Wembley Stadium Celebrates Centenary – Jody Morris and Danny Mills share their Wembley memories
For 100 years, Wembley Stadium has been the centrepiece of English culture.
From the 1923 FA Cup Final to the 1966 World Cup Final.
From Live Aid to Adele.
The iconic venue has hosted some of the biggest events in living memory.
For English football, it is home.
Wembley is dear to my heart
Any pro who gets the chance to play there marks it as one of the greatest moments in their career.
One player to get that opportunity is current Swindon Town Head Coach Jody Morris.
The former Chelsea midfielder was part of the winning side in the 2000 FA Cup Final, the last to be played in the old Twin Towers stadium before the rebuild.
Morris came off the bench in the 89th minute as Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0 to win the cup.
He also played at the stadium as a schoolboy, moving through the youth ranks of the England team.
“Those memories mean just as much to me as FA Cup finals,” Morris said.
“Anyone that grew up in this country, or grew up watching football, and loving football holds Wembley dear to their heart.”
Morris remained at Chelsea until 2003, moving on to Leeds United.
One of the most promising English youngsters of his era, the midfielder didn’t quite reach his high potential and retired from playing in 2013 after stints at Millwall and St Johnstone.
Morris then moved into coaching, where most notably, he became Frank Lampard’s assistant at Chelsea in 2019.
The move got him two more days out in North West London as Chelsea reached the 2020 FA Cup final.
The Blues beat Manchester United 3-1 in the Semi-Final at Wembley before losing 2-1 to Arsenal in the final.
“It was disappointing to lose that final you always want to do well in your first.
“It was tough with it being played in an empty stadium as well, it sort of lessened the occasion for me.”
Something extra special
For another player, Wembley Stadium symbolises the start of his best years in football.
Former Leeds United and England defender Danny Mills only made one appearance at the famous ground.
But it is a game that he remembers fondly.
In the 1998 Football League First Division play-off Final, Danny Mills’ Charlton beat Sunderland on penalties following a dramatic 4-4 draw.
The win meant the Addicks gained promotion to the Premier League.
“It’s a game that made my career.
“It allowed me to progress to Premier League football and into the best years of my playing days.
“I hold that day at Wembley dear to my heart.”
After a year with Charlton in the Premier League, Mills would join Leeds in 1999.
Mills never played at Wembley for his country, despite earning 19 international caps and playing every minute for England at the 2002 World Cup.
The defender’s time in an England shirt came between 2001 and 2004.
His first appearance came nearly a year after the old ground was knocked down, and his last came three years before it was finished.
“I do wish I got to play more games there, I was unfortunate.”
During his time at Leeds, Mills played in games at various iconic stadiums across Europe.
Barcelona’s Nou Camp, Milan’s San Siro, and Munich’s Olympiastadion all played host to the Whites during their 2000/01 Champions League campaign.
Mills featured in all, but still holds Wembley the highest.
“When it comes to football stadiums, as an English player, nothing compares to Wembley.
“It has that extra something special.”
Iconic status
Both players gushed over their memories of the iconic stadium, keenly highlighting what the ground means to fans as well as players.
“If you’re an English football fan, Wembley is a special place,” Morris said.
“Watching games, the build up to cup finals on telly, or if you’re lucky enough to go there. It’s got iconic status.”
With 100 years of memories, Wembley Stadium has cemented its place in sporting history.
With no signs of the love of sport disappearing, it is well prepared to make memories for 100 more.
