There's more to life...?

[NAnstonblade]

After reading a thread on Porktalk (I know I shouldn't but...) about how their current situation makes them feel, I got thinking how being a Blade affects me. Maybe it's a senior 'thing' but I no longer get affected as much as I used to. I started watching United in 1962 and will never support anyone else (except for a soft spot for Sheffield FC & Worksop Town) but 'sale of best players'/results/even relegation doesn't have an earth shattering effect on me. OK maybe the odd occasion like the Walsall game and walking back down Wembley Way acouple of weeks ago still really hurt. I've always been into music (playing and listening) and local history (boffin time lol) so football/the Blades isn't my sole interest. How do others feel?

 

[biggiesablade]

I've found if I've not got a lot going on then Blades fill the gap

 

[Super Furry Blades]

Exactly same as you for the last 2/3 years
Used to mean everything to me for over 30 years ..
But like going to gigs and have other interests..
Started going in 81 ...Pick and choose now
But for a long parf of my life being a Blade was always my main focus in life

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

I'm reading up on Bulgarian gangstas.

 

[bibbity bobbity boo]

I've been thumbing through my Razzle back catalogue waiting to see if Wilders staying or going.

 

[Torrix1889]

I've been thumbing through my Razzle back catalogue waiting to see if Wilders staying or going.

View attachment 213576

Nothing like a Razzle stack

 

[dazzlingblade]

After reading a thread on Porktalk (I know I shouldn't but...) about how their current situation makes them feel, I got thinking how being a Blade affects me. Maybe it's a senior 'thing' but I no longer get affected as much as I used to. I started watching United in 1962 and will never support anyone else (except for a soft spot for Sheffield FC & Worksop Town) but 'sale of best players'/results/even relegation doesn't have an earth shattering effect on me. OK maybe the odd occasion like the Walsall game and walking back down Wembley Way acouple of weeks ago still really hurt. I've always been into music (playing and listening) and local history (boffin time lol) so football/the Blades isn't my sole interest. How do others feel?

Doesn't bother me anywhere near as much as it used to, bar the blades I barely watch any football anymore, probably an age thing but I don't enjoy the game half as much as I used to

Still annoys me if we lose,, but give it 10 minutes and I've generally forgotten

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

Doesn't bother me anywhere near as much as it used to, bar the blades I barely watch any football anymore, probably an age thing but I don't enjoy the game half as much as I used to

Still annoys me if we lose,, but give it 10 minutes and I've generally forgotten

I’m better when we’re rubbish, I didn’t care in the Premiership when we got battered every week & I didn’t really care when we were rubbish in League one. I think the more hope you give me the worst it feels when the inevitable play off loss happens.

I struggled to get over this one a bit more than the others.

 

[Geordie Blade]

It's a game at the end of the day. When you sign up as a fan, the invisible contract says that you're not guaranteed to win.

It's a beautiful, thrilling game, but still a game. The best part about football for me is the sense of belonging, and the memories that it creates. Much as I hate the Wembley defeats, those lows are what makes the good memories all the more brilliant. I have really happy memories as a kid going to away games with my dad in he mid-1980s, yet United were absolute dross in those years. Then the Bassett years came along, and gave me some of the absolute best ever memories with my dad.

But, win lose or draw, it's still only a game, and I'd rather have the happy memories than mope about being angry on the days that we're not even playing.

 

[Bradfordblade]

Pretty much the same. Started watching Blades in 1960s. So many hard luck stories and disappointments along the way. I have come to expect and accept disappointment. Still feel grumpy when we lose though, except for the last season in the premier League where i felt relieved if we lost by less than 4. I find much of the modern game to be soulless. The excessive riches of the Premier League and the big clubs have ruined it for me. The Blades will always be my team and my club though and I still enjoy some schaudenfreude whrn things go badly for Wednesday or Leeds

 

[Bradfordblade]

There have been a few times when being a Blade has been uterly joyous. Watching the John Harris side that won promotion in 71, the Bassett years, the "Michael Brown" season and the first 4 Wilder years. i have an ex colleague who supports Bolton Wanderers. He always said that supporting a regularly successful side musr be really boring and that you need the shit times to really enjoy the good. A lot of truth in this but God has there been some shit over the years!

 

[alcoblade]

I suspect most of the drop off in interest is more linked to getting older than being specifically a Blades' / football thing.

The premier league. and the gaping chasm that's forming is really testing it.

That said, in my mid 50's, I still fucking love it!

 

[NAnstonblade]

It's a game at the end of the day. When you sign up as a fan, the invisible contract says that you're not guaranteed to win.

It's a beautiful, thrilling game, but still a game. The best part about football for me is the sense of belonging, and the memories that it creates. Much as I hate the Wembley defeats, those lows are what makes the good memories all the more brilliant. I have really happy memories as a kid going to away games with my dad in he mid-1980s, yet United were absolute dross in those years. Then the Bassett years came along, and gave me some of the absolute best ever memories with my dad.

But, win lose or draw, it's still only a game, and I'd rather have the happy memories than mope about being angry on the days that we're not even playing.

Great post

 

[COME BACK CHED]

Blades have always got me high/low kicks , dont need drugs to get me high or excess alchohol , just a goal can send me high , punch drunk with that many lows , just block any media etc out after a bad defeat .still not watched the wigan/walsall/chelsea defeats

 

[Grappler]

I still walk out of BDTBL elated, if we have won, and annoyed if we have lost. I don't think I will ever change. The feeling, in the last 20 minutes at Wembley, was soul destroying (again!), but I'll be there again, next season, in all weathers.

I still enjoy going to gigs and doing family stuff, but United is a big part of our lives (because my Mrs is also a long time season ticket holder), it's "our" Saturday and if we can get a weekend away, watching United play somewhere, we do that as well.

 

[Bell4]

After reading a thread on Porktalk (I know I shouldn't but...) about how their current situation makes them feel, I got thinking how being a Blade affects me. Maybe it's a senior 'thing' but I no longer get affected as much as I used to. I started watching United in 1962 and will never support anyone else (except for a soft spot for Sheffield FC & Worksop Town) but 'sale of best players'/results/even relegation doesn't have an earth shattering effect on me. OK maybe the odd occasion like the Walsall game and walking back down Wembley Way acouple of weeks ago still really hurt. I've always been into music (playing and listening) and local history (boffin time lol) so football/the Blades isn't my sole interest. How do others feel?

This

 

[Zero dark thirty]

After reading a thread on Porktalk (I know I shouldn't but...) about how their current situation makes them feel, I got thinking how being a Blade affects me. Maybe it's a senior 'thing' but I no longer get affected as much as I used to. I started watching United in 1962 and will never support anyone else (except for a soft spot for Sheffield FC & Worksop Town) but 'sale of best players'/results/even relegation doesn't have an earth shattering effect on me. OK maybe the odd occasion like the Walsall game and walking back down Wembley Way acouple of weeks ago still really hurt. I've always been into music (playing and listening) and local history (boffin time lol) so football/the Blades isn't my sole interest. How do others feel?

Great post this and basically think the same. Life is too short to worry about football etc live each day the best you can..tomorrow isn't promised for anyone.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you
If all men count with you, but none too much
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it
And - which is more - you’ll be a Blade, my son

 

[metalblade]

After reading a thread on Porktalk (I know I shouldn't but...) about how their current situation makes them feel, I got thinking how being a Blade affects me. Maybe it's a senior 'thing' but I no longer get affected as much as I used to. I started watching United in 1962 and will never support anyone else (except for a soft spot for Sheffield FC & Worksop Town) but 'sale of best players'/results/even relegation doesn't have an earth shattering effect on me. OK maybe the odd occasion like the Walsall game and walking back down Wembley Way acouple of weeks ago still really hurt. I've always been into music (playing and listening) and local history (boffin time lol) so football/the Blades isn't my sole interest. How do others feel?

Must be an age thing every little failure hurts me a bit less than it would have years ago. After the last shit show in the Prem I didn't renew my ST and watched on TV. I did contemplate going down to Sandy lane to take in a game or two it's only a 10min bus ride for me. But here I am got another ST looks like I might have bought into a Championship shit show this time. I've long resigned myself to never seeing this club of ours winning owt worthwhile after following them over 60years. The game has changed but not for the better what with VAR and all the little rule changes that load the dice in favour of the top Premier League clubs, at least I will get four extra games for my money. I don't watch Prem football unless we are in it and definitely don't give a shiny shit about watching England I have better things to occupy me like picking my nose and seeing if the flicked bogey will stick to the garage door.

 

[Everblade]

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you
If all men count with you, but none too much
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it
And - which is more - you’ll be a Blade, my son

Exceedingly good words.

 

[Working Class Hero]

Watching United, along with playing football, was probably the biggest thing in my life until 2020, but I really did become numb to all things Sheffield United once lockdown happened. I really wanted to feel how I did before but something had gone, and it really hit home when we were promoted under Heckingbottom. I literally felt nothing about that promotion and it didn't improve in the Premier League for obvious reasons.

This last season though, I feel like it came back a bit (nothing like pre-covid). I think Wilder is part of that to be honest. I'm one of those fans that needs to feel some sort of connection with the manager and players, as I think most of us that go to home and away matches are. I was definitely more invested this season, with reading this forum more often and listening to podcasts etc. It's such a massive shame on a personal level that we didn't win at Wembley, because I think that could have got me right back into it again. It would definitely have been my best moment as a Blade. That second goal might even be a contender for that, and it didn't even count for anything. In fact it probably actually lost us the game.

I think I need to witness a Wembley win, or a Premier League survival at last, for me to fully feel again. And to allow me to realise that there are still things we can get excited about (because promotions aren't really that any more).

 

[N20 Blade]

Watching United, along with playing football, was probably the biggest thing in my life until 2020, but I really did become numb to all things Sheffield United once lockdown happened. I really wanted to feel how I did before but something had gone, and it really hit home when we were promoted under Heckingbottom. I literally felt nothing about that promotion and it didn't improve in the Premier League for obvious reasons.

This last season though, I feel like it came back a bit (nothing like pre-covid). I think Wilder is part of that to be honest. I'm one of those fans that needs to feel some sort of connection with the manager and players, as I think most of us that go to home and away matches are. I was definitely more invested this season, with reading this forum more often and listening to podcasts etc. It's such a massive shame on a personal level that we didn't win at Wembley, because I think that could have got me right back into it again. It would definitely have been my best moment as a Blade. That second goal might even be a contender for that, and it didn't even count for anything. In fact it probably actually lost us the game.

I think I need to witness a Wembley win, or a Premier League survival at last, for me to fully feel again. And to allow me to realise that there are still things we can get excited about (because promotions aren't really that any more).

Well written. When we ''scored'' the 2nd I hugged my dad and middle son and said ''finally''. God how I regret those words. Of all the play off failures that one hurts the most, and still does. I though getting older would help.

 

[Railway Blade]

I've been going to watch the Blades since 1978. I had to have a brief hiatus in the mid 1990' s when we started a family and i couldn't afford to go every week but since then I've been every season bar covid.
I still love it. Meeting up with my mates before and after the match. The thrill of winning , the sulking when we lose and not being able to bring myself to watch the highlights. Wembley was a real downer again and I keep saying never again but I know I will be there next time.
I have other interests like music gigs, theatre with the missus, I'm even revisiting Spanish trying to get more fluent
The garden has suddenly become more interesting to me as I've got older. Can't believe I watch Gardeners World. I used to laugh at my parents watching it.
None of it though holds my passion and interest though like the Blades. I don't think that will change

 

[reedy63]

I'm 67, and I still get excited when I walk up the steps to the back of the Kop before the match starts. When I was a kid in the sixties/seventies. I could run up all those steps in the old Kop. Now I am knackered when I arrive AT gangway F Good job, my seat is on the Row AF I don't think I can climb up the steps, I would require an oxygen tank.
Nevertheless, I will keep going, Win, Lose or Draw, I will be back for more.

 

[wavy-blade]

I always go back to the Bastards , no matter what !
“That’s it I’ve done “ so many times

But i aways go back , maybe one day I won’t !

 

[Toto]

I'm 67, and I still get excited when I walk up the steps to the back of the Kop before the match starts. When I was a kid in the sixties/seventies. I could run up all those steps in the old Kop. Now I am knackered when I arrive AT gangway F Good job, my seat is on the Row AF I don't think I can climb up the steps, I would require an oxygen tank.
Nevertheless, I will keep going, Win, Lose or Draw, I will be back for more.

Same as you mate but started off with my dad in '61 behind the goal at the other end. Thngs have changed and I'm in the South stand now but before every game I still see me and my dad behind the goal. Bollocks I know and the memory kind of fades but The Lane is my home, the place I grew up and love the most.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you
If all men count with you, but none too much
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it
And - which is more - you’ll be a Blade, my son

Brilliant gbs , and an even more appropriate quote from the same poem for me is the line ….

“ If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same “.

In my lifetime it has to be said that I have experienced more of the latter , but also that some of the high points have more than compensated for these .

For me , much of the above involves concepts that many of our younger supporters need to come to terms with, rather
than those of those of a sense of entitlement and instant gratification .

 

[nopigfansintown]

After reading a thread on Porktalk (I know I shouldn't but...) about how their current situation makes them feel, I got thinking how being a Blade affects me. Maybe it's a senior 'thing' but I no longer get affected as much as I used to. I started watching United in 1962 and will never support anyone else (except for a soft spot for Sheffield FC & Worksop Town) but 'sale of best players'/results/even relegation doesn't have an earth shattering effect on me. OK maybe the odd occasion like the Walsall game and walking back down Wembley Way acouple of weeks ago still really hurt. I've always been into music (playing and listening) and local history (boffin time lol) so football/the Blades isn't my sole interest. How do others feel?

I have serious health issues so, somewhat ironically, United have become a bigger thing in my life as I've literally had to decide which hobbies to continue to pursue and which ones to park - or largely park. I only have so much energy and time when I'm functional enough physically and cognitively to do anything - everything has a toll during and until I rebuild from the exertion of going. It's a big commitment. On the other hand United gives me a useful hub where I can meet friends, family and acquaintances as so many of them are Blades so, in effect, all accessible in one place. If I stopped going I wouldn't be able to keep that sort of interaction up with all of them, and they'd just become names in the phone book or behind a screen.

The results still hurt (or bring joy) , but this last season I've really lost my mojo for it in general due to the chronic negativity and obnoxiousness of an element of the fanbase who seem determined to make United/matches a drag. It no longer feels like the thing I grew up loving, and doesn't feel worth the level of commitment it takes from me any more. It's not the same.

To be honest, if I hadn't renewed my season ticket I probably wouldn't bother and would reassign the time, money and energy elsewhere. I'm not the type to do the odd match so that'd be me done. I'll still be a fan though.

 

[SouthStandGBlock]

The fire gradually goes out doesn't it?........

 

[Blade56]

When I go to a football match with my 2 sons and grandson I am in my happy place. We all want the same thing, we win together lose together but we are together.
We talk football over diner, messaging, memes, Christmas gifts, success and failures.
When I’m in that ground I can shut out my problems, my ‘to do list’ the worlds problems, war, starving children, illness etc. it’s my mental oasis, my escape.
If had had to give it up for family I would do it in a heartbeat, but I don’t because it’s part of family life for us. Not obsessively, but it’s a common cause, a glue a bit of fun.
So no, I’ve followed the Blades since 1956, I’ve seen the good the bad and the ugly but it’s always been my escape rather than my obsession and that escape is probably stronger and more necessary than ever before.
It fills my gaps in life.

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Blade, my son!