Twelfth man. Stoke City fans at Wembley during the 5-0 semi-final win over Bolton
England fans often talk about the hurt caused by not winning a trophy in 45 years, so imagine what it is like for Stoke City supporters waiting for FA Cup glory – the Potters go to Wembley for their first FA Cup final in their 148-year history this weekend.
One of football’s founding clubs, Stoke have tasted Cup Final success – the League Cup in 1972 representing their only major silverware - but their best return in the FA Cup before this season is three semi-final appearances. But times have never been so good for the Potters as they gear up for Saturday’s final with Manchester City.
We have been given some exciting cup final build-ups in the past ten years, such as the unlikely match up between Portsmouth and Cardiff in 2008, and Liverpool versus West Ham in 2006, which lived up to its billing. But there is something very intriguing about this one.
On the one hand are billionaires Manchester City, who have just secured Champions League football and could cap their season with a trophy, but underdogs Stoke will be the choice for many neutrals.
Since they were promoted in 2008, the Potters have firmly established themselves in England’s top tier. Few promoted teams stay up three years in a row but under Tony Pulis they have gradually improved each season and they are currently in eighth place in the Premier League.
Now they have a reputation as tough opponents. Sometimes criticised for their long ball football, Stoke have established playing tactics that work. They combine the strength at the back through Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth with pace on the wings in Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington, and finishers up front in Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters. Not to mention Rory Delap’s throw-ins.
Big teams have struggled against Stoke. As recently as last weekend they beat Arsenal 3-1 and have drawn with Chelsea and beaten Liverpool this term. They will hope Manchester City are the latest on this list. In the FA Cup they have been at their best. They have only conceded two goals in the entire tournament so far and smashed Bolton 5-0 in the semi-final.
If any team could claim to have a 12th man in the stands, it is Stoke City. Their fans are frequently given the accolade of loudest in the league and they will certainly enjoy a venture into the Europa League next season even if nobody else does. One fan has even postponed her wedding so she does not miss Saturday’s final.
Since going up into the Premier League, Stoke have created a reputation of being successful as underdogs. They will hope it lasts one more game this season and helps end 148 years of hurt.