Dream comes true for Les

Photo: Darren Robinson

COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP FINAL... Manchester City kit manager Les Chapman, who lives in Delph, holds up the club’s special FA Cup final shirt.

MANCHESTER City kit manager Les Chapman thought he was destined to never reach a major Wembley cup final — until the takeover that stunned football in 2008.

Delph resident Les has been involved in football for more than 40 years with a number of clubs, including Athletic.

As time went by that coveted trip to the home of football looked more unlikely — but Les and City are off to Wembley to face Stoke in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

“The takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group three years ago was the turning point,” said Les.

“I have always wanted to get to a cup final with one of my clubs.

“Obviously I was there in 1999 with City for the play-off final against Gillingham, but in terms of major silverware, I have never come close.

“But the investment was made in 2008 and the face of the club changed. Money has been spent on some top quality players and the facilities.

“As soon as that started to take shape, I thought to myself ‘well, we have got to win something soon’, and on Saturday we have the chance to do just that.”

While the Blues secured their place in next season’s Champions League qualifying stage courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night, many supporters see the acquisition of silverware as a higher priority.

“Lifting the FA Cup would get the monkey off our back,” said Les.

“The fans have waited so long for something like this to come along. It is so important we finish the job, otherwise the semi-final win against United will be rendered meaningless.

“If we show the same appetite and desire as we did in that game, we have a great chance of getting our hands on some silverware.”

Friends and family are only too aware how much Saturday means to Les, and he has been inundated with good luck messages ever since Yaya Toure scored the winner against United to seal the final spot.

“I must admit some of the calls and texts have been from people asking for tickets,” said Les.

“It is amazing how popular I become in the build-up to big matches.

“But joking aside, a lot of people are talking about it. My family will be rooting for us this weekend.

“In 1999 my daughters and my mum came to the match.

“That won’t be possible this time but they have all said they will be watching the game on television.”

While there was no need for Les to help suit and boot the players this week — their new threads were sorted out at the start of the season — it has still been a busy old time for the kit department.

As well ensuring every last detail and garment requirement is seen to, City’s special one-off cup final shirts arrived in midweek, which ensured they had their hands full.

But now thoughts inevitably turn to matters on the pitch.

Les added: “We have a great chance but it will be a difficult match.

"It was good to see our captain, Carlos Tevez, back in the squad on Tuesday.

“His presence can give everyone a huge lift and, hopefully, inspire us to victory.”