{"match":{"id":772975,"date":"2025-09-23T18:45:00.000Z","status":"fixture","winner":null,"score_a":0,"score_b":0,"venue_type":"home_away","final_period":"soc_p2s","createdAt":"2025-09-03T10:32:05.236Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-03T15:02:07.707Z","gameweek":0,"attendance":0,"display_name":"2025-09-23 18:45:00 Fulham FC vs Cambridge United FC","locale":"en","stb_id":"2025-09-23-18-45-00-fulham-fc-vs-cambridge-united-fc","overview":null,"leg":null,"result_info":null,"interesting_facts_team_a":null,"interesting_facts_team_b":null,"match_summary":null,"key_quotes":null,"match_statistics":null,"match_timeline":null,"league_standings":null,"head_to_head_analysis":null,"link_buy_ticket":null,"position":null,"stb_internal_id":"01990f22-304b-7845-8728-78736f1c9a8e","overrides":null,"broadcast_link":null,"after_broadcast_link":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"has_odds":null,"has_h2h":null,"has_overview":null,"has_statistics":false,"has_lineups":false,"has_predictions":null,"interesting_facts_team_a_html":null,"interesting_facts_team_b_html":null,"match_summary_html":null,"key_quotes_html":null,"match_statistics_html":null,"match_timeline_html":null,"league_standings_html":null,"head_to_head_analysis_html":null,"team_a":{"id":49634,"name":"Fulham FC","short_name":"Fulham","tla_name":"FUL","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Fulham Football Club","founded":1879,"colors":"White,Black","nicknames":"The Cottagers,The Whites","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:01.674Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-10T16:37:34.642Z","website":"http://www.fulhamfc.com","address":"Stevenage Rd","address_city":"London","address_zip":"SW6 6HH","locale":"en","stb_id":"fulham-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## Fulham Club Review\n\n**Fulham** football club is one of **London's oldest teams**, which has retained its identity despite the vicissitudes of modern football. Founded in **1879**, the club is based in **Fulham**, which is in the western part of London.\n\nFor over **hundred years of existence** the team experienced both ups and downs, but always returned to the fight. **The highlight** was the participation in the **2010 Europa League final**, where **Fulham** showed incredible character to get past some strong opponents.\n\n> \"Fulham is a club that proves that in football the main thing is not the size of the budget, but the strength of spirit and commitment to tradition.\"\n","sporting_achievements":"## Fulham History\n\nThe history of \"**Fulham**\" begins very modestly. A group of **parishioners of St. Margaret's Anglican Church** decided to create a football team, which over time received a name familiar to millions today. At the beginning, \"**Fulham**\" played in local amateur leagues.\n\n**Professional status** was obtained by the team in **1898**, which was the first step towards big football.\n\nFor decades, the club played more often in the **lower divisions of England**. But even in difficult times, \"**Fulham**\" remained the favorite of its district. **Performances in the FA Cup in the 70s** became famous, and a new era began in **2001**, when the team reached the **Premier League** for the first time in a long time.\n\n> \"The 2009/10 season holds a special place in history. Under the leadership of coach Roy Hodgson, Fulham made a sensational breakthrough in the Europa League.\"\n\n**This period**, having reached the finals, where it fought worthily against **Atletico** of Madrid, is considered the **golden time** of the modern club.\n","club_identity":"## Fulham Stadium\n\nThe home arena of \"**Fulham**\" is **Craven Cottage** - a cozy stadium located right on the **banks of the Thames**. It doesn't look as flashy as most modern arenas, but it has a **unique atmosphere**.\n\n**The stadium was built** back in **1896**, and it got its name from the **ancient cottage** located on the territory of the arena and preserved to this day.\n\nThe arena holds a little more than **25 thousand spectators**. Despite its modest size, \"**Craven Cottage**\" has a family and at the same time football energy.\n\n> \"Many fans will admit that this is one of the nicest stadiums in England. Evening football here has a special magic.\"\n\nThe **spectators are literally** a few meters from the field, and the **Thames is nearby** creating a unique backdrop.\n","current_status_and_future":"## Fulham Achievements\n\n**Fulham** is not a club that wins trophies every season. However, there are moments in his history that are worth remembering:\n\n* **2010 UEFA Europa League Final** is the highest achievement in history. The team went through **Shakhtar**, **Juventus** and **Hamburg** before losing in extra time in the final.\n\n* **Wins in the Championship** (England's second division): **2000/01, 2017/18, 2021/22**.\n\n* **Elevation to the Premier League** - repeatedly, which indicates stable competition at a high level.\n\n> \"These achievements are important not only in terms of trophies, but also for the history of the club itself, because every return to the top level is a new chapter in the strength of character.\"\n\n## Fulham famous players\n\nOver the years, \"**Fulham**\" has featured many strong footballers. Some of them left a real mark in history:\n\n1. **Edwin van der Sar** is a goalkeeper with incredible experience who spent several seasons at **Fulham** before moving to **Manchester United**.\n\n2. **Clint Dempsey** is an American midfielder who became **the club's top scorer** in the Premier League.\n\n3. **Louis Saa** is a striker who later moved to **Manchester United**, but it was in **Fulham**” that he fully revealed himself.\n\n4. **Bobby Moore** — **legendary captain of the England national team**, who also played for **Fulham** at the end of his career.\n\n**Among the recent stars**, it is worth mentioning **Aleksandar Mitrovich**, whose performance was decisive more than once.\n\n> \"Each of these players didn't just wear the white shirt of Fulham - they became part of a big family that values tradition above all else.\"\n\n**Fulham interesting facts**\n\n* \"**Fulham**\" is **London's oldest football club** still playing at a professional level.\n\n* Films, commercials and documentaries about English football were shot at **Craven Cottage** stadium.\n\n* The club has an **ancient rivalry with \"Chelsea\"**, which with every match turns into a real **West London derby**.\n\n* **The owner of the club** was once an eccentric millionaire **Mohammed Al-Fayed**, who even installed a **statue of Michael Jackson** in the stadium (it was later removed).\n\n* **Fulham fans** are known for their devotion. Even in a season when the team was relegated to a lower division, they continued to fill the stands.\n\n> \"Fulham is proof that true love for football does not depend on the number of trophies, but on the depth of traditions and sincerity of emotions.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that \"**Fulham**\" continues the struggle for stability in the **Premier League**, proving that even modest clubs can compete with the giants of modern football. Can the team repeat the magic of **2010**? Time will tell, but the spirit of **Craven Cottage** remains unbroken.\n","stb_internal_id":"0192f730-749b-7628-a2f7-fefda6cd7a5d","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Fulham Club Review

Fulham football club is one of London's oldest teams, which has retained its identity despite the vicissitudes of modern football. Founded in 1879, the club is based in Fulham, which is in the western part of London.

For over hundred years of existence the team experienced both ups and downs, but always returned to the fight. The highlight was the participation in the 2010 Europa League final, where Fulham showed incredible character to get past some strong opponents.

\n
\"Fulham is a club that proves that in football the main thing is not the size of the budget, but the strength of spirit and commitment to tradition.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Fulham History

The history of \"Fulham\" begins very modestly. A group of parishioners of St. Margaret's Anglican Church decided to create a football team, which over time received a name familiar to millions today. At the beginning, \"Fulham\" played in local amateur leagues.

Professional status was obtained by the team in 1898, which was the first step towards big football.

For decades, the club played more often in the lower divisions of England. But even in difficult times, \"Fulham\" remained the favorite of its district. Performances in the FA Cup in the 70s became famous, and a new era began in 2001, when the team reached the Premier League for the first time in a long time.

\n
\"The 2009/10 season holds a special place in history. Under the leadership of coach Roy Hodgson, Fulham made a sensational breakthrough in the Europa League.\"
\n

This period, having reached the finals, where it fought worthily against Atletico of Madrid, is considered the golden time of the modern club.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Fulham Stadium

The home arena of \"Fulham\" is Craven Cottage - a cozy stadium located right on the banks of the Thames. It doesn't look as flashy as most modern arenas, but it has a unique atmosphere.

The stadium was built back in 1896, and it got its name from the ancient cottage located on the territory of the arena and preserved to this day.

The arena holds a little more than 25 thousand spectators. Despite its modest size, \"Craven Cottage\" has a family and at the same time football energy.

\n
\"Many fans will admit that this is one of the nicest stadiums in England. Evening football here has a special magic.\"
\n

The spectators are literally a few meters from the field, and the Thames is nearby creating a unique backdrop.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Fulham Achievements

Fulham is not a club that wins trophies every season. However, there are moments in his history that are worth remembering:

2010 UEFA Europa League Final is the highest achievement in history. The team went through Shakhtar, Juventus and Hamburg before losing in extra time in the final.
\n
Wins in the Championship (England's second division): 2000/01, 2017/18, 2021/22.
\n
Elevation to the Premier League - repeatedly, which indicates stable competition at a high level.
\n

\n
\"These achievements are important not only in terms of trophies, but also for the history of the club itself, because every return to the top level is a new chapter in the strength of character.\"
\n

Fulham famous players

Over the years, \"Fulham\" has featured many strong footballers. Some of them left a real mark in history:

Edwin van der Sar is a goalkeeper with incredible experience who spent several seasons at Fulham before moving to Manchester United.
\n
Clint Dempsey is an American midfielder who became the club's top scorer in the Premier League.
\n
Louis Saa is a striker who later moved to Manchester United, but it was in Fulham” that he fully revealed himself.
\n
Bobby Moore — legendary captain of the England national team, who also played for Fulham at the end of his career.
\n

Among the recent stars, it is worth mentioning Aleksandar Mitrovich, whose performance was decisive more than once.

\n
\"Each of these players didn't just wear the white shirt of Fulham - they became part of a big family that values tradition above all else.\"
\n

Fulham interesting facts

\"Fulham\" is London's oldest football club still playing at a professional level.
\n
Films, commercials and documentaries about English football were shot at Craven Cottage stadium.
\n
The club has an ancient rivalry with \"Chelsea\", which with every match turns into a real West London derby.
\n
The owner of the club was once an eccentric millionaire Mohammed Al-Fayed, who even installed a statue of Michael Jackson in the stadium (it was later removed).
\n
Fulham fans are known for their devotion. Even in a season when the team was relegated to a lower division, they continued to fill the stands.
\n

\n
\"Fulham is proof that true love for football does not depend on the number of trophies, but on the depth of traditions and sincerity of emotions.\"
\n

It is worth noting that \"Fulham\" continues the struggle for stability in the Premier League, proving that even modest clubs can compete with the giants of modern football. Can the team repeat the magic of 2010? Time will tell, but the spirit of Craven Cottage remains unbroken.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/460_956187d898.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_460_956187d898.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_460_956187d898.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_460_956187d898.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_460_956187d898.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_460_956187d898.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_460_956187d898.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}},"team_b":{"id":50741,"name":"Cambridge United FC","short_name":"Cambridge","tla_name":"CAM","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Cambridge United Football Club","founded":1912,"colors":"Yellow,Black","nicknames":null,"createdAt":"2024-11-05T14:34:44.550Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:50:17.390Z","website":"http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk","address":"Newmarket Road","address_city":"Cambridge","address_zip":"CB5 8LN","locale":"en","stb_id":"cambridge-united-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fcbf-d2e0-7cd9-83ee-634880325dfc","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":false,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":null,"sporting_achievements_html":null,"club_identity_html":null,"current_status_and_future_html":null,"logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/19541_bcae105517.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_19541_bcae105517.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_19541_bcae105517.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_19541_bcae105517.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_19541_bcae105517.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_19541_bcae105517.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_19541_bcae105517.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":571,"name":"Football League Cup","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"domestic_league_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:41:48.230Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-05T00:10:58.753Z","stb_id":"football-league-cup","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"# Football League Cup\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe **Football League Cup** stands as one of the most prestigious domestic cup competitions in English football. Commonly referred to as the **EFL Cup** due to its sponsorship by the English Football League, this knockout tournament occupies a significant position in the country's football hierarchy. Though it ranks below the FA Cup in terms of historical prestige, the Football League Cup football competition has carved out its own unique identity in the footballing landscape of England.\n\nEstablished as the third most important domestic competition after the Premier League and FA Cup, the Football League Cup statistics reveal its enduring popularity among fans and clubs alike. The tournament provides an alternative route to European qualification, offering the winner a place in the UEFA Conference League, which further enhances its appeal among participating teams.\n\n## History\n\nThe **Football League Cup history** dates back to 1960 when it was founded by Alan Hardaker, who served as Secretary of the Football League at that time. The Football League Cup creation emerged from practical considerations – primarily to provide additional midweek fixtures for clubs that faced early elimination from the FA Cup and to generate additional revenue through increased gate receipts.\n\nThe Football League Cup development has seen numerous format changes throughout its existence. During its early years (1960-1966), finals were contested over two legs, but this changed in the 1966-67 season when the final was moved to Wembley Stadium, significantly elevating the tournament's status. \n\nInitially, the competition faced resistance from some of England's top clubs, who viewed it as an unnecessary addition to their already congested schedules. However, the Football League Cup history took a significant turn when a UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) place was awarded to the winner from the 1971-72 season onwards. This development dramatically increased participation from elite teams, solidifying the tournament's importance in English football.\n\n**Aston Villa** claimed the inaugural trophy in the 1960-61 season, marking the beginning of what would become a storied competition in English football.\n\n## Competition Format\n\nThe **Football League Cup format** embraces inclusivity, with all 92 clubs from the Premier League and English Football League eligible to participate. The Football League Cup rules establish a progressive knockout structure consisting of seven rounds, culminating in a showpiece final at Wembley Stadium.\n\nThe Football League Cup tournament begins with lower-league teams entering in the first round. Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions join in the second round, while those participating in European tournaments enter at the third round stage. This staggered entry system creates opportunities for smaller clubs to progress before facing elite opposition.\n\nOne of the distinctive Football League Cup rules involves the structure of matches. All fixtures are decided in single-legged ties, with the exception of the semi-finals, which are played over two legs. In case of a draw after regular time, matches proceed directly to penalty shootouts without extra time (except in the final), adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.\n\n## Famous Teams\n\nThroughout its history, several Football League Cup teams have established themselves as particularly successful in this competition. **Liverpool** stands as the most decorated club in Football League Cup history, having accumulated more titles than any other team. Their dominance in this tournament has contributed significantly to their overall trophy cabinet.\n\nOther Football League Cup clubs with impressive records include **Manchester City**, who achieved remarkable dominance in recent years under Pep Guardiola's management. **Aston Villa**, **Manchester United**, **Chelsea**, and **Tottenham Hotspur** also feature prominently among the Football League Cup winners.\n\nThe competition has witnessed several notable rivalries played out in memorable finals. The North London derby between **Arsenal** and **Tottenham Hotspur** has produced some thrilling encounters, while matches between **Liverpool** and **Manchester United** never fail to generate excitement regardless of the competition.\n\n## Statistics and Records\n\nThe Football League Cup records showcase the tournament's rich history and competitive nature. **Liverpool** holds the distinction of winning the most titles, demonstrating their historical commitment to this competition despite its perceived secondary status.\n\nIn terms of Football League Cup statistics, the tournament has provided a platform for numerous goal-scoring feats. The competition has witnessed remarkable \"giant-killing\" moments where lower-division teams have toppled Premier League giants, creating some of the most memorable upsets in English football.\n\nMany Football League Cup players have etched their names in the competition's folklore through outstanding individual performances. The tournament's history features numerous hat-tricks, spectacular goals, and heroic goalkeeping displays that have decided the outcome of crucial matches.\n\n**Manchester City's** recent period of dominance represents another significant Football League Cup record, highlighting how seriously top clubs now take this competition despite its humble beginnings.\n\n## Current State\n\nThe present Football League Cup season maintains the traditional format that has evolved over decades. The competition continues to involve all 92 professional clubs in the English football pyramid, with the same progressive entry system based on league status and European commitments.\n\nDespite occasional debates about its relevance in an increasingly congested football calendar, the Football League Cup today remains highly valued by clubs for several reasons. For top teams, it represents an opportunity to secure silverware relatively early in the season and provides valuable playing time for squad players and promising youth talents. For smaller clubs, it offers the chance to test themselves against elite opposition and potentially generate significant revenue through memorable cup runs.\n\nThe Football League Cup overview in modern football shows that while it may not command the same global attention as the Premier League or Champions League, it maintains strong domestic interest and continues to provide a valuable pathway to European competition for its winners.\n\n## Interesting Facts\n\nNumerous Football League Cup facts demonstrate the tournament's unique character and historical significance. It was one of the first competitions to regularly utilize floodlit midweek matches, contributing to the atmospheric night games that have become a hallmark of English football.\n\nThe Football League Cup interesting history includes instances of lower-league teams reaching advanced stages of the competition. Bradford City's journey to the final in 2013 as a fourth-tier team represents one of the most remarkable cup runs in English football history.\n\nAmong the most Football League Cup interesting stories is how the competition transformed from an initially dismissed addition to the football calendar to an established trophy that all clubs actively pursue. This evolution reflects broader changes in football's commercial development and the increasing importance of securing any available silverware in the modern era.\n\nThe competition has also served as a launching pad for many young players who received their first significant exposure in Football League Cup matches before going on to achieve stardom in the sport.","active":true,"short_code":null,"category":2,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192f732-1697-7ce9-923d-a430e924322d","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

Football League Cup

Introduction

The Football League Cup stands as one of the most prestigious domestic cup competitions in English football. Commonly referred to as the EFL Cup due to its sponsorship by the English Football League, this knockout tournament occupies a significant position in the country's football hierarchy. Though it ranks below the FA Cup in terms of historical prestige, the Football League Cup football competition has carved out its own unique identity in the footballing landscape of England.

Established as the third most important domestic competition after the Premier League and FA Cup, the Football League Cup statistics reveal its enduring popularity among fans and clubs alike. The tournament provides an alternative route to European qualification, offering the winner a place in the UEFA Conference League, which further enhances its appeal among participating teams.

History

The Football League Cup history dates back to 1960 when it was founded by Alan Hardaker, who served as Secretary of the Football League at that time. The Football League Cup creation emerged from practical considerations – primarily to provide additional midweek fixtures for clubs that faced early elimination from the FA Cup and to generate additional revenue through increased gate receipts.

The Football League Cup development has seen numerous format changes throughout its existence. During its early years (1960-1966), finals were contested over two legs, but this changed in the 1966-67 season when the final was moved to Wembley Stadium, significantly elevating the tournament's status.

Initially, the competition faced resistance from some of England's top clubs, who viewed it as an unnecessary addition to their already congested schedules. However, the Football League Cup history took a significant turn when a UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) place was awarded to the winner from the 1971-72 season onwards. This development dramatically increased participation from elite teams, solidifying the tournament's importance in English football.

Aston Villa claimed the inaugural trophy in the 1960-61 season, marking the beginning of what would become a storied competition in English football.

Competition Format

The Football League Cup format embraces inclusivity, with all 92 clubs from the Premier League and English Football League eligible to participate. The Football League Cup rules establish a progressive knockout structure consisting of seven rounds, culminating in a showpiece final at Wembley Stadium.

The Football League Cup tournament begins with lower-league teams entering in the first round. Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions join in the second round, while those participating in European tournaments enter at the third round stage. This staggered entry system creates opportunities for smaller clubs to progress before facing elite opposition.

One of the distinctive Football League Cup rules involves the structure of matches. All fixtures are decided in single-legged ties, with the exception of the semi-finals, which are played over two legs. In case of a draw after regular time, matches proceed directly to penalty shootouts without extra time (except in the final), adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.

Famous Teams

Throughout its history, several Football League Cup teams have established themselves as particularly successful in this competition. Liverpool stands as the most decorated club in Football League Cup history, having accumulated more titles than any other team. Their dominance in this tournament has contributed significantly to their overall trophy cabinet.

Other Football League Cup clubs with impressive records include Manchester City, who achieved remarkable dominance in recent years under Pep Guardiola's management. Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur also feature prominently among the Football League Cup winners.

The competition has witnessed several notable rivalries played out in memorable finals. The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur has produced some thrilling encounters, while matches between Liverpool and Manchester United never fail to generate excitement regardless of the competition.

Statistics and Records

The Football League Cup records showcase the tournament's rich history and competitive nature. Liverpool holds the distinction of winning the most titles, demonstrating their historical commitment to this competition despite its perceived secondary status.

In terms of Football League Cup statistics, the tournament has provided a platform for numerous goal-scoring feats. The competition has witnessed remarkable \"giant-killing\" moments where lower-division teams have toppled Premier League giants, creating some of the most memorable upsets in English football.

Many Football League Cup players have etched their names in the competition's folklore through outstanding individual performances. The tournament's history features numerous hat-tricks, spectacular goals, and heroic goalkeeping displays that have decided the outcome of crucial matches.

Manchester City's recent period of dominance represents another significant Football League Cup record, highlighting how seriously top clubs now take this competition despite its humble beginnings.

Current State

The present Football League Cup season maintains the traditional format that has evolved over decades. The competition continues to involve all 92 professional clubs in the English football pyramid, with the same progressive entry system based on league status and European commitments.

Despite occasional debates about its relevance in an increasingly congested football calendar, the Football League Cup today remains highly valued by clubs for several reasons. For top teams, it represents an opportunity to secure silverware relatively early in the season and provides valuable playing time for squad players and promising youth talents. For smaller clubs, it offers the chance to test themselves against elite opposition and potentially generate significant revenue through memorable cup runs.

The Football League Cup overview in modern football shows that while it may not command the same global attention as the Premier League or Champions League, it maintains strong domestic interest and continues to provide a valuable pathway to European competition for its winners.

Interesting Facts

Numerous Football League Cup facts demonstrate the tournament's unique character and historical significance. It was one of the first competitions to regularly utilize floodlit midweek matches, contributing to the atmospheric night games that have become a hallmark of English football.

The Football League Cup interesting history includes instances of lower-league teams reaching advanced stages of the competition. Bradford City's journey to the final in 2013 as a fourth-tier team represents one of the most remarkable cup runs in English football history.

Among the most Football League Cup interesting stories is how the competition transformed from an initially dismissed addition to the football calendar to an established trophy that all clubs actively pursue. This evolution reflects broader changes in football's commercial development and the increasing importance of securing any available silverware in the modern era.

The competition has also served as a launching pad for many young players who received their first significant exposure in Football League Cup matches before going on to achieve stardom in the sport.

\n","has_description":true,"area":{"id":10526,"name":"England","country_code":"ENG","iso_code":"GB-ENG","createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:57.031Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:31.305Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-c5f8-7824-be2a-11bd7ce0c3d3","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/England_GB_ENG_f1c9ba5d11.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}}}}

James Gibbons: Profile