Paul Hardy can fondly recall Ballymena United's last success in the Irish Cup - and he hopes David Jeffrey's current squad can end 31 years of hurt on Friday night.
The Sky Blues haven't lifted the blue riband trophy since Hardy's goal helped the Showgrounds club beat Larne 1-0 in 1989.
Ballymena take on Glentoran in Friday night's showpiece decider at Windsor Park.
The Glens are heavy favourites to clinch their first cup in five years, but Hardy is confident of a Ballymena United upset at The National Football Stadium.
"I think Ballymena have a great chance, but it will be a very tough match," Hardy said.
"Glentoran have a well-drilled team since Mick McDermott and Paul Millar came in. They play with a lot of energy and the guy Navid Nasseri is a very dangerous player.
"But Cliftonville created chances against them so Ballymena can get at them too.
"Ballymena have the best two in the business in David Jeffrey and Bryan McLoughlin.
"On Monday when they were looking at making changes, the two of them were deep in conversation, and the substitutions changed the game.
"Bryan is a very good friend of mine, so I will wish him and David all the best. As well as the Sky Blues fans."
Hardy believes Ballymena's 'spine' will be key to any potential success story on Friday night.
"You always need a big performance from your goalkeeper in semi-finals and finals, and Ross Glendinning stepped up to the plate on Monday," Hardy added.
"It takes me back to our final in 1989 when Damien Grant was outstanding, so Ross will be a key player.
"We have Jonny Addis and Jim Ervin at the back, and up front you have big Adam Lecky.
"Through the middle of the team we are very strong, and we have some key players.
"Kenny Kane got the equaliser against Coleraine on Monday, so I would love to see him grab the winner for his hometown."
After 31 years of hurt for the Showgrounds club, Hardy hopes they can prevail and etch another proud chapter in Ballymena's history.
"Good luck to them, and also all the board members and players, and Norman McBurney who has supported the club for years," he said.
"I will predict a 2-1 win for Ballymena with young Kenny Kane maybe coming on as a sub again and getting the winner."
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