Swindon Town fan misses AC Milan trip for Wembley (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon Town fan misses AC Milan trip for Wembley

12:20pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Local

WHEN Darren Aylward had to choose between Swindon Town or the cream of Italian football, there was only going to be one outcome.

The lifelong Town fan will cut short a lads’ weekend and jet back across Europe to see his team in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley, on March 25.

He faces stick from his 11 pals for missing the highlight of the weekend – the Serie A tie between AC Milan and Roma at the San Siro.

But watching the likes of Gattuso, Robinho and Totti was never going to compare to the prospect of seeing Town go down in history.

“I first had a realisation the two dates clashed during the win over Southend a few weeks ago, but the idea of missing it didn’t enter my head, not for a second,” said the 46-year-old.

“I first watched Town in 1974 and have been a regular every week since 1976. I would never miss Swindon at Wembley, not even for Milan. I’ve been to Wembley four times with Town and you have to enjoy these moments.

“It’s cost me a lot to cut the break short but it will be worth it, especially if we win.”

The season ticket holder will leave MIlan at 5am, land at Gatwick at 9.30am and dump his luggage at Paddington, where he will meet pals and head straight to the game.

The early cut has cost the IT expert an extra £220. The whistlestop-tour will mean he has two nights on the town in Milan before flying straight back for the final on the Sunday.

The father-of-two will also have to contend with ribbing from his friends, who are all Arsenal fans from London.

“There’s a group of 12 or so of us who go somewhere in Europe every year, and they are all Gooners,” he said.

“This is also the 10th anniversary of the trip. No doubt I’m going to get a bit of stick for this, but I’ve made it perfectly clear that I don’t want match tickets.

“We’re going out for a few drinks but I'm not going to feel tired at the final, I’m already looking forward to it.”

Darren, of Old Town, has been enjoying a thrilling season under Paolo di Canio which has led to the chance of glory.

“It was only four years ago that the club was days from closing,” he said.

“I was at work repeatedly pressing F8 on the computer and waiting for news.

“Now there is a buzz around the town and they are having a fantastic run under di Canio. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”