Tranmere Rovers
Wembley Dreams
Rovers Crest
By David Sindall
November 13 2026
There is still a chance of two visits to Wembley. We could make the play off final, and there is still what was the Leyland Daf trophy, but has now become, well, who knows? Mike’s back street motors is it? Something like that. Yet the dream of Wembley is still alive.
There was a time when going to Wembley for Rovers was nothing special. Play off finals, Cup finals, it was just a recurrence most seasons. We will clearly not be getting there in the FA Cup Final, or the League Cup final. Just two possibilities now.
My first experience of Rovers at Wembley was the Football League Centenary tournament. Rover qualified by having more players called Johnny in the team. Well, maybe not that, but there was a random mini-League whereby Rovers scraped through as one of the 4th division teams included. On a misty morning in April 1988 we played Wimbledon. They were a top division team at the time, the crazy gang complete with Vinny Jones. We beat them 1-0 and went on to reach the semi final where Brian Clough’s Forest, the later winners, beat us. Ah, but we had the taste.
What followed were Leyland Daf Finals, Play off final-Finals, League Cup Finals and much more. Prenton Park South. Our last appearance was against Sunderland in 2021. That was a game played behind closed doors during COVID. If we get back to Wembley this season it will mark the end of a 7 year absence. It would be nice to reacquaint ourselves with the stadium.
And if not? Well, there will be other occasions, other possibilities. The thing is that appearing at Wembley marks you down as something more than an also ran. A day in the sun, the spotlight for once on the positive. Given how much negativity there has been in recent years, it would be nice to celebrate at the home of football. Fingers crossed, we will be back soon.
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13/11/2026 19:38
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I am not sure Reading have done it either. The last promotion they got was Steve Coppull getting 108 points in the championship.
Then I ate his Liver.......... with some baked beans and a can of coke.
Quote:bet your thinkin accringtongreasbyrover
Just wondering if any teams from the current EFL or PL have never played at Wembley. I can only think of one.
Other than the the covid summer game, I have been to all our Wembley visits, but I have to admit, that I do not feel, the 'Wembley Dream' thing. It is probably an age thing, for I enjoyed our visits to the Old Wembley, but I find no charm in the new Wembley which is characterless in the extreme and seems designed only to extract as much money as possible out of hostaged supporters. It feels like a trip to the worst sort of giant retail complex. A tacky con job
Of course the prospect of a trophy win or promotion is exciting but I would rather be watching the game at Prenton Park or even that of the opponents. I am certain that there would be more atmosphere in a packed stadium, than a half full Wembley
v Leicester in the Worthington Cup Final (Ned’s goal).
v Bristol Rovers in the Leyland Daf Trophy
v Notts County in the play off final
Not sure what others think?
Quote:DevonExile
Have Colchester played at Wembley.
Other than the the covid summer game, I have been to all our Wembley visits, but I have to admit, that I do not feel, the 'Wembley Dream' thing. It is probably an age thing, for I enjoyed our visits to the Old Wembley, but I find no charm in the new Wembley which is characterless in the extreme and seems designed only to extract as much money as possible out of hostaged supporters. It feels like a trip to the worst sort of giant retail complex. A tacky con job
Of course the prospect of a trophy win or promotion is exciting but I would rather be watching the game at Prenton Park or even that of the opponents. I am certain that there would be more atmosphere in a packed stadium, than a half full Wembley
yes, i am sure that Colchester got to Wembley in an FA Trophy final back in the early 90's when they had been relegated from the old 4th Division....
I know that Chester are no longer a league club but i don't think they have ever played at Wembley.
This is Colchester at Wembley in 1992. Against Witton Albion, the second club from Northwich Cheshire. The first goal is scored by Mike Masters and was the first ever goal at Wembley by an American.
