Walsall fan 'forced' on son's first sun holiday will miss Wembley final

Craig Stanley, aged 31, will watch the game in Marbella, Spain, after his wife refused to let him cut their holiday short and fly home for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Bristol City this Sunday.

The family from Coalmeadow Close, Bloxwich left for the week long break on Tuesday.

It is the couple's first family holiday with 11 month old baby Jude and was was booked four months ago.

Ahead of boarding the plane, Mr Stanley sulkily said: "The holiday was booked months ago, long before we even got close to a chance of the final. It just never dawned on me."

Craig and his wife Laura, have been married for two years and have been together for eight years.

The devoted Saddlers fan said: "I wanted to come home on the Sunday. I had found a way back and I was one just click away from booking a separate flight home to London when my wife said the words 'you do what you think is best'.

"I may not have been married long but I've heard that saying enough times to have finally learnt the real meaning."

The obedient husband added: " When I suggested leaving Jude's first holiday early, it went down like a lead balloon. My wife was less than welcoming to the idea, but in fairness, only because it is our son's first time abroad."

He added: "Some of Laura's family live over there and five of us are going to visit. It will be a great trip for Jude but I won't lie I was in a foul mood with Laura."

Despite not being able to make it to the live final, Mr Stanley has made plans to ensure he will be able to watch his team.

"I have located a sports bar and organised the details to make sure I can see the game. I've made sure I 've got it all mapped out. If it wasn't on Sky Sports I would have really struggled."

Mr Stanley added: ""I'm devastated I won't be there, I'm not ashamed I nearly cried when I realised the dates clashed."