when smith was sacked in 1991, crosby took over as a caretaker manager until a replacement could be found. sunderland struggled to find a new manager, and during this protracted period, crosby took sunderland to only the 4th fa cup final in their history. after sympathetic calls from fans, crosby was formally offered the manager's post. sunderland lost the final 2–0 to liverpool. despite reaching the cup final, crosby failed to inspire sunderland in the league, and he was sacked in february 1993 to be replaced by terry butcher.