Maybe the lads will get a lounge in their name – Parkinson

The Bantams, who started the season as 10,000-1 outsiders to lift the League Cup, made history last night by becoming the first team from the bottom tier to battle through to the Football League showpiece occasion since Rochdale did the same in 1962.

Swansea host Chelsea tonight in the second semi-final with the Welsh club strong favourites to progress after winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg.

Parkinson said: “I would like to play Swansea. I believe it would be great for football if the final was Bradford v Swansea. That would be tremendous.

“Swansea would be delighted to be there, just as we are. Teams can dominate the major competitions so it would be nice to see different clubs make an appearance. The fans would savour it as well.”

City’s achievement in reaching a major final has created history with no team from the basement having reached a major Wembley final, Rochdale’s success coming when the competition winners were decided over two legs.

The 4-3 aggregate win over Aston Villa means Bradford are looking forward to only their second appearance in a major final, the first having come in 1911 when they beat Newcastle United to lift the FA Cup.

Manager Parkinson added: “These lads will be remembered in the history of Bradford City for many years to come. There is a 1911 Lounge at the club, which celebrates the FA Cup success.

“In years to come there will maybe be a lounge named after these players because of what they have achieved.

“I don’t think anyone will do this again. We started six months ago against Notts County. We have had some difficult draws all the way through, not just Premier League teams but Watford, too.

“It will take some doing to match what we have achieved.

“This is so big now but I am greedy and I want both the League Cup final and promotion. Our league form has dipped of late and that is understandable.

“But I want us to get going again. We are good enough to do that.”

Parkinson praised goalscoring hero James Hanson, saying: “James trained (on Monday) for the first time in 10 days. Then, he had an injection in his broken toe five or ten minutes before kick-off. He is a very unselfish player. His all-round play for the team is excellent so I am so pleased he has got the headlines.”