But only a select few can claim they were there the last time the club reached the showpiece final – and 11 of them gathered yesterday at the Spinnaker Tower to recall Pompey glory days and look ahead to a bright future.

And two of those fans are even preparing to make the trip back to the rebuilt Wembley, 69 years after roaring Pompey to glory in the 4-1 victory over Wolves in 1939.

David Morey was the youngest of all the Pompey veterans at the top of the tower. He was only eight years old when he went to the game on April 29, 1939, and so his memories of the historic occasion are hazy.

'I can remember the crowds and singing the Pompey Chimes, he said. 'We were quite near the front, the game was very exciting.'

He even has a scrapbook of Pompey's FA Cup run during the 1939 season, with a collection of memorabilia from the big day.

He added: 'I have followed Pompey all the way through and I started going to games when I was six.'

And his commitment towards Pompey has never faltered, despite the many lean years.

He followed the blues up to Old Trafford this season for the quarter-final victory over Manchester United, and he went up to Wembley for the semi-final with West Brom.

Now 77 years young, Mr Morey is living in Southsea and is excited about going back up to Wembley.

'I didn't think it would take this long, he said. 'It's all down to Harry Redknapp and the staff.'

Another Pompey supporter who joined in the reunion yesterday still works for the club as a steward, despite being 88.

John Jenkins is thrilled at getting his hands on a ticket for the crucial match at Wembley tomorrow, after the club offered him a ticket as a reward for his commitment to the club.

He said: 'The club have been very good to me. It's going to be a great day.'

Having seen his first game in 1928, Mr Jenkins, from Milton, went to the cup final in 1939, and he still has vivid memories of the occasion – the sights and the sounds that made it so special.

'To get to the cup final that year was out of this world. It's so colourful nowadays, but we didn't have people wearing shirts like they do now – instead there were rosettes, rattles and bells.'

Like thousands more the veterans are hoping Pompey diehards do not have to wait another 69 years for a chance of Wembley glory.