NATHAN Ralph says Southend United’s surge to the play-off final has yet to sink in.
Blues beat Forest Green Rovers 4-2 on penalties after the match had ended in a 2-2 draw to secure their place in the final against Oldham Athletic at Wembley.
But Ralph is still struggling to come to terms with what happened.
“It’s too soon to sum it all up and I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” said Ralph.
“From where we’ve come from as a club to getting in the play-offs late and then being at Wembley, it’s just crazy.
“The last couple of games have just been unbelievable and it’s not really sunk in yet but I’m just delighted for everyone associated with the club.
“People have had to go through so much but we’ve got one game to go now and fingers crossed we get the result.”
Ralph has skippered the Shrimpers through the toughest times of their entire history in recent seasons.
And he cannot put into words how he is feeling.
“That’s the part that hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” said Ralph.
“We’ve still got one game left to try and get our ultimate goal but the fact we are at Wembley and can give the fans a day out like that is really good.
“I’m really pleased and proud of the club and I’m really looking forward to it.”
And Ralph is also excited to be leading the team out.
“It will be really good,” said the defender.
“I’ve been getting messages from all my family and they’re delighted.
“It will be a proud moment for me and my nan lives in Wembley as well so I’ve always said I want to play there so it’s going to be unbelievable.”
And it will also go some way to making up for a painful memory from Ralph’s past.
“Yeovil got to Wembley when I was there but I was injured,” said Ralph.
“I had a knee injury just before the play-offs started.
“I missed all of that and we won the game.
“It was great to be a part of but it’s obviously not the same as playing.”
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