We are into the play-off fortnight...
The 2000s - it seemed like we were at the play offs every other year that decade, and we were in three consecutive campaigns in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Seeing all the Yorkshire sides involved in the play-offs this season actually brought back memories of our own play-off campaigns.
Town have been involved in more play-off matches than any other club in the Football League – eight campaigns in total, reaching the final four times, and winning three.
I surmise that every Town fan will have fond memories of their favourite campaign, but it’s 2012 for me.
That first leg away at MK Dons was a fantastic day _ great weather and great support from a large contingent of travelling Town fans.
The return leg at the Galpharm was a tight affair.
Alan Smith, of all people, scrambled a goal in the 90th minute to make it 3-2 on aggregate, and a tense finale before the ref blew for full time.
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All that then stood between us and the Championship was Sheffield United, a “massive club” that had looked nailed on for automatic promotion, but had missed out.
We bought our tickets to Wembley and booked the HTSA coach and hoped for the best.
The day of the play-off final was fine and bright.
Our HTSA coach missed all the traffic by going down the M40 and stopped at Wealdstone FC, where a BBQ was put on by the hosts, and we had chance to order a pint in the Stuart Pearce lounge.
A few beers, followed by a tube ride, and we were at Wembley, with what we thought was loads of time.
We got to our seats in the 2nd minute of the first half!
A cagey game with few chances was how I remembered it with my Guinness spectacles on.
Then it went to penalties. We missed our first three penalties. Colourful language was used. We clawed it back to parity.
It came down to the keepers, and my heart (and bladder) couldn’t take any more. I retired to the Gents fearing the worst.
Then I heard cheering – we’d only gone and won!
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Cue euphoria, tears and hugs all round.
Since that day, we have survived in the Championship, and Sheffield United in contrast have struggled to escape League One, having tried with four different managers (incidentally, in the same period we have also had four managers – Grayson, Robins, Powell and Wagner).
The season may be over for the Club, but the HTSA Board meet throughout the year to deal with issues and matters relating to the fans and the Club. Our next meeting is on Monday, May 23.
HTSA members are welcome to attend these meetings as observers – if you want more details, or would like us to discuss anything on your behalf, email our Chair, Ian Lawrence, chair@htsa-online.co.uk.
Next week will see the start of a series called HTSA Legends – where we will discuss the best all time Town players, and the best of the recent ones. Until then, UTT.
