Wembley Play-Off Final preview

Written by Admin

Home News Archive

Wembley Play-Off Final preview

While many eyes in the football world are on the Champions League Final in Munich, the stage is set in London for arguably the biggest prize in world football - promotion to the Premier League. SoccerBible dropped by to see how the Football League have prepared Wembley Stadium for the big game.

The npower Championship Play-Off Final pits West Ham United against Blackpool at one of the world s most iconic football arenas. At 3pm on Saturday May 19, the two sides will compete for a £90 million membership of the Premier League and a procession of great games next season.

Both sides are seeking an immediate return to the top flight after being relegated last term. West Ham, under the stewardship of Big Sam Allardyce, finished third in the npower Championship and comfortably beat Cardiff City 5-0 on aggregate in the Play-Off Semi-Final to secure their place in the Final. It is The Hammers' first visit to Wembley since 1981.

The West Ham kit man showed SoccerBible Ricardo Vaz Te's adidas F50 boots undergoing some pre-match preparation of their own. The boots were mounted on a mean-looking device called a boot stretcher. It s used to loosen up boots if they are new, or to suit a player's preference.

Fifth-placed Blackpool edged out Birmingham City 2-3 in the Semi-Final. And although according to bookmakers, the Tangerine Army are the underdogs, you can bet manager Ian Holloway will have his troops fired up and confident come kick-off.

A TV audience of 200 million people will have access to coverage of the game worldwide as the game is screened live in 95 countries by 37 different broadcasters. Football League title sponsors npower have run a competition and winning fans from both teams will see their own faces plastered on huge banners on the side of Wembley Stadium as they arrive at the ground.

For a chance to win exclusive npower Football League prizes, visit - www.npower.com/fanpower - And let us know who you'll be supporting for the play-off final to reach the Premier League? Share your opinions online.

Author

Admin

Performance Football Apparel

Umbro Launch West Ham 20/21 Away Shirt

Inspired by the Club’s golden period in the 1960s, Umbro launch the West Ham 20/21 commemorative 125th anniversary away shirt, which features a modern twist on the strip worn by all-time greats Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.

Performance Football Apparel

Umbro Launch West Ham 2018/19 Home & Away Shirts

West Ham United honour the lifelong loyalty shown by their fans for the launch of the Umbro 2018/19 home and away kits. The "I’m Forever campaign" involves a group of iconic players, past and present, who have all remained attached to the Hammers.

Performance Football Apparel

Umbro Release West Ham 22/23 Home Shirt

Unveiled under the declaration that it is made for massive moments, Umbro has launched the West Ham United 22/23 home shirt, which takes inspiration from the iconic design worn by Billy Bonds’ promotion-winning team of 30 years ago.

Performance Football Apparel

West Ham Reveal 24/25 Home Shirt From Umbro

Gearing up for a new era under the watchful eye of Julien Lopetegui, West Ham have revealed their new home shirt for the 24/25 season from Umbro, which has a design inspired by the club’s 1960s golden era.

Guvna B Talks West Ham, Di Canio, & The Look Of Success

MOBO-award winning rapper, author and broadcaster, there isn’t a lot that Isaac Borquaye – AKA Guvna B – has turned his hand to that he hasn’t found success with. But there’s a certain success that he craves yet has no power over – that of his beloved West Ham United.

Design Photography

Framed #138 | Man City WFC v West Ham WFC

There’s no doubt about the impressive growth of the women’s game in recent years, and it was typified in the FA Cup final, which saw Manchester City taking on underdogs West Ham in front of a huge crowd at Wembley Stadium. Lapping up the atmosphere on the bank holiday weekend, we took our seats for the match, which was the latest in our ‘Framed’ series.

Performance Football Apparel

West Ham 2017/18 3rd Kit by Umbro

September offers a fresh beginning for West Ham United and as the month kicks off, the club's third by Umbro kit provides just the right amount of style to land them higher up the table where 17/18 football kits are concerned.

Performance Football Apparel

Umbro Launch West Ham United 22/23 Third Shirt

Inspired by the Club’s roots deep in the heart of London’s East End at Thames Ironworks, West Ham United have unveiled their new third shirt for the 22/23 season from Umbro.