The dream comes true for Cardiff City’s loyal supporters

Mar 10 2008 by Gareth Rogers, South Wales Echo

Army of 40,000 fans ready for famous day out at Wembley after City dump Middlesbrough out of cup

JUBILANT Cardiff City fans woke today, hardly able to believe that it really is true – “Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, we’re going to Wemberly.”

Those words rang out loud and proud as thousands of delirious Bluebirds fans watched their heroes dump Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup yesterday.

It meant one thing, a moment thousands of Bluebirds fans had dreamed about all their lives had arrived: they will get to see their team run out at the home of football for the first time since 1927.

Today an army of 40,000 Bluebirds fans were looking forward to heading up the M4 to watch City run out at the FA Cup semi-final in north west London.

Lifelong Bluebirds fan and supporters club secretary Stephen Bradley described the day in Middlesbrough as one of the best in his life.

He said: “I still can’t believe it. It hasn’t sunk in yet.

“I have always dreamed of watching City play at Wembley and now it’s going to happen.

“If we play as well as that again, we can get to the final.”

Craig Davies, 26, of Llanbradach, Caerphilly, said: “I am definitely going to Wembley. I would not miss it for the world.

“I have travelled all around the country watching City play and this is the one everyone has always wanted.

“It will be a great occasion and I am starting to believe we can go all the way.”

South Wales was expected to grind to a halt at 1.25pm today for the semi-final draw from Soho Square in London.

With City joining Barnsley, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion in the draw, fans are starting to believe this could be their year.

The unbelievable cup run will also mean the cash-strapped Championship club will benefit to the tune of £1.2m in prize money and TV fees.

Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale said: “Although the money is welcome, this was a football day that we can all celebrate together as a club and with our supporters.”

Matthew Jones, 30, of Canton, Cardiff, said: “Anyone can win the cup now.

“Every team will think it’s there for the taking.”

First Minister Rhodri Morgan took time out to congratulate the team, saying: “They have rewarded their passionate followers with a fantastic display to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

“Let’s hope it’s two trips to Wembley and not just one because for too long football in Wales has rested on that old pub quiz question ‘Which is the only football team to take the FA Cup out of England?’”

Sports Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas added: “The win marks a historic day for Cardiff City and their fans.

“Their journey in the world’s most glamorous cup competition continues and the whole of Wales is backing them to go all the way.”

gareth.rogers@mediawales.co.uk

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