CROWD SWELLS WITH THE SMELL OF PAINT

There is much excitement this weekend amongst the Robins and the Saddlers who compete in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley in front of an estimated crowd of 70,000 at least. Originally known as the Associate Members Cup when first played for in 1983-4, this trophy is for League 1 and 2 teams. This involves 48 “other League teams” who may not venture far in the FA Cup and are given something to occupy their winter midweek evenings. better than decorating then?

At some point Conference teams were invited to join in, as the matches were regionalised up to the final. In this year's area semis Walsall (the Saddlers, named after the local manufacturing industry) who have never been to major cup final in 127 years beat Preston 2-0 over two legs and Bristol City (the Robins) in the south, conquered Gillingham 5-3. The Saddlers hope to bring 30,000 to the final and The Robins 40,000!

When it has not been played at Wembley, once when the pitch had been damaged by the Horse of the Year show in the 1980s, the final was played at Hull and then when Wembley was being rebuilt, they all migrated to the Millennium. The largest attendance has been 80,841 when Wolves played Burnley. Maybe this year that will be beaten?

In 1992 the competition was called the Football League trophy and it has had other sponsors such as Freight Rover, Sherpa Vans, Leyland DAF, Autoglass, Auto Windscreens and LDV Vans. It became JPs baby in 2006.

If you think this little affair is just for the minnows, be reminded that Stoke in 1999-00, Swansea in 2005-6 and Southampton 2009-10 have been recent winners.

Walsall's badge includes a swift which is in memory of Walsall Town Swift FC one of the original teams to form the club in 1888. Walsall became a founder member of the original Division Two in 1892. The capacity at the Bescot Stadium is 11,300! although for sponsorship purposes it is known as the Banks' Stadium, which was opened by Sir Stanley Matthews.

Bristol City originally formed from Bristol South End club in 1894 and joined the Southern League as they went professional in 1897, the club then became FLeague members in 1901. Ground capacity at Ashton Gate at the moment is under 14,000 but they are upgrading to 27,000 by 2016. Maybe the Wembley money will help! Both will need a lick of paint.