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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: old lad on February 11, 2026, 10:35:41 am

Title: Semi Final
Post by: old lad on February 11, 2026, 10:35:41 am
The Vertu Trophy Semi-Final Draw will take place live on Sky Sports News, on Thursday 12 February at 2.30pm.

Draw Numbers
1 Doncaster Rovers
2 Northampton Town
3 Stockport County
4 Luton Town or Plymouth Argyle
Vertu Trophy Semi-Final ties are to take place week commencing 2 March.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 11, 2026, 10:38:02 am
The Vertu Trophy Semi-Final Draw will take place live on Sky Sports News, on Thursday 12 February at 2.30pm.

Draw Numbers
1 Doncaster Rovers
2 Northampton Town
3 Stockport County
4 Luton Town or Plymouth Argyle
Vertu Trophy Semi-Final ties are to take place week commencing 2 March.

I imagine if we get Plymouth away then they will stay down in plymouth for the week since we play them again in the league on the saturday. Would be awful for the fans however to go down there twice.

Home game would be nice, ideally not want to play Stockport since they seem to have our number.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Thorney on February 11, 2026, 03:32:30 pm
Best chance of progressing to the final has to be home tie v northampton surely.

And im sure the northampton fans will be thinking exactly the same about us.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: eastender on February 11, 2026, 06:14:59 pm
The Vertu Trophy Semi-Final Draw will take place live on Sky Sports News, on Thursday 12 February at 2.30pm.

Draw Numbers
1 Doncaster Rovers
2 Northampton Town
3 Stockport County
4 Luton Town or Plymouth Argyle
Vertu Trophy Semi-Final ties are to take place week commencing 2 March.

I imagine if we get Plymouth away then they will stay down in plymouth for the week since we play them again in the league on the saturday. Would be awful for the fans however to go down there twice.

Home game would be nice, ideally not want to play Stockport since they seem to have our number.
Haven't all 4 of those teams got our number this season so far.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: scawsby steve on February 11, 2026, 06:34:57 pm
The Vertu Trophy Semi-Final Draw will take place live on Sky Sports News, on Thursday 12 February at 2.30pm.

Draw Numbers
1 Doncaster Rovers
2 Northampton Town
3 Stockport County
4 Luton Town or Plymouth Argyle
Vertu Trophy Semi-Final ties are to take place week commencing 2 March.

I imagine if we get Plymouth away then they will stay down in plymouth for the week since we play them again in the league on the saturday. Would be awful for the fans however to go down there twice.

Home game would be nice, ideally not want to play Stockport since they seem to have our number.
Haven't all 4 of those teams got our number this season so far.

I think he probably means that Stockport have done the double over us this season. The only team that has up to now.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 11, 2026, 06:52:59 pm
Think they all have a 100% record against us this season
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Spud on February 11, 2026, 07:04:51 pm
So did Huddersfield.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Barmby Rover on February 11, 2026, 08:46:36 pm
I can see us getting Stockport away, just our luck!
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 11, 2026, 09:11:25 pm
It’s a diminished competition since they allowed Premiership U21 teams to join in.
I haven’t attended a single game since then, it’s my personal protest about that ridiculous decision.

Hoping for a home draw against Northampton.

Pull that bandwagon up, I’m jumping aboard ……
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: selby on February 11, 2026, 09:18:39 pm
  Cup games are usually more open than league games and it suits us better.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 11, 2026, 09:20:50 pm
Hard to imagine any outcome other than away at Plymouth or failing that Stockport.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: RoversInSpain on February 11, 2026, 09:23:01 pm
I agree this competition doesn’t appear to be as exciting as it once was, and we won’t get 12,000 as we did v Crewe, way back,  if indeed we do get a home draw for the semi, however, why is it diminished due to U21’s playing? have other teams who previously were allowed to compete had to drop out to make room for them? Also I believe the Prem clubs pay to enter this competition. I can’t grasp what the big gripe is.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Donnywolf on February 11, 2026, 09:28:47 pm
Best chance of progressing to the final has to be home tie v northampton surely.

And im sure the northampton fans will be thinking exactly the same about us.

As did the Terriers. All set to boycott the Final  they said , but beating us was a foregone conclusion

Instead it was a "4 gone " into Tim's gloves or onto.Bar. pmsl
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: drfchound on February 11, 2026, 09:29:14 pm
I agree this competition doesn’t appear to be as exciting as it once was, and we won’t get 12,000 as we did v Crewe, way back,  if indeed we do get a home draw for the semi, however, why is it diminished due to U21’s playing? have other teams who previously were allowed to compete had to drop out to make room for them? Also I believe the Prem clubs pay to enter this competition. I can’t grasp what the big gripe is.

The PL clubs do indeed pay to let their U21s enter the competition.
I think I am right in saying that we get something like £600k.
Someone connected with Rovers told me a couple of years ago and I believe that some of it has to be allocated to young players development.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 12, 2026, 06:47:52 am
How much have we earned so far. Are both semi finals tv games, if so a bit more money for the club
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: RoseTInteD on February 12, 2026, 09:04:30 am
So far, to the best of my knowledge:-
20k entry
10k Everton U21
10k Grimsby
10K Bradford
20k Chesterfield
40k Fleetwood
50k Huddersfield

160k in total
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 12, 2026, 09:08:43 am
Not a bad pick up
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: RoseTInteD on February 12, 2026, 09:17:16 am
 Plus another £150k to come (plus TV) by the time Bailey lifts the cup at Wembley. All the better.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 12, 2026, 09:19:47 am
How much have we earned so far. Are both semi finals tv games, if so a bit more money for the club

All vertu trophy games are on Sky.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 12, 2026, 09:20:38 am
Yeah I meant as a “featured” game
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 12, 2026, 12:28:24 pm
Whatever peoples views are on this competition, it’s been really useful for us this season to get competitive game time for all our squad.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Metalmicky on February 12, 2026, 02:35:53 pm
Doncaster v Stockport
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Donnyjim on February 12, 2026, 02:36:40 pm
Stockport at home
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 12, 2026, 02:37:32 pm
Ugh at least its at home, might aswell have kept it regionalised haha
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 12, 2026, 02:38:38 pm
Big crowd, especially if the club get the ticket price right .
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: keith79 on February 12, 2026, 02:39:32 pm
Is it just 1 leg
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 12, 2026, 02:39:57 pm
Is it just 1 leg

Yes
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 12, 2026, 02:42:08 pm
Big crowd, especially if the club get the ticket price right .

I don't get why it would be when the attendances in previous rounds have been poor.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 12, 2026, 02:50:34 pm
Big crowd, especially if the club get the ticket price right .

I don't get why it would be when the attendances in previous rounds have been poor.
One game from Wembley. I don’t mind admitting, I haven’t been arsed about the comp. But the thought of a night under the lights at home, with a trip to the smoke on offer has a certain appeal. Esp as there is only one leg. I bet Stockport will be very well supported for this one .
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 12, 2026, 02:52:46 pm
Just seen they have  a game every Tues/Sat until the 7th March so they will possibly rest players for this.

I actually don't think they are that good, we were the better team in the first half at home with their dirty tactics, think their first goal was a worldie if i recall and we just fell apart.

Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Donnyjim on February 12, 2026, 03:01:25 pm
A home draw is good, we beat Huddersfield away in the last round and they're in the play offs. Could see it going to pens, still no extra time - it could be a great evening - £10 a ticket £5 for kids and OAPs.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: eastender on February 12, 2026, 03:23:44 pm
We need to keep Kyle Wootton quiet , he likes a goal against us . Maybe man mark him , but not sure who's up to the task  :unsure:
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Jersey Rover on February 12, 2026, 03:24:00 pm
Do we now go with our strongest line up, who’s available from the loans
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 12, 2026, 03:42:11 pm
I can’t see grant taking out the players who have got us into this position, he’s not that type of guy.
More likely to make a few small changes given the likely players we will be up against. Grehan would be one obvious change with Byrne or McGrath coming in to bolster the defence.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Filo on February 12, 2026, 03:43:31 pm
A 7pm ko time will rule out my attendance
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 12, 2026, 03:50:47 pm
Of course the crowd will increase, to roughly over average for a league game. We are one match from Wembley, it’s not like we are Man City and play there every season.
 Sky will make it a featured match, so in my opinion it will kick off at 7.45 on the Tuesday or Wednesday and the other tie playing the other day
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on February 12, 2026, 04:05:41 pm
Big crowd, especially if the club get the ticket price right .

I don't get why it would be when the attendances in previous rounds have been poor.

I've watched them all on TV, 7pm kick off is a pain. Hopefully they don't with with 7pm.  Id quite like to go to the semi.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 12, 2026, 04:10:51 pm
We need to keep Kyle Wootton quiet , he likes a goal against us . Maybe man mark him , but not sure who's up to the task  :unsure:


Has he still got family in Epworth ?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: moses on February 12, 2026, 04:33:27 pm
We need to keep Kyle Wootton quiet , he likes a goal against us . Maybe man mark him , but not sure who's up to the task  :unsure:


Has he still got family in Epworth ?

He did the presentation evening at Epworth Colts a few years ago, so must have ties still.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 12, 2026, 04:36:22 pm
Well we could perhaps kidnap one his family a couple of days be the semi final and hold them to ransom, might put him of his game !!!
Only joking
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 12, 2026, 05:35:43 pm
Without jinxing it, if we got to the final at Wembley live on Sky there is zero chance Molyneux, Bailey etc wouldn’t be in the starting 11 so may as well just go full strength in the semi. That’s football.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: redarmi66 on February 12, 2026, 06:15:44 pm
Big crowd, especially if the club get the ticket price right .

I don't get why it would be when the attendances in previous rounds have been poor.
One game from Wembley. I don’t mind admitting, I haven’t been arsed about the comp. But the thought of a night under the lights at home, with a trip to the smoke on offer has a certain appeal. Esp as there is only one leg. I bet Stockport will be very well supported for this one .
mate at work is a stockport fan and before the draw said if we draw donny away we will need the full allocation and maybe the corner as well. So i think they're up for it! Question is… are we? !
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Thorney on February 12, 2026, 06:34:54 pm
If we start with the same line up as we did against huddersfield but stockport go full strength then we are in big trouble

Lets be honest, we got lucky and huddersfield should of walloped us with the chances they had. Yes they didnt but will stockport fail to take those chances, i doubt it
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 12, 2026, 07:35:27 pm
Even 7.30 would help with the KO time.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Thorney on February 12, 2026, 08:46:45 pm
Make kick off time 7:45, to give more people chance to get home from work.

Keep price low to attract more and also get this promoted as much as possible.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 12, 2026, 09:00:49 pm
Don’t think we’ll have a say in the kick off time
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 12, 2026, 10:24:38 pm
Last season 24/25 the semi finals were

18/02/25
Birmingham City 4
Bradford 2
Kick off 20.00


26/02/24
Wrexham 2
Peterborough 2
( Peterborough won 4-2 on penalties )
Kick off 19.30
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: donnievic on February 13, 2026, 10:56:21 am
I can see it being £15,£10 and £5 prices which is still good
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 13, 2026, 11:41:08 am
Last season 24/25 the semi finals were

18/02/25
Birmingham City 4
Bradford 2
Kick off 20.00


26/02/24
Wrexham 2
Peterborough 2
( Peterborough won 4-2 on penalties )
Kick off 19.30

That’s just reminded me it wasn’t last years final I went to at all, it was the year before :laugh: where is time going?!
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 13, 2026, 01:09:06 pm
I can see it being £15,£10 and £5 prices which is still good

If there is likely to be high demand from Stockport County anyway, the ticket prices will not be at that level.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Ian Nimmo on February 13, 2026, 07:27:50 pm
I believe the club will offer at a good price particularly with it being live on sky.
The more we get in the stadium will increase the income from other areas additional to the ticket revenue.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 13, 2026, 07:39:50 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Nudga on February 13, 2026, 07:48:24 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Closer to 10k I'd wager
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 13, 2026, 08:23:40 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Closer to 10k I'd wager

So our biggest home crowd of the season this would be
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 13, 2026, 08:39:17 pm
We could probably get to 3.5k home fans with a big push
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on February 13, 2026, 09:05:35 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Closer to 10k I'd wager

So our biggest home crowd of the season this would be
(https://static.posters.cz/image/750/11829.jpg)
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 13, 2026, 09:46:22 pm
It’s a semi final, one game from Wembley, people will turn out for it, 9,500+
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 14, 2026, 09:14:41 am
We need to do the rounds at schools/quid a kid as said elsewhere get income from other revenue streams, not sure how the kiosks work if Rovers get money from every sale or if we just got a lump sum for allowing DN4 to run it. Either way get some interest with the next generation
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 14, 2026, 09:46:14 am
20% discount in the club shop for anyone who purchases a ticket? We’ll soon be at time of year where everything for this season gets heavily reduced anyway. Added bonus that it will bring in some shop sales from people that weren’t planning to.

No excuses to not promote this game heavily all over social media, schools, work places, frenchgate etc either as yes they can know about home league games already but so so many won’t know about the EFL Trophy fixtures.

Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: drfc1951 on February 15, 2026, 12:06:01 pm
How come this is shown in fixtures as Monday 2nd March 3pm ko
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 15, 2026, 01:48:19 pm
How come this is shown in fixtures as Monday 2nd March 3pm ko

They haven't annuouced a date or time yet so its just put in the fixtures like that until they do.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Drover on February 15, 2026, 03:05:00 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Now that is a glass half empty.

And I don't get all this negativity about if we play the same players from previous rounds,they got us here and excluding only 3 or 4 players it's the same team that gave current top of the championship Boro their biggest defeat of the season so far and at their ground,come on guys we can do this whoever we play.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Usher wide. on February 16, 2026, 11:10:48 am
It’s a semi-final with the winners going to Wembley.

You play your best XI.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: redwine on February 16, 2026, 12:48:55 pm
It’s a semi-final with the winners going to Wembley.

You play your best XI.



Absolutely
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: adamtherover on February 16, 2026, 06:19:50 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Now that is a glass half empty.

And I don't get all this negativity about if we play the same players from previous rounds,they got us here and excluding only 3 or 4 players it's the same team that gave current top of the championship Boro their biggest defeat of the season so far and at their ground,come on guys we can do this whoever we play.
you must not have seen the awful performance v huddersfield, no one aside from timmy came out with much credit..
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 16, 2026, 07:42:58 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Now that is a glass half empty.

And I don't get all this negativity about if we play the same players from previous rounds,they got us here and excluding only 3 or 4 players it's the same team that gave current top of the championship Boro their biggest defeat of the season so far and at their ground,come on guys we can do this whoever we play.
you must not have seen the awful performance v huddersfield, no one aside from timmy came out with much credit..

Amazed me when Grant and Cliff said we played well. We were very poor. I’d play the strongest XI in the semi and give ourselves best chance of winning. I don’t see how any other option could be in the thought process.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 16, 2026, 08:31:05 pm
Think the focus on staying in League One should be the priority. If the feeling is that running a first XI in the cup imperils this, then so be it. We can't be going back to Accrington, Fleetwood and Barrow again. No way.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: RoversInSpain on February 16, 2026, 08:46:19 pm
Success breads success. There’s many examples of teams winning this trophy and going from strength to strength afterwards. Play our best team for every game now. Play football to win and focus on each individual game.
I have little doubt that the buzz of getting to Wembley and winning will boost performance  levels, the feel good factor and enhance confidence in order to finish in a good league position.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 16, 2026, 08:57:47 pm
When we went to Cardiff to play Bristol Rovers, the following we went London to play Leeds United
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Drover on February 16, 2026, 10:28:42 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Now that is a glass half empty.

And I don't get all this negativity about if we play the same players from previous rounds,they got us here and excluding only 3 or 4 players it's the same team that gave current top of the championship Boro their biggest defeat of the season so far and at their ground,come on guys we can do this whoever we play.
you must not have seen the awful performance v huddersfield, no one aside from timmy came out with much credit..

Maybe but they still got a better result against them than the team we fielded in the league match,lets see how our so called best team do tomorrow night against same opposition.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Drover on February 16, 2026, 10:30:41 pm
It’s a semi-final with the winners going to Wembley.

You play your best XI.

Easy to say,But it is debatable who our best 11 are?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 16, 2026, 10:45:21 pm
I honestly think less than 2000 will still turn up. It's a nothing cup now

Now that is a glass half empty.

And I don't get all this negativity about if we play the same players from previous rounds,they got us here and excluding only 3 or 4 players it's the same team that gave current top of the championship Boro their biggest defeat of the season so far and at their ground,come on guys we can do this whoever we play.
you must not have seen the awful performance v huddersfield, no one aside from timmy came out with much credit..

Amazed me when Grant and Cliff said we played well. We were very poor. I’d play the strongest XI in the semi and give ourselves best chance of winning. I don’t see how any other option could be in the thought process.
Totally agree we mugged Huddersfield that night, other than Timmy there weren’t many positives, we were slow disjointed and lacked any form of intensity
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: donnievic on February 17, 2026, 10:08:41 am
Comfirmed Tuesday 3rd 8pm ko

£15 adults
£8 others

£5 loyalty for anyone that’s been previous rounds

£3 13 and under

Only East and South stand open
West open to wheelchair users
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 17, 2026, 10:33:44 am
Not expecting too much interest then given we are closing over a third of the home capacity.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 17, 2026, 11:01:07 am
Excellent pricing for those of us who have been to other games but could have attracted more with even cheaper tickets
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Filo on February 17, 2026, 11:06:08 am
Can’t have my regular seat so not going
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Metalmicky on February 17, 2026, 11:29:40 am
Not expecting too much interest then given we are closing over a third of the home capacity.

TBH, we only fill two thirds of the ground most games... so this might 'concentrate' the crowd into one area.  I think we'll sell a 3 or 4 thousand, and if we won I'm sure another 15 thousand would venture to Wembley..
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 17, 2026, 11:32:39 am
I mean lets say they do see massive interest in the game they surely will then open the west? How about Stockport and how many they might want to bring?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 17, 2026, 11:35:13 am
Barring the Rotherham home game which I think there must have been circa 9k home supporters, filling the east and south stands on a Monday night will take some doing . Interesting to see what the demand is down the M62.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 17, 2026, 11:48:01 am
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:


Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 17, 2026, 11:48:27 am
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 17, 2026, 11:52:31 am
Can’t have my regular seat so not going

Possibly one of the worst excuses for not going to a football match I’ve ever heard.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: dickos1 on February 17, 2026, 11:55:31 am
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?

I guess it’s the reason why we took all those fans to Cardiff, Wembley and stoke
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 17, 2026, 11:57:35 am
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?

I guess it’s the reason why we took all those fans to Cardiff, Wembley and stoke

This is not a final though is it.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: TonySoprano on February 17, 2026, 12:01:15 pm
Can’t have my regular seat so not going

I mean, I like a good moan, but this is on another level  :lol:
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: 5minstogo on February 17, 2026, 12:56:10 pm
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?

All other games kicked off at 7pm. I work until 7. I can get there for 8. Surely the club should be encouraging attendance not putting folk off.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 17, 2026, 12:57:24 pm
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?

All other games kicked off at 7pm. I work until 7. I can get there for 8. Surely the club should be encouraging attendance not putting folk off.

The ticket price is the same as it was in previous rounds. Dont see the issue.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 17, 2026, 01:06:58 pm
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?


There’s jeopardy linked to this game. One game from wembley The die hards go to most games. The floaters pick and choose.
This is a game floaters are more likely to attend. 
Crowd wise, it’s going to be a reflection of just where this cup is though from a punters perspective.
For context, Back in 2007 rovers played Stanley at home in the northern section 1/4 final. In front of just 3209. The northern section semi final against Darlington then attracted just over 8k at the KM.
Then there was the magical game v Crewe with prices late winner which attracted over 12.5k.
Times have changed. The team is dramatically diff.
But Wembley is Wembley. I was chatting to my brother earlier today. If rovers go all the way then it’s probably the last chance we will ever get to see them play there, having been lucky enough to see them play there already, and win.
There are probably a lot of young supporters who didn’t get to Cardiff, or Wembley for that matter. So there is an extra cohort of supporters that will take a big interest now that rovers are on the cusp of what is the biggest footballing day out for many lower league clubs.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: donnievic on February 17, 2026, 01:20:59 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:



it’s any of the previous games not just the last one
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: NigelJ on February 17, 2026, 01:25:42 pm
The game is on Tuesday 3rd March, not Monday.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 17, 2026, 01:26:21 pm
I think the club hasn’t thought this through properly, it’s 90 minutes from playing at Wembley, we are not Man City , we have been there ONCE in our entire history. I can see there being a massive queue’s on the night with “ walk ups “ . Stockport are one of the best supported teams away from home in this league, they will bring at least 2,000.
We had over 500 at Huddersfield for the last round and the club are only expecting another 2500 for a   one leg semi final at home. I think it is time for them to think again before it’s too late.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 17, 2026, 01:27:06 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:

If you didn’t attend any of the previous games, think of the money you didn’t spend. lol.
£15 for this game is about spot on.
Fair play to those who went to earlier games.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: normal rules on February 17, 2026, 01:31:40 pm
I think the club hasn’t thought this through properly, it’s 90 minutes from playing at Wembley, we are not Man City , we have been there ONCE in our entire history. I can see there being a massive queue’s on the night with “ walk ups “ . Stockport are one of the best supported teams away from home in this league, they will bring at least 2,000.
We had over 500 at Huddersfield for the last round and the club are only expecting another 2500 for a   one leg semi final at home. I think it is time for them to think again before it’s too late.


With just the east and south stand open, I’d be surprised if they allow walk ups. Let’s see how ticket sales go.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: drfchound on February 17, 2026, 01:39:29 pm
I think the club hasn’t thought this through properly, it’s 90 minutes from playing at Wembley, we are not Man City , we have been there ONCE in our entire history. I can see there being a massive queue’s on the night with “ walk ups “ . Stockport are one of the best supported teams away from home in this league, they will bring at least 2,000.
We had over 500 at Huddersfield for the last round and the club are only expecting another 2500 for a   one leg semi final at home. I think it is time for them to think again before it’s too late.


With just the east and south stand open, I’d be surprised if they allow walk ups. Let’s see how ticket sales go.

Opening the west stand up is an available option should there be enough interest.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 17, 2026, 01:41:06 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:



it’s any of the previous games not just the last one

Aye I know, I said ‘a previous round’. Don’t think it’s wrong to give a little something to them who went to other rounds but way they’ve done it is wrong imo and will turn people off, regular/semi-regular/total newbies as a whole.

Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Thorney on February 17, 2026, 03:01:59 pm
Can’t have my regular seat so not going

Got to be tongue in cheek surely????

If not then that is the most childish reason not to go.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: adamtherover on February 17, 2026, 04:20:25 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:



you mean the 6 previous rounds?  I'd wager most of rhe support for thr home games was pretty much the same set of fans, why shouldn't they get a little something back?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 17, 2026, 04:42:35 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:



you mean the 6 previous rounds?  I'd wager most of rhe support for thr home games was pretty much the same set of fans, why shouldn't they get a little something back?

“Whose idea was it to make the gap so big?”.

My issue isn’t in given something back, it’s the size of the gap and the way they’ve marketed it as if it’s us v the real loyals (it’s not as precious as that but you know what i mean).

Come on, we’re talking here about a competition where the club would have been hugely against the format change of, if they hadn’t chucked a couple of extra £’s under their nose.

It’s hardly a surprise very few people have been interested previously is it? Now it’s a stage where there is/CAN be plenty of interest the club should be trying everything they can to get people in… but instead it feels like they’re just trying to score points.

How will it look to majority of casual/first timers with when they see that “oh, im going to have to pay 200% more than others”…?



Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Spud on February 17, 2026, 05:03:10 pm
I think the club hasn’t thought this through properly, it’s 90 minutes from playing at Wembley, we are not Man City , we have been there ONCE in our entire history. I can see there being a massive queue’s on the night with “ walk ups “ . Stockport are one of the best supported teams away from home in this league, they will bring at least 2,000.
We had over 500 at Huddersfield for the last round and the club are only expecting another 2500 for a   one leg semi final at home. I think it is time for them to think again before it’s too late.


With just the east and south stand open, I’d be surprised if they allow walk ups. Let’s see how ticket sales go.

Opening the west stand up is an available option should there be enough interest.


As a West stander I'd rather know before I bought tickets elsewhere, I understand the club's take on it though.
I'm not going if I can't have Filo's usual seat anyway though.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Metalmicky on February 17, 2026, 06:15:26 pm
Can’t have my regular seat so not going

Are you the same at home....?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: drfchound on February 17, 2026, 06:23:19 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:



you mean the 6 previous rounds?  I'd wager most of rhe support for thr home games was pretty much the same set of fans, why shouldn't they get a little something back?

“Whose idea was it to make the gap so big?”.

My issue isn’t in given something back, it’s the size of the gap and the way they’ve marketed it as if it’s us v the real loyals (it’s not as precious as that but you know what i mean).

Come on, we’re talking here about a competition where the club would have been hugely against the format change of, if they hadn’t chucked a couple of extra £’s under their nose.

It’s hardly a surprise very few people have been interested previously is it? Now it’s a stage where there is/CAN be plenty of interest the club should be trying everything they can to get people in… but instead it feels like they’re just trying to score points.

How will it look to majority of casual/first timers with when they see that “oh, im going to have to pay 200% more than others”…?

I refused to go the the earlier matches because the South Stand was closed and I couldn’t access my regular seat.   ;)
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: rich1471 on February 17, 2026, 10:30:15 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:



I think Stockport will bring 2000+ so the pricing is right £15 for away fans as you cannot change them more than the most expensive home seat
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: dickos1 on February 17, 2026, 10:35:18 pm
Think the ticket offer is an ok one. I can’t get my head around people that didn’t go to the earlier games but want to go to this one. What’s the difference?

I guess it’s the reason why we took all those fans to Cardiff, Wembley and stoke

This is not a final though is it.

Surely you can see the difference between a group game against Everton under 21s and a semi final where if we win we go to Wembley?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Usher wide. on February 17, 2026, 11:01:10 pm
Think the club have underestimated the feeling of the supporters now we’re one step away from a Wembley Final.

It’s not been well attended so far true, but look beyond the ‘long grass’.

I stole that saying from the Pygmy tribe of the ‘Wherethe hellrwe tribe’ who hunt their prey in the long grasses & constantly need to jump up above the grasses & ‘whisper’ to one another “Where the hell are we?”.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Juddy on February 19, 2026, 11:06:51 am
Tickets now on sale ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: drfcsteve on February 20, 2026, 12:48:50 pm
I don’t see any harm in forcing the crowd together rather than being dispersed throughout the stadium and it being a rubbish atmosphere. If there’s demand they can open the west stand and sell block by block.

On a side note it amuses me we’ve gone from terracing at Belle Vue to people wanting their own personal seat in the stadium!
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 20, 2026, 02:48:39 pm
Stockport allocated a full 3000 behind the goal
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: drfchound on February 20, 2026, 03:08:57 pm
I paid for three south stand places yesterday.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: DRFCTom on February 20, 2026, 03:10:02 pm
If we don’t get 10k+ fans for this I think it’s embarrassing IMO
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: IDM on February 20, 2026, 04:13:22 pm
If we don’t get 10k+ fans for this I think it’s embarrassing IMO

Relatively low attendances are never embarrassing:

Disappointing maybe, but not embarrassing, unless you are embarrassed yourself, which is quite sad.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Fal on February 20, 2026, 04:27:14 pm
Think im going to hold out for a bit in the off chance that the West Stand gets opened as my son (who has Autism) doesn't like change so would prefer not to move but will wait and see closer to the time.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: DRFCTom on February 20, 2026, 05:59:26 pm
If we don’t get 10k+ fans for this I think it’s embarrassing IMO

Relatively low attendances are never embarrassing:

Disappointing maybe, but not embarrassing, unless you are embarrassed yourself, which is quite sad.

How is it not embarrassing? One win away from Wembley and we can’t get 10k+ into the ground
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 20, 2026, 09:59:20 pm
I haven’t attended any previous games in this competition but I’ve just booked my ticket for the semi-final.

I join 4 other ‘hypocrites’ around me who will be jumping on the bandwagon for this game!

Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: IDM on February 20, 2026, 10:01:00 pm
If we don’t get 10k+ fans for this I think it’s embarrassing IMO

Relatively low attendances are never embarrassing:

Disappointing maybe, but not embarrassing, unless you are embarrassed yourself, which is quite sad.

How is it not embarrassing? One win away from Wembley and we can’t get 10k+ into the ground

It’s only embarrassing if you are embarrassed by it.

It’s the wrong word to use.  Disappointing would be more appropriate.

And anyway, why the arbitrary 10k+ figure.?  Why not 8k+.?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: idler on February 20, 2026, 10:02:41 pm
I haven’t attended any previous games in this competition but I’ve just booked my ticket for the semi-final.

I join 4 other ‘hypocrites’ around me who will be jumping on the bandwagon for this game!

Hope that it is an enjoyable drive home Neil.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 20, 2026, 10:07:27 pm
I haven’t attended any previous games in this competition but I’ve just booked my ticket for the semi-final.

I join 4 other ‘hypocrites’ around me who will be jumping on the bandwagon for this game!

Hope that it is an enjoyable drive home Neil.

Thanks Dave, will you be going?

How did the operation go mate?
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: idler on February 21, 2026, 09:09:47 am
Hi Neil, I doubt I will be there. The op went well but took 2.5 hours instead of 90 mins. I had to stay in an extra night. All went well for 1st week then picked a bug up. So far only been out to the hospital twice and once walked 50 yds to the end of the street and back. Hoping to go for a little walk today and restart my exercises. Another hospital appointment Weds. and hoping to start driving short distances next week if given the ok. I think it will be end of March before I can attend but already renewed my season ticket.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Dougiebulletheader on February 21, 2026, 09:53:22 am
No bandwagon fans for me, want as many as possible though the door and create an atmosphere. ECO can bounce when full. If we do get though be my lads first trip to Wembley so we will go..for the record we went to the earlier rounds and also got piss wet though at Huddersfax...
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: In the box on February 21, 2026, 01:21:07 pm
No bandwagon fans for me, want as many as possible though the door and create an atmosphere. ECO can bounce when full. If we do get though be my lads first trip to Wembley so we will go..for the record we went to the earlier rounds and also got piss wet though at Huddersfax...
“ No bandwagon fans for me, want as many as possible though the door and create an atmosphere” SO do you want a big crowed or don’t you ?… if this games brings in fresh support it’s got to be a good thing. Let’s it’s got to be the worst cup for attracting crowd any where in the EFL !!
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Pancho Regan on February 22, 2026, 06:38:54 pm
Hi Neil, I doubt I will be there. The op went well but took 2.5 hours instead of 90 mins. I had to stay in an extra night. All went well for 1st week then picked a bug up. So far only been out to the hospital twice and once walked 50 yds to the end of the street and back. Hoping to go for a little walk today and restart my exercises. Another hospital appointment Weds. and hoping to start driving short distances next week if given the ok. I think it will be end of March before I can attend but already renewed my season ticket.

Blimey, sorry to hear that Dave, it sounds like you’ve had a rotten time of it.

Best wishes for a full recovery mate, take care of yourself and I hope to see you back at the Rovers soon.
If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask.

Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: idler on February 22, 2026, 08:27:47 pm
Cheers Neil. Results like yesterday perk me up no end.
Managed two walks today with just a bit of a temporary stiff back to show for it.
Hopefully, a walk or two very day now and maybe throw the walking stick away by the weekend.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Rupee92ONLY on February 23, 2026, 02:04:19 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:

Bought one  :laugh:
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 23, 2026, 02:17:38 pm
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: wabtec on February 23, 2026, 03:09:21 pm
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
I have bought next year’s season ticket now,I went to Wycombe, Burton and Rotherham and now they want to charge me more for the semi ticket than someone who bought one ticket for earlier rounds,they can shove the semi ticket where the sun don’t shine.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 23, 2026, 03:27:51 pm
Already got our 3. Season ticket probably this week.

COYR.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Prez on February 23, 2026, 03:29:04 pm
Just bought mine for semi final and season ticket today.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 23, 2026, 03:53:49 pm
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
I have bought next year’s season ticket now,I went to Wycombe, Burton and Rotherham and now they want to charge me more for the semi ticket than someone who bought one ticket for earlier rounds,they can shove the semi ticket where the sun don’t shine.

Its not a personal attack on you. Just pay the money and enjoy a game of football.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Spilsby Red on February 23, 2026, 03:58:40 pm
Renewed my lads. Unfortunately I won’t. Forever a Rover tho
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Draytonian III on February 23, 2026, 04:36:31 pm
Bought season ticket last week, and in the early hours of this morning I bought Semi Final ticket only cost a £5 because I had been to the Huddersfield match.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Juddy on February 23, 2026, 04:38:25 pm
Bought 3 for South stand come on boys cheer the lads on to Wembley ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Nudga on February 23, 2026, 05:26:09 pm
Just the £10 tax then if you want to watch rovers in a semi-final but couldn’t(didn’t) make a previous round.

Whose idea was it to make the gap so big? Did they think a lot of fans were going to go along with that?  :laugh:

Bought one  :laugh:

FOMO
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: RoversInSpain on February 23, 2026, 08:06:23 pm
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
How many have been sold?
Would be of interest to see an advancing figure day by day.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversdude on February 23, 2026, 10:08:11 pm
Something popped up on FB that Armthorpe school have an offer on (hopefully all schools) at £3.75
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Iberian Red on February 23, 2026, 10:24:46 pm
Renewed my lads. Unfortunately I won’t. Forever a Rover tho

Good man! Keep fighting
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: rich1471 on February 23, 2026, 10:29:25 pm
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
I have bought next year’s season ticket now,I went to Wycombe, Burton and Rotherham and now they want to charge me more for the semi ticket than someone who bought one ticket for earlier rounds,they can shove the semi ticket where the sun don’t shine.
I don't get it when people wait if you are a fan you go know matter what league they are in, too me the results don't matter that much it's more about spending time with my dad at the games
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Danmckay456 on February 23, 2026, 11:40:34 pm
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
I have bought next year’s season ticket now,I went to Wycombe, Burton and Rotherham and now they want to charge me more for the semi ticket than someone who bought one ticket for earlier rounds,they can shove the semi ticket where the sun don’t shine.
I don't get it when people wait if you are a fan you go know matter what league they are in, too me the results don't matter that much it's more about spending time with my dad at the games



Very true my dad got me into the rovers and had some wonderful times on the terraces I’d give my right arm to have those times back.


Can’t wait to take my 3 year old son to his first game on Saturday
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: roversontheup on February 25, 2026, 08:39:40 pm
Think im going to hold out for a bit in the off chance that the West Stand gets opened as my son (who has Autism) doesn't like change so would prefer not to move but will wait and see closer to the time.
Have a word with Tracy in the Ticket  Office.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: idler on February 25, 2026, 08:47:55 pm
A mate renewed his season ticket today and asked if the west stand was likely to be opened and was told it was unlikely.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: German Rover on February 26, 2026, 09:32:21 am
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
I have bought next year’s season ticket now,I went to Wycombe, Burton and Rotherham and now they want to charge me more for the semi ticket than someone who bought one ticket for earlier rounds,they can shove the semi ticket where the sun don’t shine.
I don't get it when people wait if you are a fan you go know matter what league they are in, too me the results don't matter that much it's more about spending time with my dad at the games



Very true my dad got me into the rovers and had some wonderful times on the terraces I’d give my right arm to have those times back.


Can’t wait to take my 3 year old son to his first game on Saturday

Its my 6 year olds first game on Saturday as well. hoping his first season will get him to wembley.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Donnyjim on February 26, 2026, 11:00:20 am
Do you think ticket sales have been effected by only having half the ground open. I would, personally say yes they have. A bit of poor decision by the powers that be, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Usher wide. on February 26, 2026, 12:40:54 pm
Do you think ticket sales have been effected by only having half the ground open. I would, personally say yes they have. A bit of poor decision by the powers that be, I'm afraid.

I guess it’s a question of have they been affected enough to have warranted the extra personnel employed to open the whole ground.

If we got to the stage where the current seating allocation was being ‘gobbled up’ then I’m sure the club would have made arrangements to do so.

How often have you looked across at the East Stand during league games & been ‘embarrassed’ by the amount of empty seats?

I often wonder what the West Stand looks like from a different perspective.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: sf9944 on February 26, 2026, 12:45:22 pm
I think that the unintended consequence of not opening the west stand is a perceived devaluation of the game. 

The game is in fact massively valuable!
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: 5minstogo on February 26, 2026, 12:50:22 pm
I think that the unintended consequence of not opening the west stand is a perceived devaluation of the game. 

The game is in fact massively valuable!

Absolutely. That and the two tier pricing strategy. Missed a trick not absolutely marketing the hell out of this game with cheap tickets. Not many chances to get to Wembley as a Rovers fan (or player) just seems a bit of malaise about this game from all sides.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: GazLaz on February 26, 2026, 01:17:50 pm
I think that the unintended consequence of not opening the west stand is a perceived devaluation of the game. 

The game is in fact massively valuable!

It was never going to be a well attended game. The club knew this so just opened two stands. Opening more stands, charging everyone a tenner, whatever, wouldn’t have hugely inflated the attendance.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Spud on February 26, 2026, 01:26:16 pm
Must admit I haven't rushed to buy mine yet (three of us), though I probably will. I'm guessing it will just be the two stands, as planned.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: tingleyrover on February 26, 2026, 10:30:21 pm
There’s still a lot protesting because of the U21 sides. The tournament lost its spark for me with that. I’ve been to a game because it’s the only one my mate could get to all year but my word, fans across the country aren’t half voting with their feet!
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Juddy on February 27, 2026, 03:17:09 pm
Voting now open for player of the round TLT one would think to be the winner my vote cast ⚽️
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: Padge_DRFC on February 28, 2026, 10:58:33 am
Wembley is overrated IMO. View is terrible in the bottom tier compared to most football grounds for starters.
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: adamtherover on February 28, 2026, 11:28:52 am
Wembley is overrated IMO. View is terrible in the bottom tier compared to most football grounds for starters.
view is worse in the top tier, you are 3 miles from the pitch..
Title: Re: Semi Final
Post by: adamtherover on February 28, 2026, 11:32:13 am
Sales look to be pretty slow for this one.
I have bought next year’s season ticket now,I went to Wycombe, Burton and Rotherham and now they want to charge me more for the semi ticket than someone who bought one ticket for earlier rounds,they can shove the semi ticket where the sun don’t shine.
the price is the same as what others paid to see earlier rounds tho, so you are not paying any more than standard price.  Its others are just gaining a loyalty bonus..