Tomorrow is my revenge for 1971

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

I remember that season, I had a season ticket in the Canton Stand, hope we can put the record straight.

I'll never forget it either,travelled home on a Cyril Evans bus to Abertridwr[original Ant Hill Mob] no one spoke everyone just numb please God we can get a result tomorrow,some have been waiting so long for this.People can do and say what they want but if we do it this year i'll be proud as f**k.

Can remember not going to school to go to Sheffield what a hammering on and off the pitch.

I was at that game.

We totally dominated but just could not score. Then Watford scored in the last 10 minutes, in front of the Grange End, across that fell nicely for one of their players waiting at the far post. He could not miss from 3 yards.

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

Remember it well, they at the bottom of the league, seem to remember they had walker in goals, went to be manager of Norwich father of the Spurs goalie, played blinder, so yes lets put this to bed tomorrow

Remember it well. Is it really over forty years ago?

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

I went to my first ever city game that season, i went with my older brother (i was 12) to the game against millwall, we should have gone up that season, maybe tomorrow it will be pay back time.

Gil Reece played for Sheffield United in that 5-1 game at Bramall Lane. A few years later he signed for the City. After he retired, Gil worked as a plumber, with his brother Les. They used to call into Sharpe & Fisher, in the West Dock, where I was working. Gil was a nice bloke, but sadly died fairly young. May he RIP.

I also remember that day. Sat around a transistor radio in Heol Llanishen Fach park (field!!). A LONG walk home.

Since that day the light at the end of the tunnel has frequently been turned off.

Wake me up in July, according to my doctor I can't do this again.

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

Top story, lets hope theres some 13 year old watford fan with the same story to tell in 40 years after they loose tomorrow and fail in the play offs

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

I remember that season, I had a season ticket in the Canton Stand, hope we can put the record straight.

You sure you was watching in the canton stand

Tomorrow? Errm today

Aww shit I forgot.

Where am I going..

Me too. I was there

Gil Reece played for Sheffield United in that 5-1 game at Bramall Lane. A few years later he signed for the City. After he retired, Gil worked as a plumber, with his brother Les. They used to call into Sharpe & Fisher, in the West Dock, where I was working. Gil was a nice bloke, but sadly died fairly young. May he RIP.

Yes great guy and a great player, I played against him a couple times, as he ended up playing for one of the Grange town teams in the Cardiff and district League. Not to show off but because he loved the game.

I remember that game very well.

There was one chance when (Warboys?) there was a clear opportunity and the header hit a divot and the ball went over the bar from just a few yards. I couldn't believe it never went in.

Gave me nightmares for a long time.

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

I remember that season, I had a season ticket in the Canton Stand, hope we can put the record straight.

Thanks Bopman....that's the team talk today.....c'mon City make our dreams come true today.

I still haven't got over it. I was 15 and in total shock.I still use that season as a benchmark for gut twisting disappointment concerning Cardiff City, and do you know even with the colour change and the Wembely games, nothing has come near it. I feel sick thinking about it now. Its also the reason why I know this season is far from over and anything could happen. Aint celebrating yet butt

I was a young 12 going thirteen year old that season and the first game i ever watched at Ninian Park was that season against Hull City when we beat them 5-1 John Toshack scoring a hat trick.
I remember the Watford game well, pretty sure we sold Toshack? a few weeks earlier to Liverpool for £100.000(£1,116,444.67 in today's money)then took 6 weeks to replace him which in my opinion cost us promotion, we eventually signed Alan Warboys for £60.000 from Sheffield Wednesday who i remember scoring all 4 goals against Carlisle in a 4 - 0 win also recall Grangetown born and bred Gil Reece scoring against us for Sheffield Utd in our 5-1 loss at Bramwell Lane who played with them along with another Welsh international Dave Powell both players later signing for Cardiff .
Just for the record we played absolutely terrible that day against Watford and never looked like winning

I was a young 12 going thirteen year old that season and the first game i ever watched at Ninian Park was that season against Hull City when we beat them 5-1 John Toshack scoring a hat trick.
I remember the Watford game well, pretty sure we sold Toshack? a few weeks earlier to Liverpool for £100.000(£1,116,444.67 in today's money)then took 6 weeks to replace him which in my opinion cost us promotion, we eventually signed Alan Warboys for £60.000 from Sheffield Wednesday who i remember scoring all 4 goals against Carlisle in a 4 - 0 win also recall Grangetown born and bred Gil Reece scoring against us for Sheffield Utd in our 5-1 loss at Bramwell Lane who played with them along with another Welsh international Dave Powell both players later signing for Cardiff .
Just for the record we played absolutely terrible that day against Watford and never looked like winning

We sold Toshack in mid November that season and signed Warboys in early January and during those 6 weeks we only won 1 game out of 6. When Toshack was sold we were 2nd and by the time Warboys signed we were 5th and it took 6 games to regain 2nd place.

Warboys scored 3 of the 4 goals against Carlise in the first 8 minutes and we went top after that win but the games against Real Madrid took it's toll on our league position and we dropped to 3rd after the away leg.

We managed to get back into the top 2 until that game against Watford, a game which was as one sided as any I can remember. Watford scored a goal on the break after I think Don Murray hit the crossbar with a shot they broke straight upfield and scored.

We dropped to 3rd that day and stayed there.

I'll more than take that result.

Goodbye 1971

I was a gutted 12 year old

I was a gutted 12 year old

I was 11.

Give or take a couple of more games the ghost will be put to rest.

I was also there for the Watford game and we battered them , their goal was scored by a Welsh man Tom Walley, I was also at Sheffield utd and Gill Rees scored a hatrick

One for the oldies like me.

In April '71 we were in 3rd position in the old second division, level on points with Hull. We were so close to going up. In those days only the top 2 went up, no play offs.

Then we lost to Watford at home 1-0. This was a big shock at the time as we had been in the top six all season and they were in the bottom 4. A two point gap opened up that day between us and Sheff Utd. We never recovered and the nail in our promotion bid ended one wet horrible Tuesday night when Sheff Utd hammered us 5-1. They went up with Leicester. We were 3rd.

We had been awesome that season. We'd beaten the mighty Real Madrid in March - how could we possibly lose to Watford?

My Dad told me that was the end of our chance and I was so bloody miserable. I was 13 at the time. Hadn't missed a home game for 4 years. One of the lowest times I can remember as a City fan.

So tomorrow I hope we smash Watford. I have waited too long to see my team in the top league and I want to forget that game!

I remember that season, I had a season ticket in the Canton Stand, hope we can put the record straight.

You sure you was watching in the canton stand

Yup, seat just level with the cross bar just about middle, I was 21 at the time and out of local football with a broken ankle.