Post by onloantodiv1 on May 15, 2006 15:12:02 GMT 1
United boss Kevin Blackwell is gearing up for what promises to be the most important week in the club's recent history - with the prospect of regaining Premiership status at the end of it.
Leeds visit to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Sunday is almost certain to be sold out before the end of the week for both sets of supporters, and the excitement levels are rising as the big day approaches.
Blackwell is not disappointed to be visiting Wales this week, even though the prize at the start of the season was for the first Play-Off final at the redeveloped Wembley - something the League were forced to change once it became clear Wembley would not be complete in time.
He said:"This club will get a chance to go to Wembley in the future but this might be the last year Cardiff is used for a showpiece final.
"We've seen from all the cup finals over the past few years how special a place Cardiff can be, there's a great atmosphere there and the organisation is first class.
"From our fans point of view, we know they will go down there to enjoy the day and give us fantastic backing.
"We have worked towards this game all season, players, staff and fans alike so we want to make sure we are the ones celebrating at the end."
The United players have a few days off this week to relax before preparations begin in earnest for the big game, and Rob Hulse agrees with the decision to give them a break.
"It's been a long hard season and there's a big prize at the end of it if we can beat Watford.
"There's a few of us carrying knocks and you need a break just to let people recover and to recover mentally as well because when you've been in a high pressure situation like we have over the past two weeks, it can drain you.
"So a few days will help us unwind a bit and we'll be fresh and ready for Sunday."
Leeds visit to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Sunday is almost certain to be sold out before the end of the week for both sets of supporters, and the excitement levels are rising as the big day approaches.
Blackwell is not disappointed to be visiting Wales this week, even though the prize at the start of the season was for the first Play-Off final at the redeveloped Wembley - something the League were forced to change once it became clear Wembley would not be complete in time.
He said:"This club will get a chance to go to Wembley in the future but this might be the last year Cardiff is used for a showpiece final.
"We've seen from all the cup finals over the past few years how special a place Cardiff can be, there's a great atmosphere there and the organisation is first class.
"From our fans point of view, we know they will go down there to enjoy the day and give us fantastic backing.
"We have worked towards this game all season, players, staff and fans alike so we want to make sure we are the ones celebrating at the end."
The United players have a few days off this week to relax before preparations begin in earnest for the big game, and Rob Hulse agrees with the decision to give them a break.
"It's been a long hard season and there's a big prize at the end of it if we can beat Watford.
"There's a few of us carrying knocks and you need a break just to let people recover and to recover mentally as well because when you've been in a high pressure situation like we have over the past two weeks, it can drain you.
"So a few days will help us unwind a bit and we'll be fresh and ready for Sunday."
