Every Managers dream
On Sunday 24th February there will be two football Managers that will want to put their name down in Cup history for different reasons. What the odds on a Bradford City versus Swansea City Final were at the start of season I don't know but I'd say fairly high. Both sides have more than earned their place to play on the hallowed turf at Wembley.
Swansea beat the European Champions over two legs while Bradford put out Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal then went on to beat Aston Villa.
Michael Laudrup had big boots to fill following Brendan Rogers departure. The Dane has added to an already stylish side with a slightly European style. Should his side win, and they start favourites, the former Real Madrid star will win his first bit of silverware on British shores. A win I'm sure he won't forget!
As for Phil Parkinson, well he is 'living the dream'. If ever a football fairy tale was written it would go something like Bradford's has. The Bantams boss knows the lower leagues very well and has taken on a couple of Premiership clubs and shown them the exit in this competition. Parkinson's side have had their fair share of luck but I think the main reason they are playing at the home of football in the Capital One Cup Final is hard work. Both sides work for each other in all areas of the pitch so it will be a close game.
Now if Bradford City thinks they will be the first team from the lower tier to win the Cup they should think again. Forty six years ago a Third Division side went all the way to Wembley and at half time were down by two goals to nil; Queens Park Rangers came back and beat the holders of the Cup, West Bromwich Albion by three goals to two. It can be done! There will be a new name on the trophy this year and one very happy Manager; the other will feel like he's had a kick in the balls.