HUDDERSFIELD TOWN fans are looking forward to a first Wembley trip since 1995 and supporters’ chief Steve King said: “It’s going to be massive.”
Town’s last appearance at the old Wembley was the play-off victory over Bristol Rovers and Steve is relishing his first visit to the new national stadium.
“Wembley doesn’t come round very often and it’s really special. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Steve, chairman of the Huddersfield Town Supporters’ Association, said Tuesday’s game against MK Dons was tense and he admitted: “I was on tenterhooks throughout.
“Because we’ve had disappointments before, you can’t take anything for granted.”
Steve said Town had both beaten and lost against final opponents Sheffield United this season, so it was 1-1 with all to play for.
“They have good players but so do we,” he said. “It’s about who performs on the day. The team and the fans are up for it and we want the whole town to get behind the club.”
Fans are preparing to buy up Wembley merchandise at the club’s shops, with new stock being delivered over the next few days.
Jonathan Wilson, 18, of Crosland Moor, was shopping at the town centre Sporting Pride shop and hopes to get his Wembley ticket today.
Jonathan admitted he felt a little deflated as Town lost 2-1 on the night but went through 3-2 on aggregate.
“I think I was spoiled because last year’s play-off semi against Bournemouth was so exciting.
“Our third goal killed the atmosphere a bit but then it got a bit hairy towards the end. You never know with Town.”
Mick Waddington, 54, of Elland, reckons Sheffield United need to watch out.
“They will know they’ve been in a game,” he said. “Town are going up!”
HUDDERSFIELD’S big day out at Wembley is set to put the town on the national map, say civic leaders.
The town’s profile will be raised across the country as thousands in blue and white stripes head for London on Saturday week.
Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan believes Huddersfield Town’s play-off final showdown with Sheffield United could have lasting benefits.
“It’s a massive chance for the town - and the whole of Kirklees - to get noticed for all the right reasons,” he said.
“Huddersfield will be in the national spotlight and the positive media coverage will be priceless.
“This comes just at the time when we are keen to encourage inward investment and we can showcase what we have to offer businesses wanting to come here.”
Town’s commercial director Sean Jarvis, also chairman of the pro-Huddersfield business group ‘The Place to Make It’ added: “To get to Wembley is a fantastic achievement and it really puts Huddersfield on the map.”
Mr Jarvis said the club’s sponsors were delighted at the prospect of Wembley.
“We have developed relationships with a lot of businesses and I could clearly hear the excitement in the voices of the people I have spoken to,” he added.
Lindley Lib Dem councillor Cahal Burke, a Town season ticket-holder, said 40-goal striker Jordan Rhodes was the key.