JPT-TODAY THE SECOND COAT

One step from Wembley and the Cod Army take on the Tykes, tonight at 7.45. What a reward for one of these Division One teams, who have spent the past few months in mediocrity, now suddenly they have that famous venue beckoning. It's a dream come true for the players and of course, for their backroom staff, sponsors and most importantly fans! The JPT competition suddenly becomes a worthwhile tournament, when the final is so close and you can almost smell the Wembley turf.

Barnsley are 12th in the division having made a remarkable comeback in the past weeks, so much so that Lee Johnson has been nominated as Manager of the Month. The Tykes have played 28, won 12 and drawn 3, clawing their way from the edge of relegation.

Barnsley have previously been to Wembley for the 1999-00 play off, losing to Ipswich, in what was the last play off before the redevelopment of the national stadium. They then were promoted in 2005-6 to the Premier League defeating Swansea at the Millenium Stadium and in 2008 lost an FA Cup semi-final, after a momentous run beating Liverpool and Chelsea on the way, to Cardiff 0-1 at Wembley. The badge shows a collier and a glass blower.

Fleetwood are less secure with 27 played and 7 wins and 7 draws, lurking 21st in the division, with a threat of dropping down the Division Two. This extra match will not be a distraction though!

Fleetwood have home advantage at Highbury Stadium and Barnsley travel to the north west coastline with a 1-1 draw behind them from the first leg, so no advantage really. I saw the first match and it was average!

The stadium shows signs of much investment and the club has bought a large hotel in Blackpool, for its youth team to "lodge in" and have spent £6m on their new training facilities at Poolfoot Farm where there are 18 training pitches.

Fleetwood club has been to Wembley twice before; 1985 in the FA Vase and then in 2014 in the League Two play off which they won 1-0 over Burton Albion, which sent them to League One.
In 2011-12 the club sold Jamie Vardy to Leicester for £1.7 million (a record non-league sale) after he had helped the club win the Conference and rise to the Football League.

The winners will meet Oxford United, who have had a brilliant cup season so far, at Wembley, on April 3rd. Can't wait.
http://baileyfootballblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/fleetwood-needed-mak-as-play-off.html