Stephen Dobbie: I can't describe how it feels knowing I'll be going to Wembley with Blackpool

STEPHEN DOBBIE last season ran out at Airdrie's New Broomfield ground in the First Division in front of just 1320 fans.

He didn't mind because the stadium was only five minutes from his house.

Now, just 14 months on, the Scot will grace Wembley in front of 80,000, aiming to help Blackpool reach the Premiership.

The turnaround in fortunes for the 27-year-old in such a short space of time has been nothing short of extraordinary.

In 2007, he was turning out for Dumbarton in the Third Division. But his form last term for Queen of the South earned him a move to Championship side Swansea.

In their wisdom, the Welsh outfit sent him out on loan to the Seasiders.

While City were licking their wounds as a lack of goals cost them a place in the play-offs, Dobbie was hitting the back of the net and helping Ian Holloway's side into the top six.

And he came off the bench against Nottingham Forest to score their vital second goal in a 4-3 win that booked their place at Wembley on Saturday.

Dobbie has to pinch himself to believe how his life has changed in the past year and said: "I can't find the words to explain how it feels going to Wembley.

"From where I've came from last year, to be going there for a play-off final is just unbelievable.

"It's what dreams are made of. I just pray now I get a chance to get out on that pitch. Last season I was going to places such as Airdrie. At that time I thought it was great because Airdrie was only five minutes from where I lived. There wasn't much traffic on the way home!

"But football's like that, it can change so quickly. If you play well, I've shown you can progress and end up playing on the biggest stage.

"I played at Hampden a few times for Hibs and Queen of the South. Those were the biggest games I'd been involved in.

"But this is a whole new level. Playing at Wembley for a chance to take Blackpool into the Premiership.

"I can't believe how much life has turned around for me in the last year.

"I arrived at Swansea buzzing because I'd earned a move to the Championship.

"I started well, scoring a few goals. But I broke my ribs and then snapped my ankle ligaments.

"The boys were doing well so I was sent to Blackpool.

"At that point I'm sure there were a lot of people in Scotland and England who doubted I could hack it at this level.

"Hopefully I've proved them w rong.

"Most people down here wouldn't have heard of me when I signed on from Queens. There would have been a few people questioning whether I could do it.

"Hopefully now I can score the winner at Wembley on Saturday."

Dobbie grew up watching games at the old Wembley, dreaming he might get the chance to tread on the hallowed turf.

He added: "As a kid I watched every FA Cup Final at the old Wembley.

"Also, I saw Scotland beat England there in the Euro 2000 play-off when Don Hutchison scored the winner.

"After watching games and goals like that, it's surreal to think I'll be running out at the new Wembley. From how my career was going I didn't think in a million years I'd be here now. It's a fairytale."