I was 9 years old. And, like most 9 year olds, football really mattered.
2 things to mention:-
1. The League Cup has never really mattered. Didn't then, any more than it does now. That said, if it's the only Trophy you have ever won, it matters (also true for Newcastle 2024/Spurs 2008) 2. There was 1 Stoke player I used to love watching back then. No, not Banks-George Eastham
I was there that day, aged 8 and a half, and yes I'd queued all night for my ticket, with my Dad. The queue started after the home game against Ipswich and we trudged back to Penkhull at about 10am tickets in our possession.
Remember travelling down on a coach from the local boozer with Dad, 2 Uncles, 2 Grandfathers and a Cousin but came back with an Uncle and my Cousin on a train as everyone from our coach was heading into London on the lash.
Stoke were, apparently the first team to win the League Cup whos fans were not at the Tunnel "Lucky" End
Also Stokes epic 4 game semi final against West Ham was the stuff of legends, yet few outside of the 4 clubs involved can name the side that Chelsea beat to get to the final.
When you're a "Big Club", it's easy to dismiss this as a meaningless trophy. When it's the only "major" you've won in 150 years it takes on a special meaning. It was massive then, it's still massive to us now.
I was at the next year's Final. Spurs v Norwich. Looking back, not a great game. But the 10-year-old me loved it.
1 of the beauties of football is that no-one ever really knows what the future will bring for their club. Important to remember the good times, because the barren run may just be starting.
From Newcastle waiting 56 years for a trophy. To Man City playing in the 3rd division. To Man Utd looking like, at best, a mid-table side.
The other way to look at the significance of winning the MIlk/littewoods/carabao/whatever cup is
For most teams, you can only win 3 trophies; your respective league, the FA and league cup and for a relatively rich,successful few? Maybe a European trophy SO
Yes it is a significant win for any team! Well done to Newcastle, Stoke and my favourite memory?
Comments
LashGUINNESSWhat a fuss over winning the Milk Cup.
Meh.
WBWY. UTMP. CTID.
2 things to mention:-
1. The League Cup has never really mattered. Didn't then, any more than it does now. That said, if it's the only Trophy you have ever won, it matters (also true for Newcastle 2024/Spurs 2008)
2. There was 1 Stoke player I used to love watching back then. No, not Banks-George Eastham
Remember travelling down on a coach from the local boozer with Dad, 2 Uncles, 2 Grandfathers and a Cousin but came back with an Uncle and my Cousin on a train as everyone from our coach was heading into London on the lash.
Stoke were, apparently the first team to win the League Cup whos fans were not at the Tunnel "Lucky" End
Also Stokes epic 4 game semi final against West Ham was the stuff of legends, yet few outside of the 4 clubs involved can name the side that Chelsea beat to get to the final.
Want a clue.... ask @Essexphil
When you're a "Big Club", it's easy to dismiss this as a meaningless trophy. When it's the only "major" you've won in 150 years it takes on a special meaning. It was massive then, it's still massive to us now.
I was at the next year's Final. Spurs v Norwich. Looking back, not a great game. But the 10-year-old me loved it.
1 of the beauties of football is that no-one ever really knows what the future will bring for their club. Important to remember the good times, because the barren run may just be starting.
From Newcastle waiting 56 years for a trophy. To Man City playing in the 3rd division. To Man Utd looking like, at best, a mid-table side.
For most teams, you can only win 3 trophies; your respective league, the FA and league cup and for a relatively rich,successful few? Maybe a European trophy SO
Yes it is a significant win for any team! Well done to Newcastle, Stoke and my favourite memory?
Don Rogers( Swindon) v Arsenal in 1969!