SeagullSimon
New member
09:30 - 13 May 2004
Play-off fever continued to grip Swindon yesterday when hundreds of fans queued overnight outside the County Ground for the chance to see their heroes win a place at the showpiece Cardiff final. Supporters got their heads down in sleeping bags and deck chairs to secure precious tickets for second leg of the promotion showdown at Brighton next Thursday.
Such scenes have not been witnessed at Swindon since the club's 4-3 win over Leicester at Wembley in 1993, which saw them clinch a place in the Premiership.
Only long-standing season ticket holders were eligible after Swindon were allocated just over 1,000 tickets for the match at Brighton's tiny Withdean Stadium.
But none in the queue which started at around 9pm Tuesday were willing to take the chance of missing out on the crucial encounter.
Clutching his ticket after lining up for 12 hours Ian Ratcliffe, 40, of Bourton-on-the Water in the Cotswolds said: "It's going to be very tense. Swindon and Brighton are well matched." Gas firm analyst Marc Walters, 31, of Eldene, Swindon said: "We knew we'd have to get here early to make sure to make sure of getting a ticket.
"Luckily I managed to borrow a sleeping bag. I think we'll lose but I'm an eternal pessimist."
Camped on a patio chair, Swindon carer George Caldwell, 46, said: "It's going to be close - it could go to penalties." But retired British Rail worker David Walker of Melksham doesn't expect the game to be as good as the 1968 League Cup semi-final replay against Burnley at the Hawthorns, which Swindon won 3-2.
"That was the best game I ever saw. So long as we get through next week, that's all that counts," he said.
Town chief executive Mark Devlin has estimated that playing in the play-off semi-finals will net the club between £70-80,000. And if they reach the final, Devlin believes the club could make in excess of £400,000.
Former Town loanee James Milner insists he has not asked Leeds for an improved deal. The winger said: "I read a report last week that I was supposed to be asking for a new contract, but that's just not true."
Play-off fever continued to grip Swindon yesterday when hundreds of fans queued overnight outside the County Ground for the chance to see their heroes win a place at the showpiece Cardiff final. Supporters got their heads down in sleeping bags and deck chairs to secure precious tickets for second leg of the promotion showdown at Brighton next Thursday.
Such scenes have not been witnessed at Swindon since the club's 4-3 win over Leicester at Wembley in 1993, which saw them clinch a place in the Premiership.
Only long-standing season ticket holders were eligible after Swindon were allocated just over 1,000 tickets for the match at Brighton's tiny Withdean Stadium.
But none in the queue which started at around 9pm Tuesday were willing to take the chance of missing out on the crucial encounter.
Clutching his ticket after lining up for 12 hours Ian Ratcliffe, 40, of Bourton-on-the Water in the Cotswolds said: "It's going to be very tense. Swindon and Brighton are well matched." Gas firm analyst Marc Walters, 31, of Eldene, Swindon said: "We knew we'd have to get here early to make sure to make sure of getting a ticket.
"Luckily I managed to borrow a sleeping bag. I think we'll lose but I'm an eternal pessimist."
Camped on a patio chair, Swindon carer George Caldwell, 46, said: "It's going to be close - it could go to penalties." But retired British Rail worker David Walker of Melksham doesn't expect the game to be as good as the 1968 League Cup semi-final replay against Burnley at the Hawthorns, which Swindon won 3-2.
"That was the best game I ever saw. So long as we get through next week, that's all that counts," he said.
Town chief executive Mark Devlin has estimated that playing in the play-off semi-finals will net the club between £70-80,000. And if they reach the final, Devlin believes the club could make in excess of £400,000.
Former Town loanee James Milner insists he has not asked Leeds for an improved deal. The winger said: "I read a report last week that I was supposed to be asking for a new contract, but that's just not true."
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