The town’s leaders have united to pay tribute to Northampton Town Football Club, as Cobblers fans get ready for an historic day out at Wembley.
Fans will get the chance to start snapping up seats for the League 2 play-off final, which will be held at the home of football on May 18, when tickets go on sale tomorrow.
Tickets, to be sold by Ticketmaster, will be released from 9.30am to season ticket holders only. They will then go on general sale on Thursday morning.
Up to 40,000 supporters could make the trip south for the final, the first trip to Wembley for Cobblers for 15 years.
One fan hoping to walk along Wembley Way is Cobblers supporter for more than 60 years Brian Binley, MP for Northampton South.
He said: “I am delighted. I am delighted for the Cardoza family, who have stuck with it through some tough years.
“I am delighted for the town, because it will give the town a lift.
“I think it is all part of Northampton Alive, we are moving forward.”
Mr Binley, who is being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, added: “For the last two or three years we have been down in the dumps so my congratulations to Aidy Boothroyd and the players because they have battled through.
“I will be there on the 18th, all being well, hoping to play Peterborough next year.”
Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North, added: “It is excellent news for the town, it is excellent for the fans and it is excellent news for the club.
“It is an all round good story. A match like this can really bring the town together.”
He added: “It is good for the town because there will be a feelgood factor now and hopefully is will also benefit the economy of the town with more people being attracted to the club as fans, which can only be good.
“So congratulations to the Cobblers.”
Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, reacted to the final whistle at Cheltenham on Sunday night by posting on Twitter: “We’re off to Wembley! Remember going there in 1997. Come on you Cobblers! Well done @ntfc.”
Dan Roan, chief sports correspondent for BBC News, and another Northampton Town supporter, added: Northampton - Play-Off town. Cobblers into L2 Wembley final. Now need Saints to bt Saracens & reach rugby’s Prem’ship equivalent at Twick’am.”
Radio 5 Live sports reporter Mike Sewell also posted his congratulations on Twitter.
He said: “Congratulations to @ntfc on reaching Wembley. Great reward for all those #Cobblers fans who will populate Wembley like they did in ‘97 & ‘98.
“1997: Man Utd won the PL, B Dortmund the CL & #ntfc the Div 3 play-off final. 2013: Utd have won the PL, Dortmund are in the CL final and...”
He added: “Goodnight after a good night for all associated with #ntfc - The spirit of ‘97 will help keep the 2013 dream alive.”