I thought I would pen my memory.
Actually I have two, although the first isn’t football related. When I was at school – we went to Wembley to watch the Harlem Globetrotters. For those who don’t know, this wasn’t a band it was a basketball side who were basically entertainers.
Anyway, as part of the trip – we got to walk up Wembley way and see the stadium. I was impressed and I remember thinking how great it would be to see Blues play there. There were a few near misses with semi-final appearances, but I had to wait until 1991 and the Leyland Daf final, to see it happen.
I remember being glued to the radio during the 2nd leg v Brentford and when Sturridge scored – I knew we were there. I got two tickets as a mate of mine said he would come. At the last minute he couldn’t go, so I ended up going with a friend who follows the lot from “over there!”
The main thing that I remember was how big the area was and how many Blues fans were about. KRO was being sung everywhere, especially in the concourse underneath. The atmosphere was fantastic. Being Blues we had to go through the ecstatic bit and then the “they’ve thrown it away” bit – only to have that John Gayle goal win us the cup. I was right behind that goal, and when the ball hit the net – I jumped up and turned round, and fell a few rows in front! I remember being on my back with my head pointing to the pitch and my legs up the stand, having people hugging me and not actually asking if I was stuck!
As I travelled back to Beaconsfield, (my in-laws lived there and we were there for the weekend), the train was full of happy Blues fans and some disappointed Tranmere fans.
I remember one scouser said, “just before you scored your winner, we should have had a penalty!” A Blues fan turned to him and said, “You know what, you’re right, but you didn’t and we did, so we won!”
That was 20 years ago, (I didn’t make the Auto Windscreen final), and now here we are in a major final at Wembley. The last time we won a major final was the year I was born. I’m taking my son, I don’t think he really gets the fact we’ve waited for ages for this!
However I know he is excited about going, and actually so am I!!
COME ON BLUES!
Great blog mate, I’ve never even been to Wembley. Wasn’t born for the last ‘major’ final, and didn’t have the age or money to go to Auto Windscreens OR Leyland DAF. My Son’s the same as yours by the sound of it. He’s 8, so has “only” waited 8 years to see it happen, I’ve waited almost 40!!! That’s why I’m more excited than him. 3 days, 20 hours and 47 minutes to go. I can’t wait. I just wish it could somehow last longer. All these years waiting, and it will definitely be over within a three hour time span!!
Keep Right On!