Dad Ditched Family Vacation for Game, Returns With Them

Julian Wantling made headlines last year when he left his wife and kids vacationing in Greece to fly home and watch Southend United play in a championship final at Wembley Stadium. His beloved Shrimpers lost 3-2, making the Mediterranean sacrifice sting even more.

But this Sunday, the 56-year-old football superfan gets his redemption arc. Julian is returning to Wembley for the FA Trophy final, and this time he's bringing an army of 13 family members with him to watch Southend face Wealdstone.

The Wantling clan traveling from Essex to London ranges in age from 8 to 80, spanning four generations of the family. It's a far cry from last year's solo mission that turned Julian into a viral sensation.

His wife of 26 years, Vivienne, took the 2025 abandonment in stride. "I was sort of expecting it in the back of my head," the 58-year-old admitted to BBC Essex with a laugh.

This will only be Vivienne's second Southend match ever. Her first was in 2006 when the underdog team famously beat Manchester United 1-0, and she's hoping to maintain her perfect record of supporter's luck.

The family celebration doubles as a birthday party for grandfather Doug, who turns 80 on match day. The season ticket holder of 20 years called it the perfect way to mark the milestone.

"It's brilliant, what a celebration, what an occasion," Doug said. "I'm certain we're going to do it, it is our turn."

Sunny's Take

Sometimes the best stories aren't about getting it right the first time, but about making it right the second time around. Julian could have doubled down on solo football trips, but instead he found a way to share his passion with the people who matter most.

Vivienne summed it up perfectly: "Things like this don't come around very often." She wasn't just talking about championship finals. She meant moments when families gather across generations, united by love and loyalty to something bigger than themselves.

Whether Southend wins or loses on Sunday, the Wantlings have already scored the real victory.