With the season off to a brilliant start and the League Cup having some exciting fixtures up ahead next week, our beloved sides will all fancy their chances against the big guns. With some teams already out they can hope to turn their attention to the FA Cup when it comes around in November.
As a Bradford fan, I know just how much we like to anticipate a good cup-run. Knowing we have Leeds United at home in the second round really is a refreshing idea and a welcome one in what will be a real money spinner of a West-Yorkshire Derby. To watch our underdogs’ perform against Premier League supergiants after some scrappy League 1 football is certainly a contrast to us, but one we warm to regardless given the rarity of the occasion. It’s an obvious fact we all want a cup run but when it comes around sometimes we can take it for granted.
The moment when League 1 Sheffield United reached an FA Cup semi-final was a special occasion for the city (except the blue side). The way a cup runs magic can capture the hearts of fans across the country is a perfect example of what enormity the cup holds and what it can bring to a city.
Hull City knocked the Blades out 5-3 but the cup of that year will be remember for United’s escapades and performances on the big stage. The passion exhibited and brilliance is one of wonder and all fans will be hoping of more of the same this season, with most fans remaining ever optimistic.
With football being so money orientated today, to pick up a result against the multi-million pound teams is simply magical considering Bradford’s lineup against Arsenal cost £7,500. The only player who was not a free transfer in that team was James Hanson, Bradford’s big striker who signed from non-league Guiseley for the tiny fee. Compare that against Arsenal’s £66.8 million line up with Santi Cazorla costing £16 million alone.
The score? Well Bradford beat the Gooners on penalties and then went on to record memorable results against Aston Villa to book them a ticket to Wembley in the Final of the Capital One Cup.
Just remember, a cup run can perform miracles on a city, town or club.
Let’s hope that it’s yours.
