to win this. I will remember it forever.”
A Moment That Will Never Be Forgotten
Match-winner Ryan Hardie echoed his manager’s thoughts.
“This moment will be cemented in the club’s history forever,” he said. “Now, we have to enjoy it.”
Hardie, Muslic, and the rest of the team have now become part of Plymouth folklore.
Fans still talk about their 2023 promotion celebrations, when the city’s historic Barbican port was filled with singing and joy.
This victory will now join those cherished memories.
Club owner Simon Hallett once described Plymouth Argyle as “the beating heart of the community.” After a night like this, that statement feels more true than ever.
A Personal Redemption for Hardie
For Hardie, this game meant even more.
Three years ago, he missed a penalty against Chelsea in the FA Cup—an agonizing moment he had replayed in his mind ever since.
On this night, he had a chance to make things right, and he didn’t miss.
Adding to the emotion, his young son was a matchday mascot.
“He was on the screen before kickoff, and it set me off—I had tears in my eyes,” Hardie admitted.
“He actually predicted we’d win 10-0!”
While the final score wasn’t quite that dramatic, the win was still monumental.
Hardie even joked about reopening an old wound on his knee while celebrating. “I might get in trouble with the doctor for that one,” he laughed.
Looking Ahead
While this night belongs to Plymouth’s victory, the squad knows they can’t dwell on it for too long.
A crucial league match against Millwall looms, and staying in the Championship remains the priority.
Still, for now, Plymouth fans can bask in the glory of a true FA Cup fairytale. Hardie summed it up best: “Playing against Liverpool was a dream.
Beating them? That’s a memory I’ll never let go of.”
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