Live blog: The countdown to Bradford City's Capital One Cup final - one day to go! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

7:12pm

7:11pm

4:05pm

4:05pm

4:04pm

4:04pm

Tom Victor and family have emailed from Christiansburg, Virginia, in the US.

"Our prayers and well wishes to the team and one and all there, from your friends here in Virginia, USA. We're so excited for you!

"They will prevail!"

2:27pm

2:26pm

2:26pm

2:25pm

2:15pm

Ursula Penning has emailed in this picture of City fans getting ready for Wembley by a statue of Sir Winston Churchill.

2:11pm

Chris Fenton in Australia has this message for Bradford City:

"I would just like to wish all my family and friends in Bradford travelling to London to watch the Bantams a very safe journey and I hope you all have a very special weekend.

"Be safe, be good and enjoy the moment. For every supporter, be it new, old, seasoned or glory, I hope Bradford City raise the trophy high on Sunday for you all.

"Faith has rewarded you with a trip to London, belief may now see your team walking up the steps of Wembley as cup winners.

"I hope the 56 fans, sadly no longer with us, are angels on the shoulders of giant killers.

"A special mention goes to my sister Nicola Parker who, like most others, has watched her beloved team through all the good AND all the bad.

"I wish I could be with her on Sunday just to see how happy seeing Bradford City walk out at a league cup final would make her.

"My heart will always be red and I'd love nothing more than hearing the City fans sing You'll Never Walk Alone but on Sunday for at least 90 mins I'll be 100% CITD.

"C'MON YOU BANTAMS!!!!!!! KNEES ARE GETTING TREMBLY!!!!!!"

From Christopher Fenton Australia

2:09pm

2:08pm

2:07pm

Bradford City's fairytale story has gone global.

Don and Maggie Nathan in Norris, Tennessee, in the USA, have just emailed this American news screen grab (a story which mentions the T&A live blog), saying: "American football is over, and you folks are making NATIONAL NEWS in the USA!

"What a FANTASTIC story.  We have contracted with our local pub to open early SUNDAY MORNING so we can cheer the on BRADFORD CITY!!! 

"We are headed out today to try to acquire the right colors for tomorrow's big game.

"The rich kids on the other side tie their laces up no differently than you.  

"YOU CAN DO IT BANTAMS!! TENNESSEE and the USA are pulling for you!!!"

11:38am

And here's a video of Phil Parkinson's men as they set off for Wembley yesterday!

11:38am

11:19am

11:18am

11:18am

Anthony Dignam has shared this photo of Jack, Amy, Harry and Ella Dignam from Baildon, ready for Wembley!

11:15am

Andy Newton, originally of Queensbury but now living in the Philippines, has dug out this picture of his first car when he   moved abroad in 1999.

"Even back then Bradford City were always in my thoughts.

"Notice the logos on the hood - or bonnet to you lot over the pond - and rear quarter fenders."

11:11am

Phil Jenkinson said: "A little over five years ago the family made the trip back over to Bradford from Sydney, Australia, and my two girls, Sarah and Emily, were mascots at the game against Luton Town. The T&A actually ran the story.

"Well, unfortunately due to circumstance we can't make the trip to Wembley but we will be watching the game live at 3am at home in Sydney with friends.

"Good luck to everyone concerned with the club - no doubt it will be tough holding back the tears and the emotion - wishing we were all there with you at Wembley.

"From everyone in Aussie - Good luck.

"Life-long City supporters Phil Jenkinson, Sarah, and Emily.

"Would love to get in touch with fellow Bantams' supporters in Sydney. Come on City!"

11:07am

Stephen Bradford sent in this picture: "My granson Coban Kondri... We're the famous Bradford City and we're off to Wembley!"

11:00am

After a few Bantam dogs, here's a Bradford City cat...!

Sheila Thompson emailed: "Here's a photo of our Sasha Thompson, who now lives in Evesham.

"Brought up in Bradford, born in Liverpool, she's our little hero."

10:56am

Sara has emailed in this picture of her mum getting ready to go into Bradford today. 

10:50am

10:46am

John Robertson emailed from Ohio, USA, saying: "Good Luck to Bradford City tomorrow.
"This is stuff of fairytales and let’s pray for a wonderful ending.
"Wish I could be there but will be following from home in Ohio, USA."

10:44am

Rita Scully has emailed in the early hours of this morning saying Dominic Scully, Graham Foster and Rod Anderson had just left to catch the 11pm flight from Toronto to London to watch Bradford City on Sunday.
"Graham has nephews at the game and Dominic has five great nephews he is hoping to see."

10:41am

10:38am

10:37am

10:37am

10:36am

8:34pm

That's it for the T&A live blog today. Tomorrow there will be just one, yes ONE, day to go until Bradford City walk out at Wembley.

Keep emailing your pictures to hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk or tweet @HannahP_TandA.

8:30pm

8:28pm

Arnold Thompson, 89, said: "I am looking forward to my second visit to Wembley with City, during my 78 years watching them.

"In a few weeks time I will be 90 years of age and what a birthday present the Capital One Cup would be for me...

"Got my ticket and ready to go... going with my son, daughter in law, grandson and granddaughter and five friends of my son. I am so excited!"

8:24pm

Chris Beaumont, a Bingley bantam in Australia, emailed: "Driving around Sydney with pride with my makeshift flag (towel!)

"Got a few good luck beeps. Gutted I can't be there but will be in spirit, never forget Wembley last time and this will be bigger!"

8:18pm

Matthew Emery, previously of Wyke, left Perth in western Australia last night for a 20 hour flight to London...  looking a bit tired!

8:09pm

8:09pm

8:08pm

7:53pm

7:53pm

Just had an email from Russ Hewitt, the only Bradford City supporter on HMS Northumberland in the middle of the Gulf.

"I will be watching BFPS hoping that City can go one step further and make even more history!

"COME ON THE LADS!!"

7:52pm

Gavin Dimmock's emailed in this picture, taken by a Leeds United supporter friend, who's been on a Wembley tour today.

Check out the preparation...

3:05pm

Staff at Mitton have held a dress-down day to raise money for the burns unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary.  

11:03am

10:56am

10:36am

10:35am

10:30am

10:29am

10:10am

10:10am

9:55am

9:55am

9:30am

Stuart Wright has sent in this picture of his two-year-old son Isaac in the car on our their way to nursery in Nelson, Lancashire this morning.

"He insisted on wearing his Super Bantams hat, the same hat I wore to the play-off final in 1996 - that’s his 'cheese' face by the way, he’s not being poked with a stick!

"He’s too young to be making the trip on Sunday but has the T&A sticker in his bedroom window and has been singing Wembley songs with me down the phone to his grandad Alan Wright in Wibsey.

"He’s a future Bantam in the making."

9:24am

Neil Kellett said: "All ready for Sunday! To walk up Wembley Way with my son in City colours to a major cup final is going to be priceless.

"Come on City, just one more great cup memory - the biggest of all."

9:21am

David Lightowler has emailed from Whitby, Canada.

"Here's my City Wall, educating my Canadian colleagues and
for once hockey taking a back seat!

"On my way Friday evening from Toronto Airport.

"From the days of Bobby Campbell, Wembley play-off final, Premiership and Relagations..

"Its just, what are the two words? 'Unbelieveable Jeff'.

"Bring on the kick off. Shout it out loud, shout it out proud - come on City, come on City... 56 always with us."

9:19am

Roman Migowski emailed to say he is sitting on the floor at terminal A21 in Philadelphia after flying up from Tampa, Florida.

"I arrive in London Friday morning - Sunday cannot come soon enough!"

9:15am

Stephen Baxter has emailed in a picture of his dad, Hilary Baxter, in his Bantams' shirt, holding a copy of the latest City Gent fanzine.

He said: "My Dad or H as he is known by has been supporting Bradford City for well over 50 years and introduced me to the beautiful game.

"However as you can see he is a far way from home having booked a once in a lifetime eight week trip to Austrailia and New Zealand some 18 months ago never dreaming that the Bantams would get to a major cup final.

"He is obviously gutted not to be able to go to Wembley and as we were leaving Villa Park he was pricing up flights from Oz and back again but at a cost of £7,500 and a costly divorce he decided against it!

"Anyhow the rest of the Baxters will be at Wembley in force to cheer the Mighty Bantams on!"

9:14am

There are now just TWO days to go and excitement is building...!

Keep emailing in your pictures to hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk and let us know about your preparations for Sunday's final!

6:06pm

That's it for today's live blog, but we'll be back tomorrow when there will be just TWO days to go until the Capital One Cup final.

Remember to pick up your copy of the Telegraph & Argus tomorrow for a free full-colour 56-page Capital One Cup final souvenir pull-out celebrating Bradford's biggest game for more than 100 years! 

6:00pm

5:50pm

Richard Beech has sent in this picture saying "Bradford City Supporters Club in the frozen Czech Republic.

"My flight and wembley tickets have arrived! Come on City!"

5:46pm

Staff at Bradford's Midland Hotel are getting in the spirit...

5:44pm

3:30pm

Angela Fenton has emailed, saying: "My daughter and son in law will be at Wembley supporting City as they have done for many years.

"Come on city do us proud and bring home the silverware, make history happen, we will be cheering you on from afar!

"From Angela, Peter, Maureen and Christine in Florida."

3:06pm

2:11pm

2:11pm

2:08pm

12:28pm

Christopher Binns, of East Morton, emailed this picture of his daughter's boyfriend Tom - an Argentinian in Buenos Aires - in his Bantams' shirt.

He said: "During the late 1990s our daughter Charlotte, as a pupil at what was then Gilstead Middle School Bingley became, along with us regular supporters at Bradford City thanks to a scheme run jointly between the school and the football club.

"Many years later during a gap year after university travelling around New Zealand, Charlotte met her boyfriend Tom, an Argentinean from Buenos Aires.

"She now lives in that fantastic vibrant and very clean city at the other side of the world.

"In September last year we had the pleasure of travelling down there to meet Tom and his parents for the first time. 

"The question arose as to what kind of gift would appeal to a football mad Argentinean.

"I hit on the idea of buying a Bradford City away shirt complete with his name on the back along with the number 5, the position he normally plays.

"It turned out my choice of gift was a complete success as Tom wears his Bradford City shirt with pride around Buenos Aires.

"To be honest he had never heard of Bradford let alone Bradford City - although he and his friends are avid Premier Division followers.

"Well they have heard of Bradford City now and they will be cheering on Bradford City from the other side of the World when they play Swansea at Wembley."

12:20pm

Ian Brewster has emailed about the Bradford City fire disaster in 1985.

"My brother Tony Brewster was there at Valley Parade on the day of the fire and on the Monday his picture, between the goalposts, was printed in the T&A as his 'sheepskin coat smouldered' and he protected a lady from the heat.

"Please post this as my brother is and has been a life-long Bantams and City Gent fan....

"My brother is is 60 years old and never has his support waned in all these years.

"He still doesn't talk about that day of the fire... ask the players to give my brother one of the greatest days of his life and win that cup so I can see him smile in a way no-one will ever know.... good luck City on Saturday."

12:12pm

12:12pm

12:11pm

Garyth Davis made a trip to Wembley on his way to Bantams' League 2 clash with Wimbledon on Saturday...!

11:05am

11:05am

11:04am

10:57am

Greg Colehan has just sent in this picture of Dan from Wibsey  in Tenerife - but he's coming back for the big day!

10:18am

Good morning!  There are now just THREE days to go until the Capital One Cup final and I've been deludged with emails and pictures from excited fans from all around the world!  Keep checking the live blog for updates and keep sending in your stories, views and pictures to hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk or @HannahP_TandA on Twitter. 

4:51pm

And that's it for the live blog today. We'll be back tomorrow, so keep emailing in your pictures, news and views to hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk or tweeting @HannahP_TandA.

4:49pm

Chris Tomkins has tweeted this picture of his Bantam dog...!

4:47pm

4:45pm

4:43pm

Kieran Thompson has just tweeted this picture of Richard Thompson with his Wembley shirt.

4:40pm

Paul and Mark Everett from Eccleshill have sent in this picture of their 'Big Jim Hanson - he used to work at the Co-op' flag, which will be travelling with them to Wembley!

4:37pm

Rarely-seen footage of Bradford City’s 1911 FA Cup victory against Newcastle has been released by Yorkshire Firm Archive as it backs Bantams’ bid to lift the Capital One Cup on Sunday.

One four-minute clip showing the first match, a goalless draw at Crystal Palace’s London ground on April 22 1911, was donated to the York-based archive by a private individual.

And a two-minute video, acquired from the Imperial War Museum, shows scenes from the replay at Manchester United’s then recently-opened ground at Old Trafford - including the reaction of City players after Jimmy Speirs’ 15th minute headed winner, which secured the historic victory in front of a 58,000-strong crowd on April 26, 1911.

Click here to send a video card of the footage

1:49pm

Here's an email from Carley Longbottom, who said: "After seeing all the people in the paper during the week who have travelled over to see Bradford at Wembley I wanted to let you know of my cousin who lives in Port Headland, Western Australia, who arrived in Bradford yesterday for the game.

"My cousin Michael Dziombak appeared in the T&A when they left for Australia on 23rd August 1997 in the then pink sports paper, when they appeared on the pitch and received signed footballs."

1:43pm

Damien Wilkinson has just tweeted a picture of this poster from when Bradford City were last at Wembley in 1996 saying: "Trip down memory lane and some fabulous memories!"

1:38pm

Just received an email from Phil Woodford, a life-long Bradford City fan, born in Fagley, who moved to Canada with his family when he was 11 in 1957.

"I have fond memories of Valley Parade and going to to the games with my friend, Mick Brannen. My City hero in those days was Bobby Webb who, to me, was the Stanley Mathews/ Paul Gascoigne of his day.

"I get emotional just thinking of what City have accomplished this season.

"Thanks to my cousin's boys I'll be at Wembley on Sunday.

"This certainly is a big bucket list item stroked-off."

1:37pm

1:32pm

Toby Kinder, a South Londoner who will be in Bradford this weekend, has emailed asking where he should watch the Capital One Cup final. Does anyone have any suggestions?

11:11am

Chris Tompkins in counting down to Wembley.

He's just tweeted this picture, saying: "Not long now. Making the journey from the Isle of Man on Saturday morning."

11:09am

Andy Ross in Sydney is packing for his trip to Wembley.

He said: "Expect it's a little colder than Sydney!"

10:56am

10:50am

Dave Wood, a life-long Bantams fan who now lives in Birmingham, has just emailed saying: "Attended both legs against Villa so imagine the crack I've had with loads of Villa mates.

"Now taking my son, Sam - a Villa fan - to Wembley and just can't wait!"

10:48am

10:48am

10:14am

10:12am

10:04am

The Co-operative giant shirt, seen here under James Hanson, Zavon Hines and a, err, banana, is back at the Kirkgate Centre today between 11am and 1.30pm.  It will be one of the last chances to sign it before it's handed over to Friends of Bradford City to take down to Wembley tonight!

9:47am

9:46am

Here's Steve Coulter of Oakenshaw and his son Owen getting ready for their trip to Wembley.

"Can't get any more excited," he said.

9:43am

She's also shared this picture of dog Ellie, a Bantam of 12 years!

9:39am

Natalie Blott, a teacher at Horton Grange Primary School, has emailed in these pictures of its Bradford City day at the end of term.

8:57am

8:22am

It's been revealed Bradford City will pay tribute to the fans who lost their lives in the Valley Parade fire disaster by wearing specially-made tracksuit tops with the number 56 and the words 'Always With Us' embroidered on the front at Wembley this weekend.

What do you think? Email your views to hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk. 

8:05am

Neil Hellewell has sent in this photograph of his 27-year-old daughter Sarah, taken earlier today, flying the flag for the Bantams in Sydney, Australia.

Sarah, originally from Steeton, has lived in Sydney for the last three years and, although she can't be at Wembley on Sunday, will be getting up at 3am on Monday morning to watch the match with her partner Michael - an Arsenal supporter!

Her dad, who will be watching the game against Swansea at Wembley, said: "Sarah is a Bradford City supporter by default having grown up with a Bantams-mad father and brother and was at Wembley aged ten the last time City were there in 1996."

Her mum Sue Hellewell, brother and sister-in-law Mark and Sally Hellewell and uncle Ian Hellewell will all be at Wembley on Sunday.

7:55am

In today's T&A we have another double page spread on the build up to the Capital One Cup final including a Bradford geography teacher who has vowed not to let his Wembley ticket out of his sight as he travels around India, a Bradford security firm offering free seats on its coaches to London, the claret and amber tranformation of the Sir Titus Salt statue in Saltaire and The Corrigan Brothers' transformation into the Carl McHugh Brothers...

7:39am

Here's a video from Bradford City's media day yesterday...

7:30am

Just received this email from 'exiled City fanatic' Paul Robinson, who is at home packing for his flight from Sydney to Leeds Bradford Airport tomorrow.

He said: "So excited about going to watch City down at Wembley. It still hasn't sunk in that we are going to be in a major cup final.

"Looking forward to the drive down the M1 on the day seeing all the cars on the motorway decked out in claret and amber flags and scarves just like in '96 when we were last at Wembley.

"Come on City, you can do it!"

7:28am

7:26am

Good morning! There are now just four days to go until the Capital One Cup final and every day this week the T&A will be running a live blog counting down to Wembley.

Are you doing anything special to mark it? How are you feeling - nervous, excited? Keep sending in your news, views and pictures to hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk or tweeting @HannahP_TandA.

3:59pm

3:58pm

That is the end of today's live blog - thanks to everyone who's contributed. We'll be back up and running again tomorrow morning, so keep sending in your news, views and pictures!

3:35pm

Stuart Law has just tweeted, saying: "Still having to pinch myself to believe what we have achieved. So proud and can't wait for the day out at Wembley."

3:31pm

Paul Wormwell, of The Card Corner in Wibsey, sent in this picture of the Bantams' supporter in their window...!

Are you a business bedecked in claret and amber? Get in touch!

2:38pm

2:10pm

Can anyone help Mark Broscombe choose which of these retro Bradford City shirts to wear on Sunday?

He said: "I'm thinking maybe I'll go with the 1996 play-off winning shirt, even if it is a little tight around the gut!"

1:35pm

Ash Williams has just emailed in this picture of him flying the Bradford City flag on holiday in Magaluf!

1:06pm

Here are a few of the Bradford City flags that will be making their way down to Wembley on Sunday...

1:02pm

This email from David Wanless made me laugh...

"Hope this is on Mark Lawn's shopping list come Monday morning!"

1:00pm

Gavin Dimmock, who emailed in a picture of his Bradford City/New York City tattoo earlier, has just tweeted to say his daughter Bethany Amber Dimmock has just had a second ink session on her tattoo - which includes Bantams references and the date of her first match.

12:01pm

Just had a tweet from a Welsh Bantam...

Trevor Pickersgill left Yorkshire in 1986 and has lived in Cardiff ever since.

He said: "Watched City since 1979 lots of Cardiff city fans on our side!"

11:46am

Kramers Designs and Signs Ltd has given its van a claret and amber makeover in tribute to Bradford City...!

11:30am

11:28am

A highlight from yesterday's live blog...

Jason Knight emailed in this picture of his T&A 'City @ Wembley' car sticker in his car in Christchurch, New Zealand.

He said: "My gran back in Bradford sent me a City car sticker and I could not be more pleased to fly the flag for the boys going to Wembley from here in New Zealand!

"I will be getting up early, at 4am on February 25 NZ time, to watch the game live."

11:10am

11:10am

11:10am

Here's two-year-old William Everett with his first-ever Bradford City flag, posing outside the club shop.

11:01am

Here's another Bradford City tattoo belonging to Gavin Dimmock...

He said: "This is my tribute to the two cities I love, Bradford City and NYC."

10:54am

Incase anyone was wondering what Bantam Monkey has on the back of his outfit...

10:52am

10:52am

10:25am

Jonny Metcalfe has just texted in this picture of his new Bradford City tattoo.  Any more out there?

10:07am

Richard Barstow, who's flown over from Australia, is soaking up as much sport as possible during his trip.

He said: "Arrived last Saturday and went straight to the AFC Wimbledon game.
"I plan to go to watch local lads Melbourne Storm on Friday night versus Leeds Rhinos, on Saturday I'm heading to watch Halifax Town play at home, on Sunday it's the cup final, then I'm back to Bradford for the Dagenham game Wednesday night!"

10:00am

The 1991 programme and ticket has  brought back memories from Alex Browne.

He tweeted: "That Swansea match in '91 was one of my earliest games.. we lost 6-4 and I remember it broke the scoreboard!"

9:31am

Ben Waring has tweeted this bit of Bradford City nostalgia from when the Bantams played Swansea in 1991...

9:25am

9:25am

9:23am

Someone else who is ready for the final is... errr...  Bantam Monkey...

@bantammonkey has just tweeted: "The Chimp has got his shirt ready for Wembley!"

9:16am

And here's little Lucina in her Bantams' gear...!

9:14am

More cuteness...!

Paul Jarvis has emailed in these pictures of his nine month old daughter Lucina looking after his tickets for Sunday.

9:10am

Mark Billington from Russell in the bay islands of New Zealand has just emailed this: 

"I can't get back for this game but have at least ten family members going to Wembley!

"I've supported City since I was a child and watched them get promoted from the 4th division back in '82... they played Cliff Richard that day at Valley Parade!

"I'm so very proud to come from the city, I never shy away from saying where I was born and raised.

"I'm absolutely certain we'll win, I feel it's our destiny - we deserve it - it doesn't need spelling out, but as a city we all know why we deserve it.

"Come on City, fight your hardest and bring that cup back - then conquer Europe...!"

"I'll be watching on Sky TV from 4.30am over here - please God no power cuts we've had six so far this year...!"

8:24am

8:12am

8:11am

Andrew Redmile has emailed in this picture, saying: "Gutted I'm missing the final but flying the flag in Thailand.

"All the English here are rooting for Bradford."

8:04am

8:02am

@andyt1979 on Twitter has tweeted this picture of his ten-day-old daughter Faye in her Bradford City gear. How cute?!

"Here's a picture of my 10-day-old baby daughter Faye in her Wembley outfit ready to cheer on the boys!"

7:52am

Supporter of 50 years Andrew Newton, originally of Queensbury, but now in the Philippines, has emailed to say he hopes he'll be able to watch the final online:

"Go BCFC, we will be rooting for you!" 

7:46am

7:45am

Welcome to the T&A live blog counting down to Bradford City's Capital One Cup final against Swansea.

There are now FIVE days to go and we want to know what you're doing as you prepare for the road to Wembley.

Send us your pictures, videos, news and views by emailing hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk, tweeting @HannahP_TandA or calling the newsroom on 01274 705295.