Roberto Martinez and Phil Parkinson were unlikely heroes in the year of the cup underdog It is a sentiment shared by Roberto Martinez, who, as Wigan manager, defied the odds to lead his club to the FA Cup final, where they were cast as the overwhelming favourite to be runner up to gilded giants of Manchester City. "If I'm honest with you it's one of those memories you treasure and you put in the fridge and you may try to open up when you are sitting with the grandchildren," he says now of that day in May. I think it's one of those of moments that you realise you have done something special, or you have been fortunate to be part of something that is unique. Football is not a job, it's a passion and a way of living. And when you finish your career you just keep the memories, and that is going to be an outstanding memory. For Martinez, however, that glorious 1-0 win achieved in stoppage time in the Wembley sunshine was but a momentary joy. It was followed almost immediately by the ignominy of relegation after his team blew their last chance of league reprieve soon after the final. I haven't been able to reflect back because in the same way it was a hurtful week. A few days later we had another "cup final" for us and we lost it. And that, in a way, shows the highs and lows of football. For Parkinson, while the result at Wembley was nothing like as cheerful as that which Martinez enjoyed (Bradford were eviscerated by Swansea City) the aftermath was far more palatable. His City side were able to sustain a successful promotion campaign. Fortunately we had sufficient games after the final to get our campaign back on track. And actually that experience of getting to the final was absolutely crucial in getting us promoted. When it came to the play off against Northampton, the fact we'd played at Wembley so recently really helped us. None of our lads were remotely fazed by playing on the big stage. They had been there before. It allowed them to play their natural game. A natural game which was too powerful for Northampton; Bradford, 3-0 up within half an hour, easily booked their place in League One. But even in a season of such highs, there is no doubt in Parkinson's mind what was the summit of his achievements. The best night was against Aston Villa away in the second leg of the semi-final. We'd won the first leg 3-1, but to go there and finish the job was just so special. There was an incredible atmosphere at Villa Park. We took 6,000 fans on the night. And for all of us, fans, players, management, it was an absolute dream. And a shared dream. For Martinez what happened took him to another level. While Parkinson remains at Bradford, plotting their course through League One, the Spaniard moved on to Everton after Wigan were relegated. But he believes he left Latics followers with a memory which - ultimately - will long compensate for the end of their Premier League status. As a professional you want to be perfect, and successful in everything that you go into. But if you look at it, and assess it, you can understand why the Wigan fans will be treasuring the memories of that day for the rest of their lives. We'd been eight years against the odds [staying in the Premier League] which was an incredible achievement. But winning the FA Cup, nobody can take that away. That's set in history forever. Not that Martinez has seen the game, or Ben Watson's towering winning header, since that glorious day in May. I've never watched it back. Maybe my wife will give me the DVD for Christmas.