Bradford City's historic win 'worth £1m'

Bradford City are the first fourth-tier side to reach the League Cup final since 1962

Bradford City's historic trip to Wembley could be worth £1m to the club, according to its joint chairman.

The Bantams became the first fourth-tier side in over 50 years to reach the League Cup final after beating Aston Villa on aggregate on Tuesday night.

Mark Lawn said it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for potential sponsors, as well as for the club.

The League Two side will take on either Chelsea or Swansea at Wembley on 24 February.

'Created history'

Mr Lawn said: "I don't think it's really sunk in yet.

"I think it's going to take a bit of time before people realise the enormity of what they've done. They've created history.

"I hope some corporate companies get on the bandwagon and ring us up, and we can fly their flag."

Mr Lawn added: "We have 31,000 tickets and we will sell the whole lot without a problem."

Bradford City have been in administration twice since 2002, and had been expected to overspend on wages by £600,000 this season as they push for promotion to League One.

However they had already more than covered this shortfall by earning at least £1.3m from their quarter-final and semi-final ties.

It is the first time Bradford City have reached the final of a major competition since winning the FA Cup in 1911.

'Lift spirits'

It will also be only the second time the team have played at Wembley - the last time was in 1996 when Bradford won the Second Division play-off final.

Bradford City's director of operations David Baldwin, who last month said reaching the semi-final had secured the club's long-term future, said he hoped their success would impact on the whole city.

"It's the feel good factor of the city, hopefully it will put Bradford back on the map and give it an opportunity to try and lift spirits again around the area," he said.

Councillor Dale Smith, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, said: "Absolutely fantastic, it really is a shot in the arm for the city and the district, and it's something that everyone will celebrate enormously.

"We watched it on the television last night and my wife is quite hoarse with shouting."

'Fairytale stuff'

Hundreds of people congratulated the team on Twitter.

George Galloway, Bradford West MP, said: "Bradford City!!!!! We're off to Wembelee! The #Bradford Spring continues!!!"

TV presenter Gabby Logan posted: "Spent Saturdays in childhood years hanging around Valley Parade and was there the day 56 fans perished, so happy for the Bantams tonight."

And footballer Rio Ferdinand said: "Fairytale stuff Bradford City getting to the cup final. Great to see & well deserved."