“I wasn’t nervous at all until the team coach drove into Wembley and you could see a glimpse of the pitch from one of the corners”
Interviews with various people connected to all six play-off finalists, including the last man to score for County at Wembley
Friday 26 May 2023 - WEMBLEY WEEK!
🎶 Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Wem-ber-lee, que sera sera 🎶
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and lots of other readers who will be heading to London this weekend, a very warm welcome to WEMBLEY WEEK on The Scarf My Father Wore!
Our features on Saturday and Sunday will focus entirely on County and Carlisle. But there’s four other teams playing at Wembley this weekend as well, so today I thought I’d have a chat with a Barnsley fanzine, a Wednesday podcast, a celebrity Luton fan, and a Coventry supporter who was at Edgeley Park the day his team started their exile from the top flight in 2001.
Of course, there’s plenty of Carlisle and County content too. Journalist Jon Colman shares his thoughts on the Cumbrians, and I’m delighted to be joined by Liam Dickinson as well, the last man to score for County at the national stadium.
Finally, a big thank you to Surprise Shirts for sponsoring today’s edition. To celebrate County reaching Wembley, we’ve teamed up with them to offer our readers a special giveaway. We’re giving away a free mystery football shirt. For details on how to enter, have a look at the pinned Tweet on our Twitter page (@countyscarf).
TWO SLEEPS TO GO! 💤💤
Des Junior
Saturday, 4.45pm
Coventry v Luton
Play-off semi-final first leg:
Coventry 0 Middlesbrough 0
Sunderland 2 Luton 1
Play-off semi-final second leg:
Middlesbrough 0 Coventry 1
Luton 2 Sunderland 0
Last time in Premier League:
Coventry: 2000-01
Luton: 1991-92 (Division One at the time)
Graham Aylott has been following Coventry for 40 years. He was at Edgeley Park on the opening day of the 2001-02 season as the Sky Blues kicked off in Division One, after 34 years in the top flight.
After relegation from the Premier League in 2001, your first game in Division One was an opening day trip to Edgeley Park. What are your memories from that day?
I remember travelling up to Stockport feeling very optimistic because we’d signed some good players. We won 2-0 but it could easily have been four or five. The Coventry fans were singing “We’ll never play here again” and to be fair we never have, but that was because County went down, not because we went up!
What do you remember from the season you went down from the top flight? Did you ever think you’d be away for over 20 years?
I remember we weren’t actually that bad, we just couldn’t put the ball in the net. We did have some decent players like John Hartson, Craig Bellamy, Youssef Chippo, Magnus Hedman and Gary Breen.
In our first season in Division One, I actually thought we had a great chance of going straight back up. We were 4th in March but completely imploded, finishing up in 11th after picking up just one point in our last seven games.
After that we haven’t even been close.
What’s been your real rock bottom low point over the last couple of decades?
There’s been loads! Playing at Northampton in front of 1,500 wasn’t fun with lots of rowing between Coventry fans who boycotted and those who didn’t.
Losing 2-0 at Morecambe in December 2017 in League Two was a depressing day.
At one point it looked like we may not even have a club anymore, so a huge thank you to Mark Robins and everyone else who’s helped us get to where we are today.
After everything Coventry have been through, what would it mean to clinch promotion to the Premier League?
It would be unbelievable. Something I thought might not happen again in my lifetime and definitely not when I was at Fleetwood and Forest Green. But even if we lose I’m very proud to be a Coventry fan. We’ve been amazing this season.
Local trips to Villa Park and Molineux could be back on the fixture list next season. What’s your rivalry like with those two?
We really don’t have much time for Villa, although they aren’t bothered much about us. I’d love to beat them at the CBS next season.
I have nothing against Wolves. There’s not much of a rivalry there.
What are your plans for the weekend?
I’m going with my daughter and a few friends. I just hope we give a good account of ourselves and hopefully that will be enough to get back to the Premier League.
How do Coventry beat Luton on Saturday?
They are a physical, aggressive and athletic team. We need to stand up to them and play our game because we’re a better footballing side than they are. Hamer is key for us.
If I could guarantee Coventry would go up, would you choose to do it in 90 minutes, in extra time, or on penalties?
3-0 in normal time. No stress. No heart attack.
Nick Owen presents BBC Midlands Today. A lifelong Luton fan, he spent nine years as chairman of the club as part of the consortium which took over in 2008 following administration.
After everything Luton have been through, what would it mean to clinch promotion to the Premier League?
It would mean so much to all of us who’ve travelled this tortuous journey with our beloved Luton Town. The last few years have been brilliant with promotions from the Conference all the way up to where we are now, but before that it was seriously grim. Three administrations in ten years and on the verge of going out of business. Horrible! It either puts you off supporting your favourite team or galvanises you into feeling even more strongly about them. Luckily, most of our supporters stuck with the club and became even more fervent. That’s why it means an awful lot to be on the brink of a return to the top flight.
What were your best and worst moments as chairman of the club?
The worst moment was realising we were going to be starting the 2008-09 season on minus 30 points. We felt then, and still feel now, that it was an outrageous penalty. What chance did we have of avoiding relegation? The club and the fans punished for what had gone before, mistakes by people no longer associated with the club. Founder members of the Premier League now heading out of the Football League.
The best was probably winning the Conference in such glorious style in 2014 and sealing our return to the Football League. Also, it was a magical high point when we won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley in 2009 just weeks before our relegation. There were 42,000 Luton fans there to see us beat Scunthorpe in extra time.
If Luton go up, what do you think Erling Haaland and Co will make of the away facilities at Kenilworth Road next season?
I think Erling Haaland and his like may get a short, sharp, shock when they visit Kenilworth Road. It’s very tight, hemmed in by houses, and we’ve a maximum crowd of just over 10,000. Not a big number but they are right on you. There’s about two yards from the touchline to the stands. It can be very intimidating and very loud.
How do Luton beat Coventry on Saturday?
It will be a free flowing open game, I hope. All our players have to be “at it”, on the front foot and brave. I think they will revel in the large open spaces of Wembley. Coventry are a good side – obviously – and so are we. It should be a terrific game.
If I could guarantee Luton would go up, would you choose to do it in 90 minutes, in extra time, or on penalties?
I would never choose penalties, even if I knew we would win. That’s because one player, on whichever side, is going to be devastated for making a howler. It would live with them for a long time. Cruel. The regulation 90 minutes for me thanks!
And finally… you still work for the BBC. With County forming in 1883, and Luton forming in 1885, you clearly stole our nickname of the Hatters. Do you think the BBC should highlight this travesty in a documentary?
I’ve paid many a visit to Edgeley Park over the years going back to the 1960s. It has always amused me that both our clubs are called the Hatters, but it makes sense because both communities were renowned for making hats back in the day. Clearly there needs to be a major investigation into who had the name first and therefore who stole it later. I can’t give too much away, but I understand Panorama are already onto what might become a major scandal.
Sunday, 1.30pm
Carlisle v County
Play-off semi-final first leg:
Bradford 1 Carlisle 0
Salford 1 County 0
Play-off semi-final second leg:
Carlisle 3 Bradford 1 (AET)
County 2 Salford 1 (AET; 3-1 on pens)
Last time in League One:
Carlisle: 2013-14
County: 2009-10
Jon Colman is the Cumbrian sports reporter for the News & Star. He’s won numerous awards for his work, and was also the ghostwriter on Matt Jansen’s autobiography.
How many fans will Carlisle take to Wembley? It seems like the whole of Cumbria can turn out for big games like this.
As I write this ticket sales are at around 14,000 with five days to go, which is all the more impressive given the difficulty many are having with travel, due to limited coach availability and the useless train network for a 1.30pm kick-off in London. The Blue Army will find a way, though, and they’ll be there in impressive numbers and voice.
Have you covered Carlisle at Wembley before?
Yes, twice, in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy finals of 2010 and 2011. They were very contrasting games and experiences given Carlisle were thrashed out of sight by Southampton in the first one, and won impressively in the second with a club legend, Peter Murphy, providing a wonderful story by scoring the winner just a day or so after becoming a dad. On a personal level, reporting on your team in a final at Wembley is a great thrill and privilege and I can’t wait to do it again – this time with promotion on the line.
What’s Paul Simpson like to deal with?
Simpson is excellent to deal with, very thorough and professional in how he deals with you, doesn’t dodge anything in terms of questions, invariably speaks his mind and does so honestly. I get the strong impression most supporters have great trust and faith in him and part of that is in the way he comes across in his interviews and appearances.
What’s the mood like on Ben Barclay not being able to play in the final?
It’s a real shame, considering the part he played in getting Carlisle there – whatever happens now, he’ll always have the gratitude of supporters and will be fondly remembered. In terms of the team, it will be a blow to lose an in-form defender, though Carlisle do have another key man at the back available (Jon Mellish, who’s back from suspension) with another (Morgan Feeney) hoping to be fit. As such Barclay’s absence won’t leave a gaping hole, as Carlisle do have solid alternatives and versatility among them too. But it would have been great to be able to call on the play-off hero.
What are your plans for the weekend?
To get there early, take in some of the atmosphere on Wembley Way, then make it to the press room before the broadcast people have laid waste to the food and drink! I like to be in position early and I’ll be live blogging the day as well as providing reports and reaction for our website and paper, and liaising with our photographer Richard Parkes. It’ll be as busy as hell but I can’t wait.
How do Carlisle beat County on Sunday?
Good question, given they haven’t managed it so far this season. I think Carlisle have to start the game well, which they didn’t in the two previous meetings. If they can do so, and get a firm foothold in the opening stages, then it’ll be very much game on. If they are left chasing at Wembley, the task will be difficult. For me dealing with Stockport’s movement between midfield and attack, which has impressed me in both games, is going to be key – and ensuring their deliveries from wide are tempered better too. Above all, Carlisle have to attack with energy and boldness, which is when they’ve been at their best.
If I could guarantee Carlisle would go up, would you choose to do it in 90 minutes, in extra time, or on penalties?
For the sake of my deadlines, 90 minutes please! But for drama, maybe a 120th minute winner from local hero Owen Moxon would be the best story to write.
Liam Dickinson is the last player to score for County at Wembley, back in 2008. In the 67th minute, he smashed the ball past Rochdale keeper Tommy Lee at his near post to give County a 3-1 lead, and one foot in League One.
What are your memories from playing for County at Wembley?
It was 15 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. I wasn’t nervous at all until the team coach drove into Wembley and you could see a glimpse of the pitch from one of the corners. All of a sudden you’re thinking, “Wow, this is real.” Walking out on to the pitch, I looked up and couldn’t believe how big it was.
How does the build-up to a Wembley final compare with a normal game?
In terms of preparation, nothing changes. Obviously we had more media attention, doing interviews for Sky etc, but for us the week leading up to the game was treated the same as any other, with training days and times staying the same.
What were the celebrations like after winning at Wembley?
It was crazy! I don’t think promotion really sunk in for me personally until a week or so after. We had a party in the hotel in London where our partners were invited to stay, before heading back up to Stockport for the open top bus. That was amazing with County fans flooding the streets. Then it was off to Cobdens to continue the celebrations, and after that a few of us literally went straight to the airport to join David Poole for his stag do.
What are your plans for the weekend?
Unfortunately I can’t make it to Wembley due to family commitments but I’ll have a beer in my hand, stood right in front of my TV nervous and shouting for 90 minutes, before celebrating at full-time after my team wins promotion again.
How do County beat Carlisle on Sunday?
We trust the gaffer. He’s done an amazing job so far and there is no doubt that the class and quality of the players on that pitch will be too much for Carlisle.
Monday, 3pm
Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday
Play-off semi-final first leg:
Bolton 1 Barnsley 1
Peterborough 4 Sheffield Wednesday 0
Play-off semi-final second leg:
Barnsley 1 Bolton 0
Sheffield Wednesday 5 Peterborough 1 (AET; 5-3 on pens)
Last time in Championship:
Barnsley: 2021-22
Sheffield Wednesday: 2020-21
Gary Tedford is the editor of Barnsley fanzine Ey Up & Down.
How does your rivalry with Sheffield Wednesday compare with Sheffield United?
With Wednesday being on the Barnsley side of Sheffield our town is polluted with people who support Wednesday instead of their hometown club. So for that reason there's a lot more hatred towards Wednesday.
What’s your fanzine all about?
It’s been going since about 2018. It was Gaz who set it up, but sadly he died in September last year. The fanzine is just as well known for its funny videos and piss-takes on social media as it is the printed copy.
How was your semi-final against Bolton?
It was very nervous as I couldn’t get down to the match as I was working, so I had to watch from afar. I thought we played well in the first leg and definitely were the better side in the second leg.
Let’s play a game of Snog Marry Avoid. You can choose any three of the other five finalists.
Snog Luton. Marry Carlisle. Avoid Wednesday.
What are your plans for the weekend?
I live in Scotland so it’s a train down to Barnsley on Saturday morning, then a coach to London with the lads on Sunday. Back to Barnsley on Monday before catching the overnight coach back to Glasgow. It’s going to be a long few days!
How do Barnsley beat Sheffield Wednesday on Monday?
We've beat them twice already this season. We'll press them to bits again.
If I could guarantee Barnsley would go up, would you choose to do it in 90 minutes, in extra time, or on penalties?
90 minutes every time. More time to party back in Barnsley.
Ash hosts The Wednesday Week, a Sheffield Wednesday podcast established in 2011.
How does your rivalry with Barnsley compare with Sheffield United?
As I see it, there’s nothing to compare. Sheffield United are our rivals and nothing will ever compare to that. Barnsley might be in the same county but they’re not considered as rivals to most Wednesday fans.
I didn’t catch your second leg against Peterborough. I think I was watching Coronation Street or something. How was it?
How was it?! Like nothing else I have experienced at a football match. From the extreme lows of the first leg to the euphoria experienced by every Wednesdayite inside Hillsborough that night, it will never be forgotten and rightly talked about for years to come, regardless of whatever happens on Monday.
What are your plans for the weekend?
A few of the podcast are going down Sunday morning and making a weekend of it. The weather looks to be great for the Bank Holiday so it’s going to be the usual. Get a good breakfast, meet up with some friends, then make the journey to Wembley to soak up the atmosphere of thousands of Wednesdayites around the ground.
How do Sheffield Wednesday beat Barnsley on Monday?
By starting off quick and not making the mistakes they made when they met in the league game at Oakwell. If we score first, I believe we’ll be too much for Barnsley. We proved against Peterborough we can build on an early goal.
If I could guarantee Sheffield Wednesday would go up, would you choose to do it in 90 minutes, in extra time, or on penalties?
Easy – 90 minutes.
Treat yourself to a surprise football shirt!
We’ve already mentioned our giveaway, in association with Surprise Shirts, but if you’re not the lucky winner, you can still head over to their website and have a mystery shirt from anywhere in the world delivered to your front door.
Priced at £35.99, a Surprise Adult Shirt Box contains all of the following:
One brand new football shirt (with tags) from any club or nation around the world
One info sheet explaining the story behind the shirt
One Surprise Shirts postcard explaining details of their monthly giveaways
Tissue paper gift wrapping and some complimentary goodies as a thank you
Surprise Shirts are a Lincolnshire-based company who supply customers with surprise football shirts from around the world. And don’t worry, unless you request one, you won’t be sent a football shirt from your own country, so there’s no danger of a Burnley shirt popping through your letterbox.
Visit surpriseshirts.co.uk for further details.
Today in SK
🎭 PORT by Stockport-born playwright Simon Stephens opened at Stockport Garrick Theatre (SK3) last night, and continues today and tomorrow. Simon, born in Stockport in 1971, has received both an Olivier Award and a Tony Award. He is one of the most prolific contemporary playwrights in the UK. PORT is his love letter to Stockport – in a way that can only make sense in Stockport! 7.30pm. Tickets £12.
🪅 It’s Friday Fiesta at TRUNK (SK7). There’s live music from Leon Meya starting at 7.30pm. Great company, tasty tapas and flowing drinks – what more could you want? Book online or call 0161 222 9260.
🎶 The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
Photo of the day
Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport
All roads lead to London this weekend.
Never mind Google or Yell.com, we’ve got you covered
STOP! That got your attention, didn’t it? Just a quick one… I’d hazard a guess that at some point in May, all of our readers will use Google or Yell.com at some point looking for a particular product or service. But before you do, please have a quick look at our own directory to see if we have what you’re looking for. A number of great businesses support The Scarf My Father Wore, allowing us to publish fresh content every day, so let’s send a few enquiries their way in return.
Click here to have a look at all the businesses in our directory.
“I’m desperately trying to sort out transport and childcare”
As part of WEMBLEY WEEK, we’ve emailed seven questions to our subscribers, and we’ll choose a different one each day this week, hearing the thoughts of a number of our readers.
Today’s question: What are your plans for Sunday?
Not living near Stockport anymore, I very rarely get to see a game live, and I've never been to Wembley. So I'm trying desperately to sort out transport, childcare etc to get down and support the lads.
Josh Cooper
Watching at home in Cyprus with my Oldham Athletic supporting cousin and having plenty of alcohol (yet to be decided if this is beer, wine or more G&T like last Saturday). Wearing, of course, my County/Argentina top.
Tony Joannou