Sponsored by
FA Cup arrives in Barnsley - SLIDESHOW
BARNSLEY fans may be dreaming of the team lifting the FA Cup - but one supporter has already had his hands on the world-famous trophy.
And Tony Todd reckons it's an omen.
The diehard Reds fan had the FA Cup in his Barnsley home and says her fervently believes that the next time he sees the trophy it will be decked out in red ribbons.
Tony, aged 57, was the lucky winner of a Star competition which meant the silver trophy, accompanied by security staff who guard it at all times, was at his home in Newtown Avenue in Royston.
The former miner has health problems and is unable to make the trip to Wembley on Sunday April 6 for the semi-final clash against Cardiff.
"It's just been fabulous, amazing. I am ecstatic," said Tony - as he invited relatives to share his precious hour with the trophy proudly on display in his sitting room.
Tony, who says his entire family are "Barnsley fans through and through" said as he entered The Star competition he had been looking at an old Wembley board game he owns, dating back to the 1950s which shows two teams contesting the final on the lid - one in red and one in blue.
"I said to my wife Barbara that I thought it was an omen and that Barnsley would play Portsmouth in the final," he said.
"She said 'if it's an omen maybe you will win the competition and get to have the cup here in our house'. I hoped it was but when I got the phone call to say I had won I was just completely overwhelmed and over the moon.
"It was meant to be and I'm convinced the cup being here in my room in Barnsley is a sign. Barnsley are going to win the FA Cup and the next time I see the cup it will have the red ribbons on Barnsley tied on it.
"I can't thank The Star enough, this has been an incredible experience and more than makes up for me not being able to go to Wembley because of my ill health.
"I mean how many people can say they have had the FA Cup in their house. It is the most famous football trophy in the world and it's been here, in my house, it's just fantastic.
The Star staged the competition with National Express, official partners of the FA Cup who brought the trophy to Barnsley by coach.
• The Star has chartered a fleet of coaches to take fans to the game and also organised special overnight packages. Visit www.starreaderholidays.co.uk or call 0114 252 1299/1235.
Click on the green icon above to see our slideshow of the FA Cup in Barnsley.
READ MORE
Hear Barnsley's semi-final song - AUDIO
My wife approved my girlfriend from beyond the grave.
Martin Dawes's restaurant reviews.
Your letters.
Latest sport.
Main news index.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
