Alan Parry knew nothing of Wycombe Wanderers when sent by BBC Radio on an FA Cup assignment which would change his life.
It was January 1975 and a third-round tie against high-flying Middlesbrough. Having located High Wycombe on the map, Parry watched with intrigue as the Isthmian League part-timers trotted across the frosty surface of their sloping pitch and waved cheerily to their chairman, who was in the hospital which dominated one end of Loakes Park.
A white handkerchief fluttered back from a high window like an imperial signal. Boro were made to suffer and boss Jack Charlton puffed at cigarettes on the bench, relieved to escape with a draw.