RONNIE CLAYTON was the last Rovers skipper to lead the club out at a major cup final and he will be there when they come out for the showpiece end to the Worthington Cup.
"It is great for the club and a real boon for the town," claimed the proud Rovers legend who has followed them every step of the way to Cardiff.
"I have seen all the Worthington Cup games and they have done really well to reach the final. I have played in Cardiff but have never even been to the Millennium Stadium. I hear it is magnificent."
It was 42 years ago that Rovers played in the FA Cup Final and the 67-year-old said: "I remember walking out at Wembley and the feeling of all the hairs on the back of my neck standing up during the National Anthem. It is a special day for any footballer and these lads deserve it.
"This type of occasion is just what the club needs. They did fantastically well to get promotion but this final is just the icing on the cake.
"It will be a very, very proud moment for everyone connected with the club and the town."
Clayton is just hoping that things go better for the club that he loves than it did in 1960 when Lady Luck deserted them and they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"The town was buzzing before the game," he said. "But Dave Whelan broke his leg and Derek Dougan was hobbling from the start so we played most of the game with nine men.
"There was a great atmosphere but it was a very disappointing day for everyone involved, we did not do justice to people."
But with the added bonus of a place in Europe next season Clayton is confident of a better showing from the 2002 Rovers.
"There is nothing better than playing in Europe and it would be a great achievement to get into the UEFA Cup," he said.
"We have got a very good young side and they would benefit from the experience.
"I will be hoping and praying that we win the final and that it will be a wonderful occasion for everyone."
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