Huddersfield trip sparks memories of Wembley 1994

Saturday's trip to Huddersfield Town in the Championship will no doubt stir memories of Swansea City’s first ever Wembley success, in the Autoglass Trophy final 30 years ago.

Frank Burrows’ Swans beat the Terriers 3-1 on penalties at the old Wembley Stadium after the game had finished 1-1 in extra time. Huddersfield were managed at the time by Neil Warnock.

The 30th anniversary was celebrated by the club during the recent 1-0 defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers, with players donning a retro kit reminiscent of the one worn in 1994.

John Cornforth, who captained that team, was one of the former players presented to the crowd before the QPR game.

“It's much appreciated what the club has done, it's been 30 years,” Cornforth told BBC Radio Wales Sport.

“I was the first captain to lead the Swans out at Wembley, scored a goal [in the penalty shootout], won man of the match and lifted the trophy, it's what dreams are made of.

“I've always said it's the forgotten team, when you look at when they got in the Premier League, they've done ever so well. You also look at the stadium now compared to what we used to play at, the Vetch.

“I was very proud to captain that side. I was very passionate and proud to pull on the Swansea shirt."

But Cornforth’s overriding memory of that April afternoon is what happened after the match.

“Leaving Membury services in my boxer shorts," he added.

“Swansea didn't have much money in those days, so we had to stop off at the services with the fans and I lost my shirt, my shoes, my trousers and my tie and I had to walk back on the bus in my boxer shorts.

“Thankfully there was no camera phones around in those days”.