FA CUP FINAL: Come on you mighty Potters, we all know you can do it!

Stoke City are in their first FA Cup final in the club’s 148-year history today. Sentinel reporters asked people young and old from across the city and beyond what their hopes were for the vital clash with Manchester City

SEASON ticket holder Joshua James follows Stoke City around the country attending every home and away game.

The 20-year-old, of Trentham, said: "I think it's going to be a tight affair. We need to frustrate them for an hour and then hopefully bring Etherington off the bench. It would be a fairytale for Walters if he could score the winner and the form he is in I could see him doing it. He epitomises the whole Stoke attitude so it would be nice if he could score the winner for us."

Ben Keen, aged 20, of Dartmouth Avenue, Clayton, has been a supporter since the age of six and witnessed his first game at the old Victoria Ground. He said: "It is unbelievable to see how far we've come. Watching Stoke in their first FA Cup final is a dream come true, and European football at the Britannia Stadium next year is unthinkable.

I can't wait to see a sea of red and white cheering the lads to victory."

Andrew Ryder is praying that his favourite player, Matthew Etherington, will be deemed fit to play at the most important game in Stoke City's history.

The 23-year-old, of London Road, Stoke, said: "We are the underdogs and I just hope we can win. I think if Manchester City score a couple of early goals it will go either way, Stoke could lose it completely or really push and score a couple of late ones. I think if Etherington comes on the fans will go crazy."

David James has been an avid Potters fan for 20 years and is backing John Walters to score a late winning goal.

The 48-year-old, of Trentham, said: "I think it will be a very close match. I think we are destined to win the cup after 148 years of waiting. I think super Kenwyne Jones will score and a last minute goal from Walters will win it for us."

Katherine Warrilow has recently started up her very own cupcake business called 'Cupcake Yourself'. She will be making red and white cakes to cheer Stoke on.

The 22-year-old, of Lightwood, said: "I don't really follow football but I really hope Stoke do well. I would hate for them to come this far and to fall at the last hurdle. Everyone in the city is getting behind them so the players have a lot of support."

Rich Keen, aged 23, also of Dartmouth Avenue, Clayton, is predicting Stoke will win 1-0.

He said: "I think that it will be a close game but I think that it could be our year because we've come so far. Whatever the score, all of the fans will have a great day out knowing that the success of the season has been rewarded with European football."

Julie Grant, managing director of Hanley public relations and marketing agency Plinkfizz, said: "I will be going along to Wembley on Saturday with my husband, brother, sister-in-law and a set of Sentinel foam hands. Everyone at Plinkfizz is delighted and will be cheering the team on. This is great for Stoke and we are proud to support the mighty Potters."

Port Vale fan Bryan Carnes, aged 60, chief executive of the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Stoke City's FA Cup final appearance will be great for the city.

"A victory for Stoke will be well deserved and it will do much to lift the spirits of the people of Stoke-on-Trent."

Richard Poole, financial director at Middleport pottery Steelite International, said: "Very best wishes to Tony Pulis and the Stoke City team in the FA Cup final. The success of the club this season has already been fantastic and the buzz among the Steelite International workforce ahead of the game on Saturday is tremendous.

"Reaching the final has already created a great feel good factor throughout the city and winning the cup will be a magnificent achievement. Good luck to the mighty Potters from all the potters at Steelite."

Steve Dalton, aged 41, is completing his house sale in Seabridge this weekend to relocate from JCB in the UK to JCB in Savannah, U.S., as general manager of operations.

Steve said: "I started supporting Stoke 35 years ago and my first game was at home against Aston Villa in 1975. I've been to over 80 different grounds watching Stoke spanning Division Three to the Premiership. My mum, dad, brother, son, daughter, aunt and uncle will all be attending the match today. My dad Russell, aged 68, is recovering from a minor stroke and is defying medical advice to be there. Luckily the completion of my house sale has coincided with cup final weekend. I would have been gutted to have missed the match. The team just need to keep working as hard as they have and push on and they can do it. My prediction is a 1-0 Stoke victory. Come on Stoke!"

Rob Mason, aged 17, from Baddeley Green, said: "All my mates will be watching with me. I got offered a ticket but unfortunately I couldn't go. I think we will win but I think it will be a tight game. We will be having a few drinks as a celebration at my mates – win or lose, we did well."

Damien Hobson, aged 21, of Burslem, said: "I am going to the pub to watch it, I would have loved to go and watch it but the tickets sold out. I hoped I'd have got tickets as it was my birthday on Tuesday. I will be getting drunk one way or another whatever the outcome. I think it will be in celebration though, we will win 3-1."

Adam Pettitt, aged 12, from Packmoor, said: "It is so cool we's got this far. We love Stoke City. We will be watching, we can't wait. We will win 3-2"

Gary Clowes, aged 20, from Hazel Cross Road, Cheadle, said: "I'm going to Wembley and I can't wait. The atmosphere is going to be amazing. It will be a close result. I don't think it will be a massive thing if we lose because everyone expects us to anyway but it would be nice to win. It is so exciting. I went to the semi-final and it didn't have this effect on me."

Former newsagent and grocery store owner Pat McGarry, aged 80, of Aintree Road, Tean, was immortalised in the battle cry by mystery poet Pottermouth, who inspired Stoke City to promotion two years ago.

He said: "I know there was a line in the poem mentioning me and the shop, but to this day I still do not know who wrote it and no-one has given me a hint.

"I have always been a supporter, but have only managed to get to one match this season. I only hope we win."

Tim Kiely, managing director of Festival Park attraction WaterWorld, said: "I think the impact of today's game will be massive for the business community in the long term. There is huge hype around the area. As a Stoke City fan, how could it be any better? Eighth in the league, an FA Cup final and Europe next season. It makes me emotional just talking about it."

Publican Mark Deaville, who runs The Anchor Inn in Tean, will be making a weekend of it with son Edward, aged 13.

The 53-year-old season ticket holder said: "It is a one-off. I did not think I would be seeing Stoke at Wembley again.

"I have been really looking forward to it and I think we stand a really good chance. Win or lose, it could not be better than the semi-final. We are going to have a fantastic time."

Phil Wooliscroft, aged 41, of Trentham, said: "I'm surprised there's not more red and white everywhere, I was expecting more bunting and flags.

"But that's not being negative, this is a once in a lifetime for the city it's brilliant."

Daniel Walsh, aged 29, from Etruria, said: "Stoke are the underdogs, they've got nothing to prove so I think they can do it.

"It has created such a feel good factor for the whole city."

Lord Mayor Denver Tolley, aged 68, of Adderley Green, has supported Stoke City since 1968.

He said: "One of the things you've got to have is a positive mindset. You've got to have the confidence that you can and will, and I think we will have that today.

"It's a double-edged sword for me as a politician because I know of the potential economic benefits for the city. Not everybody in the city supports Stoke but they will in the cup final. It will be magic."

Kirsty Johnson, aged 23, from Abbey Hulton, said: "I'm not a football fan but I'm interested in this because it's so good for the city.

"I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for them.

"Stoke is finally being noticed for something positive for once."

James Bickerton, of Dingle Lane, in Hilderstone, remembers watching Mark Stein in action during his second spell at Stoke.

The 24-year-old became an avid Stoke fan towards the end of the Icelandic era and lists his favourite game as the Potters 3-2 defeat of Aston Villa in the club's first home game in the Premier League.

He said: "I think Stoke will win 3-1. We'll score early through a set piece which will be followed by a Jonny Walters wonder goal just before the half time. Man City will strike back soon after half time and put us under huge pressure but we'll seal it in the 80th minute.

"My favourite player at the moment is super Jonny Walters because he puts in 200 per cent every game and he's become a proven goal scorer."

Pat Harrison, aged 78, from Uttoxeter, said: "I'll be watching and of course I'll be cheering for Stoke.

"It's about time something good happened for the city because it has been going downhill for so long.

"Going to Wembley is such a great experience for everyone, the team and the fans."

Lee Holland, aged 28, from Hanford, said: "I wish I could afford to go to Wembley, but I'll be watching.

"I love seeing all the flags in shop windows and on cars. This is the best team we've ever had and I think other teams are intimidated by them and the fans. Everyone knows we've got the loudest fans."

Gail Matthews, aged 47, from Clayton, said: "My husband and daughter are going to Wembley. Everybody is so upbeat and excited about it.

"It will make a big difference for the city if they win.

"It's all come together for the team, it's taken time but they are working together and seeing the results."

Philippe Richardson, aged 23, from Smithyfield Road, Norton, isn't looking forward to hearing her husband moan if they don't win. "If we lose, my husband really won't be happy. It means so much to my husband and he hasn't stopped singing Delilah all week."

Peter Hill, aged 58, from Parklands Road, Tean, cannot get tickets for the match. He said: "I am really disappointed I can't get a ticket. I remember when we got into the final in 1972, I'm still really trying to get tickets and I will go very last minute. I had season tickets and I went to the semi final. I have been a fan for over 50 years, I really wanted to go."

Tracey Beardmore, aged 39, from Amison Street, Longton, said: "I've been a fan for about 20 years. It is such a nice thing to happen for the city and it's nice for something good to happen here. Unfortunately I have to work but I will be watching during my break. My family are staying up all night partying in celebration. They are all so excited."

Neil Boden, aged 42, from Victor Street, Stone, said: "I've been a fan for 34 years, I remember when my uncle took me to my first match. It was a big match against Leeds. My family have always been big fans. I'm going to Wembley and I can't wait. It is realistically going to be a tough match but it will be great for the city if we win. It's already doing great because of it."

Malcolm Capewell, aged 65, from New Inn Lane, Trentham, has been a fan for 50 years. He said: "I have a season ticket but I don't got to all the games, but I will definitely be going to this one. It is fantastic that we're here."

Mike Brereton, aged 64, of Keele, past chairman of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire and Staffordshire and Shropshire Strategic Health Authority, said: "I have followed Stoke for many years and this is one of the most exciting things for ages. It is good for the city and its image. I shall be watching the final at home wearing my red and white scarf."

Jenny Harvey, aged 43, of Meir, secretary of the North Staffordshire Community Health branch of Unison, said: "I've been a fan since my dad used to take me down. For us to get to the final is surreal when you think how poorly we normally do in the cup. This is a million miles away from being knocked out by Blyth Spartans a few years ago."

Chris Bourne, aged 37, from Westbury Park, senior steward of the Royal College of Nursing at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, said: "Though not a big football fan I wish Stoke all the best today. It has helped put what people think is our little city on the map and is great for the area. With many of the 7,000 staff at UHNS being Stoke fans it will be good for hospital morale if Stoke win it."

David Pearson, aged 53, from Bagnall, nursing director of North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare mental health trust, said: "This is an absolutely fantastic day for Stoke-on-Trent and everyone in the city feels tremendously proud of the team's achievement and Tony Pulis's management. The team has the grit and determination to win the cup and bring it back to the city. What a great shot in the arm for morale that would be!"

Ian Syme, of Milton, co-ordinator of NHS campaigning group North Staffordshire Healthwatch, said: "I am not a Stoke fan particularly because I want all our teams to do well but the Potters are certainly doing their bit and I hope they win. It will show the metropolitan types who think this area is out on a limb that we really do exist and that's great for the city's self-esteem."

Dr Prasad Rao, aged 62, of Trentham, secretary of North Staffordshire Urgent Care which provides out of hours medical cover, said: "I have just come back from a family wedding in Los Angeles and everyone is talking about Stoke City over there. I used to have a season ticket and was offered Wembley tickets but the game clashes with a retirement do I am attending tonight at the Britannia of all places."

Retired farmer Harold Critchlow, of Ashdale Road, Leek, said: "I will be watching the match on the television, I could not afford to get tickets for Wembley.

"I think the team has been inspirational. Everyone is getting very excited about it the match. Even my wife is thrilled to bits.

"I like the way they have achieved their success by playing football and not by going out and spending millions of pounds on players."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council chief executive John van de Laarschot said: "Stoke City reaching the FA Cup final puts the city on the map in terms of tourism, attracting businesses and marketing it to an international audience.

"People across the world will be tuning into the game and seeing people proud of what their team has achieved and proud to be from the city itself.

"I wish the team the best of luck in lifting the trophy today and would love to see the red and white ribbons on the FA Cup at the end of the game.

"Whatever happens today though, Stoke's Europa League campaign next season will open the city up to an international market and we see that as an opportunity to create valuable links with other countries to emphasise Stoke-on-Trent's history, heritage and future potential."

Paul Breeze, aged 58, of St John Street, Hanley, is travelling to Wembley with son John. The Birches Head and Central Forest Park councillor produced a three-song charity CD featuring cup-themed songs to raise cash.

He said: "The CD sales are going well, we've raised about £200 so far and there's been a lot of interest. My son got us tickets through a work contact who is actually a Bolton fan.

"We went to a few of the earlier rounds including Brighton, West Ham and the semi-final against Bolton – that was one of the best days of my life. I think we'll win it 3-1. We have a really good chance and we've come into form at just the right time."

Stoke Central MP Joan Walley said: "I think it's a great opportunity for Stoke-on-Trent to be on the world stage. They have waited a very long time to get here and I hope it's a thoroughly enjoyable day for everybody.

"It has been a long time coming and I'm sure everybody in the city will be focused on the game. I will be watching."

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, Labour leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "I am thrilled the club have made it to the final, and will be cheering them on as loudly as anyone else from my sofa at home.

"I can't wait for the game, it's the biggest thing to happen to Stoke City ever but it will be a tough match against very difficult opposition.

"This final will raise Stoke-on-Trent's profile not only nationally but internationally. It is a proud weekend for the city and I wish them every success."

Peter Bartlett, contracts director at Newcastle business JJ Cavanagh Construction, said: "Come on Stoke! The very best of luck from all at JJ Cavanagh Construction – and especially from me, your number one fan.

"My family and I have a long history of supporting Stoke, and try to attend every game. There were plenty of tears of joy when they went up into the Premier League and I have fond memories attending the nail-biting games prior to their promotion. When Stoke lift the FA Cup, it will be a dream come true."

IT worker Chris Phillips is expecting a tense final but he expects the Potters to lift the trophy after a nervy penalty shootout.

The 27-year-old, who lives in Leek Road, Milton, said: "I've been watching Stoke since around 1993. My favourite player is Jermaine Pennant and my favourite game was the 3-2 win against Villa. It was the first season in the Premier League and the first win. I think Stoke will win it today on penalties."

Chris Bradbury, of Tean, will be missing the game after leaving for his stag party yesterday.

The 27-year-old said: "The first thing on arriving in Spain is to source a bar with large television for the big game. I predict a hopeful 2-1 to Stoke with Shawcross and Walters the scorers. My favourite game has to be the semi-final against Bolton, the game was amazing and the atmosphere was incredible."

Dan Byrne, aged 22, from Biddulph, is predicting a 3-1 win for Stoke.

He said: "I've been watching Stoke since they were at the old

Victoria Ground. The first game I can remember is a match against

Crystal Palace when I left 10 minutes early and missed a goal.

"My

favourite game has be the Bolton game, I don't think many games can

beat that. My favourite players are Matty Etherington and Jermaine

Pennant."

Police officer Ryan Rowe, of Ash Bank Road, in

Bucknall, predicts Man City's huge transfer budget will be their

downfall against the Potters.

The 24-year-old said: "It'll be 2-1

to Stoke after extra time. Shawcross to score first and Kenwyne Jones

the aerial menace to nod home the winner because he's scored five in his

last six and I expect this to continue.

"I think the pressure to

succeed after such massive outlay in transfer funds will result in Man

City folding.

"Price tags and reputations count for nothing in an

FA Cup final and I see the most passionate supporters in football

making the telling difference in extra time."

Jeff Mountford,

aged 30, from Newcastle, said: "I think it will be a close match but

Stoke will just edge it 2-1.

"My first Stoke match was when I was

11. From then on I went on and off until I was around 19 when I began

going more regularly.

"There are several but it has to be the 5-0

demolition in the semi-final. My favourite player is Jermaine Pennant."

Pub landlord Paul Richardson is in the mood for a party when the

fans return tonight.

He runs the Dyers Arms in Leek, which is

sending eight coachloads to Wembley.

The 33-year-old said:

"There's been a brilliant atmosphere in the run-up to this game.

"I

really believe that Stoke will win the cup and we will be having a

party afterwards.

"I will be showing the game here and we will be

having extra TVs inside and out."

Adam Toothill, aged 29, of

Berry Hill, missed out on a ticket for the semi-final but has managed to

secure one for today. He said: "I think Stoke getting this far is

fantastic for the city and it is something I never thought I'd see in my

lifetime. I think they'll win 2-1."

Daniel Cliff, aged 25, who

lives in Sheffield but is from Kidsgrove, said: "I've been an avid

Stokie for 21 years now and attended my first match way back in 1990 at a

very cold and misty Victoria Ground.

"It's quite a pleasant

surprise and shock to the system how this season has panned out seeing

as though we had a very nervy start with those three defeats in a row.

"As the team has gelled and the new signings have bedded in we look a

very strong outfit now, especially at home.

"Obviously the

semi-final is still fresh in my mind and I have to say that was one of

the best, if not the best, Stoke performance I've ever seen and it was a

privilege to be there.

"As for the final, we have to take each

game as it comes. The lads will be focused, absolutely no doubt about

that. At the end of the day, it will be about who wants it more, and I'm

confident that it will be us. We're big game players. I'm going for a

2-1 Stoke win, with goals from Pennant and Jones."

Jane Shepherd,

director of Ashbourne-based Shepherd PR, said: "When we went to the

Autoglass final at the old Wembley, someone left a sign at the end of

the A500 saying: 'Will the last person out please remember to switch the

lights off.' It felt like the entire city was heading for the M6 on

that day.

"It will really hit home when that iconic arch at

Wembley comes into view. I cannot wait to get there.

"Tony Pulis,

the team and all behind the scenes at the club have really put the city

on the map."

Adam Ellis, aged 25, from Kidsgrove, said: "Now

that final day is upon us I'm very nervous about the match but also very

proud of the lads for what they have achieved.

"I'll be getting

down to Wembley early in the day and hopefully celebrating late into the

night.

"One of my favourite Stoke memories is the 2002 play-off

final at Cardiff when we became the first team to win in the south

dressing room after 12 others had tried and failed.

"The build up

to the final this week has really been quite something from online

campaigns to get Delilah to number one in the charts, to FA Cup cakes

being sold in shops."

Chris Allman, aged 26, who lives in Crawley

but is originally from Alsager, first saw Stoke play in the 1993-94

season against Millwall.

He said: "It's been a season which has

made the low points of the last 18 years supporting Stoke worth it.

"The

highlight has to be Walters' first goal in the semi-final, which is

when I knew we would definitely win the game.

"Whatever happens

in the final, the current team is going to be idolised for years to

come."

Anthony Shepherd, aged 28, who lives in Church Lawton,

said: "The Stoke shirt is not just a top I can put on and take off.

"After

more than 20 years of supporting Stoke I have never been prouder to be a

Potter.

"The echo of the Victoria Ground and Steino's goals

against Man Utd are two of my favourite memories to date.

"Football

might not be life or death, but it's a way of life for sure.

"Top

half of the Premier League, an FA Cup Final, European football and all

from a long throw in!"

James Williamson, a 25-year-old personal

trainer from Market Drayton, said: "The final is the biggest game in the

club's history. For all the money Man City have, I think we will show

them that you can't buy the cup. It all comes down to 90 minutes and

anything can happen on the day. I think we will just scrape it because

we play with no fear and we are on a really good run of results at the

minute. The highlight of this season was Tony Pulis turning up at

half-time against Aston Villa despite grieving the loss of his mother.

The man is a legend and deserves to be given the freedom of the city and

manager of the year."

Kim Fieldhouse, aged 17, who lives in

Clayton, said: "I'm a born and bred Stokie and I think we are going to

win 4-1. My highlight of the season so far was the semi-final against

Bolton. The build-up to the game and the adrenaline before kick-off was

amazing.

"Jermaine Pennant has been our best signing of the

season and Walters has also been a star.

"I'd love to see

Wilko get a Wembley goal because he really deserves one for all the work

he does, on and off the pitch."

Dave Sargeant, aged 55, has run a

sports shop in Cheadle's High Street for the last four years after

taking redundancy as a senior planner from Wedgwood after 23 years.

Mr

Sargeant, of Monk House, Cheadle, used to be a season ticket holder but

gave it up when he took over the shop.

His favourite memory was

going to Wembley for the 1972 League Cup Final as a young lad of 17. He

said: "I am hoping to slip home to watch the match if I can get some

staff in."

Dan Roe, aged 22, from Fenton, was returning to

Wembley today after also watching the FA Cup semi-final.

He said:

"The semi-final was the best game I have ever been to.

"I was

pretty satisfied with 1-0 but 5-0 was even better. I was really, really

happy that day.

"I just hope that they play like that again

today."

Charlotte Rawle, aged 11, of Prince George Street,

Cheadle, had been hoping to watch the match on the big screen at The

Britannia Stadium. She is swimming in a gala at Cannock tonight, which

was delayed to allow swimmers and their families to watch the match

live.

The Painsley Catholic College pupil said: "I am

disappointed that the club are not showing the match at the Brit. I

would have liked to have gone to Wembley, but couldn't because of the

gala. I think Stoke will win 2-0."

Emma Boswell, aged 26, from

Stoke, was born into a large family of Stoke City supporters.

She

said: "I'm so proud that our boys have got this far and I will be

cheering them on during the final.

"My best memories of Stoke

City are beating Bristol City at Wembley in the Autoglass final in 2000

and of course beating Bolton 5-0 in the semi-final.

"I'm proud to

be a Potter and I hope the boys bring the FA Cup home."

Jamie

Hood, aged 16, from Clayton, is a season ticket holder whose favourite

player is Kenwyne Jones.

He said: "He had a great start to the

season and then went downhill but as soon as everybody started to get

behind him he got his form back.

"He could become a hero at

Wembley and I hope he gets the winning goal so people who don't like him

can finally give him the praise he deserves."

Karen Mace, aged

32, from Cheadle, supports Manchester United, but will be cheering for

Stoke today.

She said: "Just because I'm not a Stoke City fan

doesn't mean I won't watch the match. I'll probably watch it at the

Master Potter pub.

"I wish the lads luck and hope they win

because they deserve it.

"It will be nice to see another team win

instead of a big-named team."

Kavanagh Hood, aged 10, from

Clayton, has met the Stoke team a number of times.

He said: "I

was brought up a Stoke fan. My mum and brother are both big fans.

"I

have met some of the players and have been a mascot before. I love

them.

"I have been really excited about going to Wembley. Stoke

are going to win."

Jenna Caddy-Pointon, aged 26, from Leek, went

to her first Stoke City game 22 years ago.

She said: "There is

something about Stoke City, we don't need millions of pounds to make us

work - we have got where we are with hard work.

"We can beat

Manchester City because we have got fighting spirit.

"It is a

shame about Etherington and Huth's injuries but I think we can still win

it. It will be 2-1 to us."

Former England goalkeeper David

Seaman, who was in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday, thinks Stoke City has what

it takes to win.

He said: "Stoke have a great chance of winning.

"They know exactly how to play and remind me of when I first joined

Arsenal.

"We had a good squad, we weren't brilliantly talented

but we knew how to play.

"If Stoke get it right they can be hard

to handle.

"I know a lot of the guys at Stoke, but I played at

Manchester City."

Dan Bowman, aged 25, from Smallthorne, went to

his first Stoke City match aged three weeks old.

He said: "My dad

took me to the Victoria Ground to see Stoke play Leeds in the old

Division 2.

"We were sat behind the goal and the ball was kicked

towards my dad. In order to catch the ball, he dropped me on the ground

and I landed in a puddle of beer.

"I was passed back to my dad,

who couldn't stop laughing, by a steward.

"Although I can't

remember it, I must have enjoyed it because I've been a fan ever since."

Alderman Bill Hughes, aged 80, of High Street, Silverdale, said: "I

actually played for Stoke as a part-time professional for four years

from 1948, under Bob McGrory, so obviously I'm delighted that they've

got to the FA Cup Final.

"For many years they have been

overlooked but now, to have done so well, they're clearly a force to be

reckoned with, and I think they will be favourites to win the cup. I'll

definitely be watching the match on television."

Kelvin Chell,

aged 54, of Bignall End, said: "I'm a Liverpool fan myself, but that

doesn't stop me recognising that it's a great achievement for Stoke City

to reach the final. I'll be backing them to beat Manchester City, and I

think everyone in the local area will be doing the same, or else

they're not real Stokies are they? They've just been getting better and

better over the last few seasons. Everyone thought they'd only last one

season in the Premiership, but they've proved them wrong. Tony Pulis has

done an amazing job, and the chairman has given him the money to

spend."

Mayor of Newcastle Ann Heames said: "My father, my

husband and my son are all Stoke City fans so I've had it all around me

all my life. Most of the male members of my family will be going down to

Wembley. I'll be watching the match between the engagements I have

today.

"I think it's absolutely wonderful that they've got to the

final this year. They have done really well."

Laura Janda, aged

32, of Stoke, said: "I'm not a Stoke fan myself, or even a football fan,

but like most people in the city I'll be hoping they win at Wembley.

"It will be really good for the city to have a successful football

team. They've already done so well to even get to the final."

Port

Vale chairman Bill Bratt said: "I really hope Stoke do it. It will be fantastic for the

city. I've spoken to the chairman Peter Coates and wished him well."