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.
“The way Jordan Rhodes is playing no-one can stop him. Just give him the ball!”
Clr Burke said the Wembley experience would give the whole Town a lift.
“It’s fantastic for the town and will put us on the map even more.
“The Giants are doing well and Town are doing well and that always generates a good buzz.
“I watched the game back on Sky and the commentators were saying how good the Town support was and the stadium and that’s great publicity.
“Wembley will be a brilliant day out.”
Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman also welcomed the Wembley trip and said: "It's very good news for the football club and for the town as a whole.
"It will certainly raise the profile of Huddersfield.
"Hopefully it will be third time lucky after the play-off disappointments of the last two years."
TOWN have confirmed the first of a team of up to 50 cyclists who are riding to Wembley with chairman Dean Hoyle.
The club has received a stack of replies after its appeal for riders to join Dean on his latest fundraiser.
It is hoped to raise £45,000 to pay for 1,000 local children to go to the game.
The first rider confirmed is Luis Alcantarilla, 24, of Sowerby Bridge, who also took part in the recent 260-mile Yeovil-Huddersfield ride.
Luis, a football coach, said he joked to Dean and Town commercial director Sean Jarvis on arrival back from Yeovil that if Town got to Wembley he would cycle there.
“It was meant as a joke but Dean obviously stole my idea,” said Luis.
“I really enjoyed Yeovil and I’m ready to go again.”
Luis was just eight when he went to the old Wembley for Town’s play-off victory over Bristol Rovers in 1995 in his first season as a Terriers fan.
“I was hooked after that and hopefully we can get as many new young fans to Wembley as possible and find a whole new generation of supporters.”
The 200-mile ride starts on Wednesday with a Huddersfield to Worksop leg. On Thursday it’s off to Peterborough with arrival in London on Friday.
Follow Luis’s journey on Twitter @LuAL22.
To donate send a cheque made payable to: ‘Huddersfield Town Foundation Ltd’ to: Robyn Deegan, Huddersfield Town FC, Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX.
TOWN fans can back their team all the way to Wembley – thanks to the Examiner.
And the message in advance of the play-off final against Sheffield United on May 26 is “Come on Town”.
That’s the slogan on 5,000 banners the newspaper has produced to show their support for Simon Grayson’s men.
They will be given away with copies of the newspaper from Tuesday, May 22, onwards bought at selected outlets across town, while stocks last.
You can display the banner in your home or office window, or on the rear window of your car.
The banners will be available at: Town News, John William Street; Townsend, Huddersfield Railway Station; The Kiosk, Huddersfield Bus Station; Arden News, Princess Alexandra Walk; Singhs, 333 Leeds Road; Lindley News, Thornhill Avenue; Londis & Newsome Post Office, Newsome; Jalota, Northgate, Almondbury; Linthwaite Mini Market, Manchester Road; Fenay Bridge Stores, Penistone Road; Charlesworths, Holmfirth and the Examiner office in John William Street.
