You’ll match our heroics of 1969

Wing wizard Don Rogers, hero of the 1969 League Cup final win over Arsenal, is backing Paolo Di Canio’s team to triumph at Wembley on Sunday Wing wizard Don Rogers, hero of the 1969 League Cup final win over Arsenal, is backing Paolo Di Canio’s team to triumph at Wembley on Sunday

TOWN legends have drawn parallels between the 1969 double-winning team and Paolo Di Canio’s current crop as they look forward to this weekend’s Wembley date.

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against Chesterfield this Sunday will be the first Wembley cup final for the club since the famous 3-1 win against Arsenal.

That team, which included John Trollope and Don Rogers, also went on to win the old third division that season and a league and cup double is on the cards for the Reds this season too, with Town lying seven points clear at the top of League Two.

Rogers, whose two injury-time goals sunk the Gunners in ’69, said he was looking forward to returning to Wembley.

He said: “We are probably just about favourites this time. Last time against Arsenal we were underdogs and that’s probably better sometimes.

“It doesn’t matter who you are at Wembley as anyone can win on the day.

“I’ve watched most of the home games this season and we’ve just been the better team.

“It’s great this week for the pros. They will want to win but if not they’ve still got the league. It’s very similar to ’69.

“We did not feel the pressure – there is no pressure going to Wembley and it will be a great day out for the players.”

Stalwart defender Trollope, who played 889 times for Town, said Di Canio shared certain qualities with ’60s manager Danny Williams.

He said: “To get to Wembley is a great achievement and really they are doing a very similar thing to what we did. Hopefully they will do the double.

“I think Paolo has given them the spirit and you can see his passion on the touchline. He also works them very hard.

“When we played against Arsenal they had the internationals and we were thinking if they hit form they should beat us.

“But we were a fit bunch and that was one of Danny’s things.

“It’s also the emotional side of it because the occassion can be a drain. I can certainly see the parallels between the two sides.

“This current team has a great spirit and I would fancy them to win at Wembley.”

Comments(6)

ICDeadpeople says...
8:41am Thu 22 Mar 12

We didn't win the league during the 1968/69 season, we were runners up.
.
Get a grip please.

southside7 says...
9:01am Thu 22 Mar 12

Please, please, this Sunday cannot be mentioned in the same breath as 1969. Sir Don, we still worship you.

Billy Jo says...
10:03am Thu 22 Mar 12

To compare this Sundays match with the league cup of 1969 is ridiculous.
Back then the League Cup was a triumph against decent top teams. The JPT is a trophy for those in the lower leagues.
Those who would have no realistic chance of winning a decent trophy.

SockPuppet says...
4:05pm Thu 22 Mar 12

"Johnstone’s Paint Trophy" sounds classy

zznewyork says...
3:03am Fri 23 Mar 12

Billy Jo wrote:
To compare this Sundays match with the league cup of 1969 is ridiculous. Back then the League Cup was a triumph against decent top teams. The JPT is a trophy for those in the lower leagues. Those who would have no realistic chance of winning a decent trophy.
I think its you who is ridiculous,how dare you have issues with Don,he won us the cup and keeps a leval head,a true legend.His comparison is that the people of swindon will have a great day at wembley,you i think would argue with yourself in a phone booth, btw they did do the double promotion and the cup.

zznewyork says...
3:14am Fri 23 Mar 12

Does,nt the Don look great? he could could be a real member of our pension mafia, he has over a dozen years on Hoddle,but looks in much better shape,me however would make hoddle look skinny

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