As my FA Cup journey reaches the final stretch, I take stock on what I have achieved so far.
Over eight months I have been to 12 rounds of this seasonâÂÂs FA Cup, witnessing 35 goals in 11 different counties. I have travelled 2761 miles, the equivalent of London to Quebec (how I wish I had chose Quebec instead of Ayelsbury in the earlier rounds).
I have dragged along friends, relatives and even my one year old daughter to keep me company, and I would like to thank these people for their support, although my daughter didnâÂÂt have much of a choice, bless her.
Every year I look forward to the Third Round draw, a chance to see some giant killings and some big guns going head to head in a one off, winner takes all, match.
But after writing this blog I have realised how much the FA Cup touches people at all levels of the game.
Some matches may be played at grounds compared to run down garden sheds, while others are played in giant arenas with a pitch resembling a bowling green, but the joy of this tournament is that no matter what round you are in and where you are playing, the passion of the players and fans is still present.
Even on that hot summerâÂÂs day in Dereham last August, there was still talk, from fans and players alike, of maybe just maybe it would be their year (They got knocked out in the next round).
Semi final tickets are like gold dust.
Despite going to the Portsmouth quarter final, this still didnâÂÂt mean I would qualify for a semi final ticket.
Firstly, tickets are handed out to season ticket holders and members. Secondly, Fans that have been to 10 or more games either last or this season. And finally if there are some tickets left season ticket holders can buy an extra ticket.
Where was the, if you have been to 12 rounds of the FA Cup, optionâ¦
Chelsea, Tottenham and Villa were the same. After all my efforts it looked like this might be the end of my journey.
But then FourFourTwo stepped in, and very generously found me a ticket for the Chelsea v Villa tie.
I will be amongst the 90,000 Chelsea and Aston Villa fans on Saturday afternoon, and itâÂÂs all thanks to FourFourTwo.
Que sera sera, what ever will be will be, Im going to Wembley, que sera sera...
Previously, on The Long Road To Wembley:
FA6: Coasting to WembleyFA5: A proper Cup thriller at lastFA4: A paid-up member of the Royal familyFA3: There's only one f in freezing at F-f-f-fulham
FA3 preview: The Third man marches on London
FA2: South beats North with ease
FA2 preview: A North(ampton) vs South(ampton) clash
FA1: Fire and ice at the Abbey
FA1 preview: Enter the big boys
FA4Q: Barked shins, dark toilets & no pies
FA4Q preview: Ploughing through
FA3Q: A local affair at Lowestoft
FA3Q preview: All hail the 4x4ers
FA2Q: Coke, poodle rock & half a fence
FA2Q preview: Let's spend a night together
FA1Q: Lawro, ducks & a care home
FA1Q preview: The preliminaries are over
FAP: Dogs, daughters & dodgy tellies
FAP preview: Preliminary problemsFAEP: Dereham dreams alive and kicking
FAEP preview: The long road starts here
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