Daily Echo:

With a journey of more than 11,000 miles – he could be Saints most dedicated fan.

New Zealand-based, life-long Saints supporter Russell Budden is making the long trip to Wembley to cheer on his side in Sunday's EFL Cup final.

The 45-year-old dad-of-two grew up in Colden Common and moved to New Zealand in 2004, but that hasn’t stopped him following every step of Saints journey to the final on Sunday against Manchester United.

Mr Budden often stays up until the early hours to watch or listen to games and is also part of a New Zealand Saints fan group.

Amazingly, his first ever game watching Saints was the 1979 League Cup final when Saints lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest, with a team featured the likes of Alan Ball, Ivan Golac and David Peach.

According to Mr Budden's sister Debbie Barker, from Brambridge, Mr Budden got a “good deal” on flights, but had to fork out £486 for a ticket.

Ms Barker said: “When he last came over and said he would be back for funerals and cup finals, I thought he was joking.

“He said he would look at the cost of flights when Saints were in the semi-final, and when they won he said 'the tickets are booked, I’m on my way'.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr Budden said: "I always said I would come back for cup finals, but I was in two minds about coming because of the cost and time off work, etc, but my wife Kellie told me, harshly I thought, that it might never happen again in my lifetime so I ought to go.

"I booked some flights and was lucky enough to get a ticket. My dad brought me up on the saints, so being a genuine Saints fan for such a long time, this simply had to be done."

He said he can't wait until Sunday, and says it is worth every penny.

Asked how he would feel if Saints won, Mr Budden added: "It would be amazing. I'm like any other fan - desperate to see us get our hands on a trophy. I just live a bit further away.

"It's turning into a bit of an adventure though, and I'll get to spend some time with my extended family too so it will be totally worth it.

"I'm beside myself with excitement. The wife Kellie has had enough of me going on about it.

"She's helped push me into this but there are limits to her patience! I decorated the house (as I do with big occasions) with flags and banners - she wasn't thrilled about that. I just hope the team do the fans justice."