IT'S been 38 years since Salford City Reds last graced Wembley, and for one man another Challenge Cup Final appearance is long overdue.

Salford chairman John Wilkinson was a loyal fan back in 1969, cheering from the terraces when the club faced Castleford.

Back then, John never imagined that one day he would become chairman. But he did, and has gone on to become one of the most respected figures in the game.

Fairytales and romance have become part of Challenge Cup folkore and John is very much a sentimentalist.

This is his 25th year as chairman and he would love to lead the Reds out at the new Wembley in August.

Salford take their first steps on the road to the new Wembley at home to Gateshead on Friday.

Exciting

John said: "The Challenge Cup is still very exciting and it's a great competition. It's something I was brought up on as a fan.

"We're going back to Wembley this year, to be there would be like a dream come true and I know that reaching a cup final can both mean and do so much for either a city or a town involved.

"I remember 1969 well. The whole city was red, the euphoria was incredible.

"Last year, it was nice to see Huddersfield going all the way and reaching the final. Like us, they are not one of the biggest supported clubs in Super League but reaching the final revived interest in the club and many people came back to become involved again.

"For the opening game of this season, Huddersfield attracted a 9,000 gate, that just goes to show how the euphoria can be carried over and how interest is revived.

"I would dearly love to see the days repeated when everyone wants to get caught up in being part of a cup final appearance - it's such a special time.

"I feel cup success for Bradford greatly helped their transformation.

Opportunity

"In football, we see a number of additional cup competitions but in my view, the FA Cup is still the one - it's equally exciting and don't forget many great players have never had the opportunity to play in a cup final and they would love to do."

Salford have reached three semi-finals under the chairmanship of Wilkinson, losing to Wigan, St Helens and Sheffield Eagles, who then went on to defeat Wigan at Wembley in one of the biggest upsets in history.

John would like to see more cup competitions.

He added: "Super League is a fantastic competition, the standard is incredibly high and continues to rise but we now find ourselves trying to sell season tickets on the back of just 13 home games.

"There has even been talks of a 10-team competition with just nine home games. This kind of thing may be OK in America but believe me it would only work within the NFL.

"When you look at football, cricket and rugby union, all these sports are playing additional cup competitions.

"I realise there is a lot more money in rugby union, but I do believe a few more cup competitions would give young players more of a chance to show what they can do."

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