Charlton Athletic manager Chris Powell admits he is dreaming of Wembley after putting an end to the “standing joke” about the south London club and their history in cup competitions.
Powell takes his side to Bramall Lane on Sunday for their FA Cup with Budweiser Sixth Round clash with Sheffield United – with a place in a Wembley Semi-Final up for grabs.
And the 44-year-old former England defender, who led Charlton to the League One title in 2012, says he has dared to dream of leading his team out beneath the Arch.
Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic
FA Cup with Budweiser Sixth Round
12 noon, Sunday 9 March
Bramall Stadium, Sheffield
Live on BT Sport
Powell's side are currently in the Championship relegation zone and face a battle to stay in the division. But he said: “ We all know it's about the 46-game league marathon but we'll take the Cup games.
“Our Championship status is important to us of course but ask our fans how they're feeling. I'm sure they're dreaming and thinking about beyond and so am I.
“We've taken it seriously and all of a sudden we find ourselves in the last eight and possibly the last four. Why not do as well as you can in the cup?
“I think it's a wonderful competition, always have done. People of my age group grew up on that game, it was the showpiece game of the season. When you get to the last 16, or last eight, everyone starts dreaming about getting to Wembley or even winning it.
“Just look at Wigan last year. Albeit their league position ended up with them dropoping down but those memories will be with that football club, that manager, those fans, for ever. Ben Watson is etched into their history now.”
“I think it's a wonderful competition, always have done.”
Chris Powell
Charlton's last visit to the national stadium came in 1998, when they won a memorable play-off final on penalties against Sunderland after a thrilling 4-4 draw. Meanwhile, in The FA Cup, they have not made the last four since 1947.
But Powell is desperate to be the manager to write more club history at the new Wembley. He added: “It has certainly captured the imagination of our supporters which is the number one thing for me.
“It is a competition that we, traditionally, don't do well in. It's a bit of a standing joke with regards to the cup competitions and Charlton. But we've turned that around somewhat, which is pleasing.
“Tickets sold out in a matter of days and I'm sure we could've taken up double the allocation. I'm determined to get us to Wembley. We haven't been there since 1998 and everyone knows what happened that year for us.
“It would be wonderful for everyone connected with Charlton if we get to Wembley and have 30,000 red and white fans there. But we've got a game to get through yet so we'll see.”
Sheffield United and Charlton fans will have the added bonus of being able to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Sunday's tie on TheFA.com.
The match will feature in the latest episode of 'The Road to Wembley', which will be available on Monday, as our very own Gary Stonehouse travels to the Steel City.
Follow @GaryStonehouse on Twitter for updates throughout the day.
