DAVID Stockdale is holding up Hull City's history-making side of 2008 as the ultimate inspiration ahead of tomorrow's momentous clash with Cardiff City.
Almost five years have passed since Phil Brown's side earned an unrivalled standing in Tigers' folklore with an unforgettable triumph over Bristol City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Steve Bruce's men can create their own legacy by becoming the first side in City's 109-year history to win automatic promotion to the top flight with a final day win over Cardiff at the KC Stadium.
Wembley winners Andy Dawson, Ian Ashbee and Dean Windass will all be in attendance tomorrow lunchtime hoping to see Bruce's side follow in their legendary footsteps, and Stockdale is desperate to emulate the club's greats.
"It means a lot to everyone and the gaffer has let us know that," said Stockdale.
"We've got to look at people like Andy Dawson and Ian Ashbee, who we saw at the Player of the Season awards, they were at Wembley when the club did it last time. Those guys are there for inspiration.
"We need to play our game and not get pulled into other people's games.
"The fans know that if we play our game then there's not many teams that can get close to us.
"The last couple of games have been frustrating and sometimes embarrassing because you don't want these types of stumbles at this stage of the season.
"But the lads know exactly what we're capable of and if we produce that, we shouldn't have a problem."
A win for the Tigers would see champagne corks popping around the KC Stadium tomorrow afternoon and condemn third-placed Watford to the play-offs.
"Anything less than victory, though, would leave Watford able to leapfrog City with a win over Leeds United.
Stockdale has particular reason to help City over the finishing line tomorrow. A loan move from Fulham could lead to a permanent switch to join the Tigers this summer, and he is well aware of the ramifications.
He added: "To win automatic promotion would be the single most highlight of my career.
"This isn't just a loan move, it could re-shape my career.
"It's been brilliant here, the fans, Steve Bruce and everyone behind the scenes have been fantastic with me.
"It would be nice to be able to repay them this weekend and maybe see them again next year."
