In that case can I just say to all supporters, whether they are at Wembley or not, enjoy the experience because the football Gods have smiled down and we will be at the top table of a banquet instead of having the crumbs. As rarified as it will be, the air will be sweet so breathe,so take it in and enjoy to its fullest. A win would be just as massive as 1973 but a defeat would be easy to accept if the team and supporters do their joint job of showing what a great club we are. My abiding memory of the 1985 final with Norwich was the look on the Norwich manager's face when some of our fans reach through the fencing and shook his hand on their lap with the cup. City fans doing the same next week can only match it. Enjoy it everybody.
Anyone putting any bets on for this? I have Jozy 1-0 in mind, but obviously they should just hand over ownership of the betting company if this comes off
Martin Atkinson will referee the Capital One Cup Final, with Steve Child and Simon Long as his assistants Martin Atkinson has been appointed as the referee for the Capital One Cup Final between Manchester City and Sunderland. The 42-year-old will be assisted on Sunday 2nd March at Wembley Stadium by Steve Child and Simon Long. Neil Swarbrick has been appointed as the fourth official for the showpiece Final, while Harry Lennard is the reserve assistant. Atkinson, who is from Bradford, officiates primarily in the Premier League and also for FIFA, and is a member of the West Riding County Football Association. He made his first Football League appearance as an assistant referee in 1995. Since his promotion to the Select Group Referees in 2005, he has officiated the Community Shield, the FA Trophy Final and the FA Cup Final. His top-flight refereeing debut in 2005 came only two years after he received his first match appointment in the Conference. It has also been confirmed that the competing teams will wear their respective home kits for the Final.
BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) is issuing advice to Sunderland fans as they ‘look forward’ to welcoming supporters on Cup Final day. Officers say they are working with the rail industry to make sure fans and other passengers have a safe journey in and out of London, and to Wembley Stadium on March 2. In total around 40,000 fans are expected to make their way to Wembley in North London to watch the game on Sunday March 2, with a significant number of them using trains to reach the venue for the 2pm kick-off. British Transport Police Chief Inspector Derek O’Mara, said: “Sunday promises to be a great day for Sunderland fans and our officers will be helping everyone to enjoy it, as well as ensuring everyone travels to and from the game safely. “Match days are special days for football supporters, with a buzz of excitement at train stations and on board services – even more so on big occasions such as this. “Trains to and from London from the North East are expected to be exceptionally busy on Saturday and Sunday. The majority of services are now fully booked with all seats reserved. “I’m sure supporters will enjoy the occasion on Sunday, and continue to represent the club in a positive manner. We’ve built a really good relationship with the Sunderland fans over the past few seasons, having travelled with them on some memorable away days.” BTP officers will be at stations and on board trains alongside travelling fans on the way to and from London, to answer any questions passengers may have and to provide up-to-the-minute information and general safety and travel advice. Police say all fans should be aware of the following travel advice and information provided by train operators. East Coast Trains East Coast trains will be running Dry Trains i.e. Alcohol cannot be bought, carried or consumed on board as follows - Saturday 1st March: All trains from Newcastle to Kings Cross will be dry trains On Sunday 2nd March: Departures starting with the 07:30 up to and including the 08:55 departure from Newcastle will be deemed dry trains. From London returning north East Coast’s first ‘dry’ service will be the 17:12 departure, and the restriction will apply up to and including the 21:45 departure. Grand central trains Sunday 2 March : All services North post-match.will be deemed dry trains, Alcohol cannot be bought, carried or consumed on board Metro Sunday 2 March: Tyne & Wear Metro services between South Hylton, Sunderland and Newcastle will run until 9:00am only due to Network Rail engineering works. A replacement bus service will run instead of trains after 9am calling at all stations between South Hylton and Heworth. Fans are advised to travel on Metro before 8:30am for connections at Newcastle Central, and allow extra time for their journey on the replacement bus service later in the day. Supporters are also reminded that Transport for London operates a strict no alcohol policy on all London Underground services, at all times and drinking from or carrying of open containers of alcohol is banned “Fans should not be concerned to see increased numbers of officers at stations and on the services to and from London over the weekend,” said CI O’Mara. “Trains can become extremely busy during major sporting events such as this and we would urge fans to consider other passengers at all times. The trains to and from London will not only have fans travelling to and from the game but also regular travellers who may not be used to travelling football fans in such large numbers. We are asking fans to keep this in mind when travelling and to moderate their language and behaviour. “The vast majority of Sunderland fans are a credit to their club and enjoy supporting their team in good spirits, and we look forward to again welcoming them on to the rail network for this historic game on Sunday. “However, if there is a small minority of fans who are intent on causing trouble and disorder, they can be assured that they will be dealt with robustly. “The most important thing is that fans enjoy the occasion and have a great day out. We’re looking forward to working closely with the club and its supporters to ensure this happens.” BTP’s tips for football fans: Trains will be extremely busy Allow plenty of time for getting to and from the game as there will be long queues for trains Remember alcohol may not be allowed on your train service, and that you are not allowed to consume alcohol on the Underground. Don’t leave it till the last minute to go from your meeting place to the stadium Enjoy the game and have a great day out
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has called for caution ahead of their League Cup final clash against Sunderland this Sunday. Last year's FA Cup final loss against Roberto Matinez's relegated Wigan Athletic will still be weighing fresh on the Frenchman's mind as his team return to Wembley to take on yet another Premier League struggler in Sunderland. It was also the same venue where Nasri ended up being on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss to Birmingham City in the League Cup final in 2011 and it is results like thesethat will keep the 26-year-old wary. I don't have good memories [of Wembley] with clubs", Nasri was quoted as saying by the BBC. "I have lost a final there with Arsenal and with Manchester City, but I won there with the national team against England." Strikers Karim Benzema and playmaker Mathieu Valbuena contributed to the scoresheet as the French national team outclassed England with a 2-1 scoreline during a 2010 friendly match at Wembley. "I hope it is going to be the same kind of game [as the win]", Nasri added. Their opponents at Wembley on Sunday are a team that have already beaten the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea on their road to the final, a fact that will demand a cautious approach from the team from Manchester.
twitter facebook email print PUBLISHED 14:00 24th February 2014 by The Football League Fans' guide to the Capital One Cup Final Manchester City fans have been waiting for the Capital One Cup Final to come around since 21st January; Sunderland supporters for one day fewer having completed their Semi-Final 24 hours later – and now the big day is almost upon us. Once you’ve grabbed your tickets, the next port of call will be actually getting to London for the 2014 showpiece on Sunday 2nd March, and if you’re a fan of either of the competing clubs you have plenty of options. National Express, the official travel partner of Wembley Stadium, will be running return coach trips from Manchester and Sunderland. Click here for full details. Fans arriving in London on the train from Manchester will most likely find themselves at Euston station and it couldn’t be simpler to then get to Wembley. All you have to do is head to Euston’s underground station, pick up a Metropolitan Line train towards either Chesham, Uxbridge or Amersham, and in under 20 minutes you will be at Wembley Park – the closest station to the stadium. Trains from Sunderland will bring you in at Kings Cross but again, all you have to do is pop on the Metropolitan Line – in the direction of either Uxbridge or Amersham – and you will soon arrive at Wembley Park. Wembley Park is in Zone 4 and the moment you exit the front of the station, the national stadium will dominate your eyeline, before a short walk up Wembley Way. There are very limited car parking options at Wembley Stadium, but if that is your preferred choice you can find full details by clicking here. Ticket gates at Wembley Stadium open at 12noon, two hours before kick-off, and supporters are urged to be in their seats in plenty of time. Early arrivers at the ground will be treated to plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied. There are also several pubs and bars in the area and they have been designated to different sets of fans. Click here for full details of where to head for a drink. General admission tickets for the Capital One Cup Final are now sold out with Sunderland fans housed in the east end of the stadium and Manchester City’s followers being situated to the west. Once you’re inside the stadium you can get that first breathtaking view from your seat – but if you cannot wait until Sunday, you don’t have to. To find out now what sort of an angle you will have on the action and where you will be in relation to the TV cameras, the benches and the Royal Box, click here. Inside the stadium you will also be able to buy match programmes, which you can also buy in advance of the day by clicking here, and merchandise from official outlets. Food and drink will also be available, along with cash points, bookmakers and accessible toilet facilities. Then, come 2pm, there is some football to look forward to. Manchester City will be looking to add the Capital One Cup to their Premier League title of 2012 and FA Cup in 2011. Sunderland – making their debut at the re-built Wembley Stadium – will be competing in their first major final since the 1992 FA Cup and are hunting a first tournament success since winning the 1973 FA Cup when they were a Second Division club. If the scores are level after 90 minutes the game will enter a 30-minute period of extra-time before a final decider of penalties, if required. The players are competing for the iconic Georgian-style trophy, the same piece of silverware that was handed to the very first winners, Aston Villa, back in 1961. There is also the Alan Hardaker Trophy, awarded to the Man of the Match. In addition to the sell-out crowd in attendance on the day, the Capital One Cup Final will be seen by a televised audience reaching millions of people, both at home and abroad with international broadcasters joining Sky Sports in screening the action live. If you’re not heading to Wembley and you’re not able to watch the game on TV or listen on the radio but you still want to keep up to date then fear not. The official Twitter accounts of the Capital One Cup, Manchester City and Sunderland will be providing comprehensive coverage to ensure you don’t miss a thing. The Capital One Cup account can be followed at @CapitalOne_Cup. For Manchester City go to @MCFC, while @SAFCofficial is where you will find the Sunderland account. The Capital One Cup Final is always packed full of entertaining action, so however you follow the game you know you’re in for a memorable day.
Lads, 2 seasons ago I put £10 on us to beat City by a one goal margin at 11-1. This season I put £10 on us to beat them 1-0 at 18-1. These things happen in threes.... Thinking 2-1
Tyneside cricket club holds 'Manchester Day' for Capital One Final A cricket club in Gateshead has prompted a backlash from Sunderland supporters by planning to host a 'Manchester Day' on Sunday A Tyneside cricket club is hosting a ‘Manchester Day’ when City take on Sunderland at Wembley on Sunday. Felling CC will play music by Manchester bands, mix Blue Moon cocktails and dish out free shots ‘when’ the Blues score their first goal in the Capital One Cup Final. But the move by the club, which is based in mostly Newcastle-supporting Gateshead, has prompted a fierce backlash from fans of the Geordies’ fierce rivals. Some Sunderland supporters have have failed to see the funny side and sent threatening, abusive messages via social media. That prompted the club take down a poster advertising the event on Facebook – but not before it attracted more than 13,000 views in an hour-and-a-half. The M.E.N. understands the event will take place as planned and officials have defended it as ‘tongue-in-cheek’. The poster, in sky blue, revealed Manchester Day will see music played by Manc bands the Happy Mondays, Stone Roses and Oasis. It also offered free food at half-time of the clash and advertised cheap pints and three Jagerbombs for £5. It was quickly latched upon by fans of the Mackems and many hit out - but a Felling CC spokesman played down the row. He said: “We put the poster up and it went mental. I think it had 13,000 views in an hour and a half and a load of fans forums got hold of it. “We think it’s been seen by about 250,000. We’re not trying to cause trouble but some people went over the top with their responses and we had to take it down because there were some abusive comments up there and we did not want kids to be seeing them. “Our chairman is a Sunderland fan so I think that gives it a bit of context. A lot of their supporters will be down there and we wanted to get Newcastle fans in here instead of watching it in their living rooms. “Some people go over the top but it is tongue-in-cheek and it will be going ahead. Sunderland fans will be more than welcome. It’s a family club and it’s just a bit of a joke but I’m sure Newcastle fans would have reacted the same way if it was the other way around." The spokesman was unable to confirm what exactly went into a Blue Moon cocktail. “I think there’ll be vodka and blue WKD but I’m not sure what else," he said http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/tyneside-cricket-club-holds-manchester-6739871 Just embarrasing really Screams small time
FANS ON SONG FOR CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL Sunderland fans will be able to sing their hearts out for The Lads before kick off on Sunday, to the strains of club anthem, Elvis Presley’s ‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’. The song, affectionately known as ‘Wise Men Say’ by the majority of fans, is sung loudly and proudly from the stands at every Sunderland game and will be played across the Wembley PA system as part of the pre-game build up. Sunderland AFC defender Phil Bardsley said: “It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end when you hear the song being sung by our fans and it will be incredible to hear them in full voice at Wembley.” The club has produced a lyric sheet, which fans can download from www.safc.com/daretodream. The song sheets will be available at our pre parties in Leicester Square & Crystals Nightclub at the back of Wembley. please log in to view this image
Club and Fans Announce Giant Crowd Surfer for Wembley Cup Final The Sunderland fans’ flag and banner group Haway The Flags, are delighted to announce that a giant 25m x 12.5m crowd surfer, featuring the club’s crest, will be unveiled at Wembley this Sunday when Sunderland take on Manchester City in the League Cup Final. The Haway the Flags group were short on funds to manufacture their banner in time for the final, but the club’s fanzine ALS and Sunderland AFC came to their rescue and have paid half the production costs each. The flag is the largest such banner in the club’s history and a delighted Nick Adams from Haway the Flags had this to say: “It’s amazing that we have got this ready in time for the final and I’d like to thank Margaret Byrne and Chris Waters at SAFC for making this happen. We now plan to reignite this initiative and get a load more flags and fixed banners at the SOL. But we still need contributions from fans for further projects, so anyone who would like can do so via our website hawaytheflags.co.uk.” SAFC chief executive Margaret Byrne said: “The Capital One Cup final will be a wonderful occasion for the club and our supporters and to see the east end of Wembley turned red and white will be an amazing sight. I am sure the crowd-surfer flag will be brilliant and on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank the Haway the Flags group for their hard work in making it happen.” Martyn McFadden from A Love Supreme fanzine added: “This is a great project and we are delighted to support it. The design featuring the club crest is generic and will grace the Stadium of Light for many years, but I’d urge fans to contribute to Haway the Flags financially, so we can really brighten up the SOL with more flags and banners when we return from Wembley with the cup!” Fans can contribute to future Haway the Flags projects by visiting their website and donating. All supporters who make a contribution will have their name on the Roll of Honour on www.hawaytheflags.co.uk
