Good luck City! From the heroes of 1976

Key members of City’s victorious 1976 League Cup final side have sent their own special messages of support to Pep Guardiola and his players ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

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City’s 2-1 victory against Newcastle United at Wembley in February 1976 still stands as one of the most memorable moments in our post-war history with the Club having marked the 50th anniversary of that famous occasion just last month.

Now City have the chance to add another League Cup triumph to our roll of honour with Guardiola’s side set to lock horns with Arsenal at 16.30 (UK) on Sunday.

With the sides also vying for the Premier League title and through to the FA Cup quarter finals, it’s a game that has garnered global attention.

And for three of City’s heroes of 1976 – iconic goalscorers that day Dennis Tueart and Paul Barnes along with legendary goalkeeper Joe Corrigan - victory this weekend would feel especially poignant coming in the wake of those recent 50th anniversary celebrations.

Dennis Tueart

“We’re all massively rooting for the guys and it feels like a massive occasion given it’s Arsenal we are playing.

“The last couple of results have been frustrating, but I think this is a wonderful opportunity for us.

“It’s such a huge high-profile game and I always say that the League Cup final is so important as it’s the first trophy of the season.

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“That means you can set your stall out straight away and say ‘Listen, this is the first trophy this season, let’s go for it.’

“That’s what I’ve always thought about the League Cup given where it comes in the calendar and I remember saying that in 1976 before our final.

“If we can be successful, it would give everybody a boost, not just on the field but off the field too.

“That could be so important not just in terms of Sunday but looking to the rest of the season as well.

“In terms of the game, I think possession is going to be important as are set-pieces.

“We know what Arsenal are like with set-pieces. but I do think if we can keep the majority of the possession that will be huge for us.

“It’s such a great prospect. You’ve got the two best clubs in the country going head-to-head and it’s not often you get first and second in the league challenging for the League Cup.

“And if we bring our A game, I’m confident about our chances.

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“Success would also be wonderful for the supporters too.

“They’ve been backing us terrifically during the course of the season and it’d be great to give them a boost.”

Peter Barnes

“I just want to wish all the guys the very best of luck and my message to them would be just to say go and enjoy the day and relax because it’s a massive occasion.

“Some of the lads may not have had the experience of playing at Wembley so I hope they can enjoy and savour it all because it’s a special day and special experience.

“The great thing is that we can beat anybody on our day. If we play our best football, we can beat whoever we are up against.

“I think it’s the best two teams in the country by far who play the best football and score the most goals.

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“And it’s wonderful that Pep is going back to Wembley and coming up against Mikel Arteta who obviously learned so much from Pep whilst he was here at City on the coaching staff.

“It’s going to be a wonderful occasion for Pep, the players, the Club as a whole and our amazing fans.

“It’s also probably the perfect game to respond to the frustration of the Real Madrid result in midweek.

“And I just think it’s a fantastic opportunity to play Arsenal in the final because if we win, they’ll be looking over the shoulders in terms of the title race and we know that nothing’s ever impossible.

“We’ve still got to play Arsenal at the Etihad in the league next month. And I think it’ll set a pattern if we win that game on Sunday.

“And if we are successful it would mean so much to all the boys from our 1976 side.

“We’ll all be watching on Sunday and cheering the lads on and I just think it would be wonderful for the club and for everyone associated with City, the fans and the ex-players.

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“There’s no better stage than Wembley and because of the occasion there will be eyes on the game from all over the world.

“So hopefully the lads can go and play with confidence because we’re playing for the best team with the best manager and the best players and the best supporters.

“My message to the lads is enjoy the day, go and enjoy the occasion and play with confidence.”

Joe Corrigan

“I just want to send Pep and the boys my very best wishes for Sunday.

“It’s a cup final with everything to play for, and hopefully we can get a good result and take that on for the rest of the season.

“It’s a really important game for us. We know Arsenal have been going very well this season, but it’s a cup final and we’ve got the quality in our squad.

“It’s a big, big, strong squad, and I hope that they can get the result.

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“I thought we played ever so well against Real Madrid in midweek. Yes, we didn’t get the result we wanted but the lads should have been proud of how we played.

“Now we’ve got this massive game to look forward to.

“I know Arsenal have been going really well this season but it’s about staying positive.

“And if we get a great result on Sunday, I really think we can look to use it as a boost for the rest of the season.

“There’s a lot of new faces in the team this year, and this will be such a great experience for the guys.

“It’s one of the top three major tournaments in English football and you’ve got to try to enjoy the day.

“You’re there one minute and the next minute the situation and the game has gone.

“You’ve got to try to take in every aspect of what is happening. The game, the crowd, atmosphere, the pressure that’s on and just try to seize the moment and to enjoy it.

“To win any trophy is special. I was fortunate enough to win two League Cup trophies with City and, you know, it means so much.

“And the League Cup final is such a special day for the fans.

“It’s a League Cup for the supporters and you want to put on a display for your fans because there’ll be there in huge numbers and, hopefully, they can enjoy the day.

“In terms of the game itself, it’s such a brilliant prospect.

“Two fantastic footballing teams and I’m sure Pep will be getting everybody on their toes and getting everything prepared and fingers crossed it can go our way.”