Dad who ditched holiday is plotting Wembley comeback

Julian Wantling (left) ditched his wife and children in Greece to make Southend United's play-off final in 2025 [Julian Wantling] A dad who ditched his family holiday to watch Southend United at Wembley is returning to the home of football and this time it is with his relatives in tow. Julian Wantling abandoned his wife and children in Greece last June, only for the Shrimpers to lose the National League play-off final 3-2 to Oldham Athletic. The 56-year-old is coming back with a vengeance for the FA Trophy final on Sunday, bringing an army of 13 relatives with him for the game against Wealdstone.

His wife of 26 years, Vivienne, admitted: "Things like this don't come around very often. " The age of the Wantling clan travelling from Essex to Wembley ranges from eight to 80, spanning four generations. It marks a contrast to in 2025, when Julian swapped the Mediterranean for the terraces.

Julian, Vivienne and Doug Wantling met for a pre-final drink at the Blue Boar pub in Southend on Friday [BBC] Recalling the moment her husband announced his departure, Vivienne, from Leigh-on-Sea, said: "I was sort of expecting it in the back of my head. "I wasn't that surprised, to be honest. " She told BBC Essex's Sonia Watson how the only Southend match she had ever been to was when the side famously beat Manchester United 1-0 in 2006 .

"I am hoping to keep my 100% record of supporter's luck, that would be amazing," the 58-year-old added. Joining the family affair will be grandfather Doug, who is even celebrating his 80th birthday on matchday. The season ticket holder of 20 years said it was the perfect way to mark the occasion.