INCREDIBLE behind-the-scenes footage of Warrington Wolves’ 1990 Wembley experience against Wigan has come to light.

Filmed by the players and backroom staff, Wire fans can now look back on the drama of a Challenge Cup Final week of that era from an insider’s perspective.

This documentary, never seen before, is the work of Sky Sports broadcast journalist and presenter Angela Powers and The Wire’s 1990 Wembley full-back and try scorer Dave Lyon.

Warrington Guardian:

Dave Lyon races away from Ellery Hanley with Paul Darbyshire in support on the way to his second-half try in the 1990 Challenge Cup Final

Warrington Guardian sports editor Mike Parsons said: “I had goose bumps watching these images.

"It’s a truly rare insight and so many people will be very grateful to Angela and Dave for making this public.

“A wise man once said to me that the history of the club belongs to the town, to the fans, and should always be shared.

“Gary Slater, a remarkable club historian and like Angela a fellow former Guardian journalist, has gone on to author many enlightening books about the club and its players, and this film is another prime example of sharing the life and times of Warrington RLFC through the ages.

“And all the magnificent heritage work at the club and Warrington Wolves Foundation through its director Neil Kelly is further testament to giving the history back to the people who helped to make it.

“It means a lot to many and will no doubt do so for generations to come.”

Viewers of the video, which is linked below, are treated to footage of training day in Wembley week, the players’ walkabout at the national stadium on Cup Final eve, the journey down Wembley Way towards the twin towers on the day itself, highlights of the game, the evening reception, the coach journey home and the homecoming.

Warrington Guardian:

Fans and players' friends and family enjoying Wembley 1990

“Not only is it interesting for factual reasons, you get to share in the camaraderie of the players and coaching staff and see the characters behind the scenes,” said Parsons.

“That’s the real beauty of this video. There were some larger than life people around the place at that time and some wonderful rugby league players and coaching staff, some of whom are sadly no longer with us so it’s emotional stuff too.

“And Dave Lyon narrates as the on-film journey unfolds, helping to explain things and share some of his memories as a player in Brian Johnson's team.

“This was all 27 years ago, Warrington’s first appearance in the final for 15 years and the last at the old Wembley. Wire fans had to wait 19 years for another similar trip.

“This will bring back a lot of memories to that generation and be an eye-opener for younger supporters who maybe never got to see club legends like Mike Gregory and Des Drummond playing in primrose and blue.”

Warrington Guardian:

Bob Jackson on the charge at Wembley in 1990

Parsons, 48, from Latchford was among the fans in the stands that day, just over 12 months prior to joining the Guardian’s sportsdesk.

“For me, although The Wire lost, it felt like a win,” he said.

“Just to have that experience after so many years of trying – and some tears along the way - meant so much.

“The Wire fans were incredible and never stopped singing. I remember watching the match again on video and the BBC commentary team remarking about the fans cheering Wigan to victory late in the game.

“But it was actually the Warrington fans they could hear, celebrating the day and the team making it to Wembley.

Warrington Guardian:

Duane Mann thanks Wire fans for their support during the lap of honour at Wembley

“And the homecoming also was amazing. If you’d turned up to the event not knowing the score, you would have thought Warrington had won from the turnout and the celebrations.

“Wigan were the only full-time club at the time and were virtually the Great Britain team wearing cherry and white, so defeat to that side was no let-down despite the hurt the players felt in not bringing the trophy back to the town that year.

“So when you think back, to have been one of the part-time clubs to have given Wigan a run for their money in a number of finals in the mid-80s to early 90s it should be considered a remarkable effort and all those involved should be very proud of their efforts and achievements.

“If you watch anything on TV today, watch this video and share your memories of the occasion with us too.”