March 2011

Not only has the competition given triumphant players a day to remember and a medal to cherish, but it has painted some compelling stories for each successful side.

In 2006/07, Doncaster Rovers won the only Johnstone’s Paint Trophy to be staged away from Wembley, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, courtesy of a spectacular 3-2 triumph over Bristol Rovers in extra-time.

Not only did the success give Doncaster Rovers their first domestic cup success, but it also paved the way for a successful promotion season to the Championship the following year.

Chairman John Ryan said: “The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is a great competition. Our victory at the Millennium Stadium was something special for the fans to savour.

"It gave us a taste of what was to come for us and playing in front of 60,000 was of huge benefit to the team.

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was a fabulous springboard for us, for sure.”

The following year it was the turn of the MK Dons to etch their name into history, beating Grimsby Town 2-0 at the first final to be held at the new Wembley – the first trophy in the club’s history.

Again, the success was followed with promotion, proving that the trophy is far from a distraction, but an ideal accompaniment to a successful league campaign.

Paul Ince masterminded the Dons to success from the dugout, while Irish international Keith Andrews was pulling the strings in the centre of the Wembley pitch, enhancing his reputation before a high profile move to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said: “The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy success was one of the highlights of my time at the club.

"It was a glorious day in front of 55,000 fans, and to see the team walking out at Wembley was the realisation of a dream.”

In 2008/09, Luton Town and their legion of fans were making all the headlines, taking 44,000 supporters in a record for the new Wembley, matched only by Southampton the following season.

Another extraordinary game was decided in extra-time, with Luton Town’s super-sub Claude Gnakpa writing his name into Hatters folklore with a deft lob over Scunthorpe United keeper Joe Murphy to seal the game 3-2.

And who could forget last season’s final, when Southampton beat Carlisle United 4-1 in a record equalling final win, and record Johnstone’s Paint Trophy attendance of 73,476.

The then Southampton manager Alan Pardew could not underestimate the significance of winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Pardew, who now manages Newcastle United, said that winning the trophy was also massively significant for his young players, who could boast a special achievement.

“It was important that we came to this cup final and won because you can go through an entire career without winning anything.

"Adam Lallana has got this on his CV now, which is a big thing for him and the other young players.”

Pardew’s final words were reserved for the masses of Southampton fans who flocked to Wembley Stadium in their thousands.

“The support was absolutely brilliant. It wasn’t a game that you could get too excited about because we were so comfortable.

“For all the fans I would like to say a big thank-you. They have been strong for us for a long time and I would like to thank them for that.”

As we eagerly wait for our fifth Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final this afternoon one thing is for sure…

…More headlines will be created from one of the most endearing competitions on the football calendar.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.