As goals come, none were more crucial than Paul Richardson's last gasp winner against Notts County on the final day of the 1978/79 season.

The classy midfielder powered home a header in the 89^th minute to secure a spot in the top flight just as it looked like Sunderland were about to snatch promotion out of City's hands.

Their 3-1 victory at Wrexham meant Alan Durban's side needed a win, and as history shows Paul proved the hero.

Speaking exclusively to the official website, he reveals it was a moment he will savour for the rest of his life.

"It was an unbelievable goal to score," remembers Paul.

"There were thousands of Stokies behind the goal and we knew we had to win, so as soon as I saw the ball come across I just threw myself at it.

"I caught it well and it flew in to the back of the net.

"The players, the fans and the players just went mad, it makes me tingle thinking about it now."

Tony Pulis leads his side in to this afternoons encounter knowing anything other than defeat will see the Potters promoted, and looking back 23 years, Richardson insists the players will relish the experience.

"I remember our game in Nottingham, we were all desperate to play the game and I'm sure the lads now will be feeling exactly the same.

"If they feel like I did, they will just want to get on to the pitch and let their football do the talking.

"They have got to go out there and do what Stoke City do best, do the same as what has got them in this position for the last 45 matches.

"If they do that, then this will be a day no Stoke fan will ever forget.

"If the players don't enjoy what they will be playing in on Sunday, I think they need to take up another job, because this is what football is all about."

The Shirebrook born midfielder spent four years at the Victoria Ground before moving to join Sheffield United, and fondly remembers what he calls 'the great supporters'.

"The fans at Stoke are absolutely unbelievable," he says.

"I will never ever forget them scenes at Notts County that day we went up, there were just thousands of fans everywhere.

"They never ever stop singing for you, and believe me it doesn't half help you out when things aren't going too well.

"They have been crucial again this season and they will be on Sunday. It will be an electric atmosphere and if anybody deserves to be celebrating this season it is the Stoke supporters.

"I can't thank them enough for how they treated me, and I just hope the players go out and do it for them.

"I am very confident they will do it."