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Swindon celebrates League Cup win

Swindon celebrate their League Cup win at Wembley in 1969
Swindon celebrate with the League Cup after beating Arsenal 3-1 at Wembley

It is almost 40 years since Swindon pulled off one of the biggest cup final upsets and enjoyed the greatest day in their history.

Against all the odds, the then-Third Division Robins triumphed 3-1 in the League Cup final against top-flight Arsenal with a goal from Roger Smart and an extra-time brace from Don Rogers.

BBC Radio Swindon celebrates the success with a week of interviews.

OPPOSING VIEWS OF FAMOUS DAY

Swindon hero Rogers remembers the game from a winning perspective, while goalkeeper Bob Wilson provides the view from the Arsenal camp.

The pair recall the contrasting emotions of the League Cup final, which was a massive occasion for Rogers and humiliation for Wilson - interspersed with commentary from the match.

MANAGER'S MARVELLOUS DAY

Manager Danny Williams reflects on his move to Swindon and the big day he described as akin to winning the pools.

In a long footballing career as player and manager, Williams picks out the Wembley win as the greatest moment and credits his team's work ethic for securing a "marvellous" victory.

THE VICTORY PARADE

It was only when midfielder Joe Butler toured the town on an open-top bus the day after the win that he realised the size of the achievement.

He relives an "incredible day" watching BBC footage of the parade along a packed route before taking a trip down memory lane and nosing around the Town Hall, which is now a dance studio.

MASCOT MADNESS

Carol Birt's grandmother sold the complimentary tickets the family got for her being mascot and her Wembley dream was seemingly over before it had begun.

The then six-year-old needed her brother's decisiveness to get to London, her grandmother made amends with cunning ingenuity to get her into the ground and before long she was wading through the mud for a memorable day.

THE ANNIVERSARY DINNER

The heroes of 1969 gathered at a celebratory dinner and the BBC's Ian Longdon was on hand to hear their memories.

Goalkeeper Peter Downsborough and right winger Don Heath reminisce about the old days and right-back Rod Thomas wonders if 60s pundit Desmond Hackett has eaten his brown bowler after writing off Swindon's chances.



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see also
When Swindon stunned the Gunners
15 Mar 09 |  Swindon


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