Yayas goal at the final combined with the immediate time right up till the final whistle blew, then for about half an hour after that till I finally calmed down a little. For all the corkers we've had this season, the semi final, De Jongs goal, some high scoring matches, nothing, and I mean even '99, came close to how I felt in that time. When Yaya nearly tore the net off and we all went completely mental, utter anarchy, then I was stood with my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath, then the horrible realisation that we still had time in the match left, then feeling rather sick, then just sheer unrivalled celebration when we all knew it was over. I couldn't scream any more no matter how hard I tried, I picked up someone and started jumping up and down, everyone was hugging everyone else, some were crying, some were still cheering like the goal had just gone in.
If Gillingham in '99 galvanised you as a City fan, knowing that no matter how shit City could make you feel they would come through in the end and make you feel on top of the world, then the FA Cup was that and more. Sure it wasn't preceded by a relegation, but 35 years is a long time relegation or not, and to see us lift that trophy will remain with me forever.
If Gillingham in '99 galvanised you as a City fan, knowing that no matter how shit City could make you feel they would come through in the end and make you feel on top of the world, then the FA Cup was that and more. Sure it wasn't preceded by a relegation, but 35 years is a long time relegation or not, and to see us lift that trophy will remain with me forever.