Best opening days

[HeCanDoMagic]

The nerves are really kicking in ahead of Saturday, more so than any other first day I can remember. I think its due to the fact that I believe so much in Adkins and the performances I've seen in pre-season, I really think we could do something special.

Got me thinking about opening fixtures during my lifetime and what the best results/performances were.

My personal favourite was the 2-0 victory over Sunderland - Borbokis and Deane (on his homecoming). That was a result/performance that had swagger and got everyone excited for the season ahead.

What are everyone else's personal favourites?

 

[yamyamblade]

When I read the title that was the first game that came into my head....

So yeah that one!

 

[grafikhaus]

West Brom 0 Blades 3, opening day of the 1989/90 season. Deano & Agana scored and it was the first unveiling of the luminous yellow shirts. As United appeared out of the tunnel, a collective 'WHAT. THE. FUCK?' went up from the crowd.

Them were t'days. Bassett's urchins didn't give a fuck about tradition etc. and it was a truly exhilarating time to be a Blade. We finished second in the Second flight that year, culminating in that unforgettable day in Leicester.

 

[flyingmonkeyuk]

The nerves are really kicking in ahead of Saturday, more so than any other first day I can remember. I think its due to the fact that I believe so much in Adkins and the performances I've seen in pre-season, I really think we could do something special.

Got me thinking about opening fixtures during my lifetime and what the best results/performances were.

My personal favourite was the 2-0 victory over Sunderland - Borbokis and Deane (on his homecoming). That was a result/performance that had swagger and got everyone excited for the season ahead.

What are everyone else's personal favourites?

This one, too.

 

[ZoneManWilf]

1992. First premier league goal, beat Man United.

 

[WeareBlades]

Season we were promoted to the premier league. Think we beat Leicester 4-0 or 4-1. My memory shocking but we battered them, just knew it was going to be a good season from then on.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

West Brom 0 Blades 3, opening day of the 1989/90 season. Deano & Agana scored and it was the first unveiling of the luminous yellow shirts. As United appeared out of the tunnel, a collective 'WHAT. THE. FUCK?' went up from the crowd.

Them were t'days. Bassett's urchins didn't give a fuck about tradition etc. and it was a truly exhilarating time to be a Blade. We finished second in the Second flight that year, culminating in that unforgettable day in Leicester.

Great day out that was. 'Why are the stewards running out?'

 

[Deleted member 875]

Season we were promoted to the premier league. Think we beat Leicester 4-0 or 4-1. My memory shocking but we battered them, just knew it was going to be a good season from then on.

It was an early kick off, and was the same day as the Edgbaston test in the Ashes. I departed the Pump, England had slumped to 5 down for not very many. When I got to the Lord Nelson after the match, Flintoff had flogged Australia to all parts of the ground, and was in the process of knocking over the Aussies top order.

 

[Blade for Sale]

Season we were promoted to the premier league. Think we beat Leicester 4-0 or 4-1. My memory shocking but we battered them, just knew it was going to be a good season from then on.

I actually recall that being a pretty tight game (4-1 btw), our first 2 goals were pens (the 2nd one a tad dodgy) and then 2 goals near the end flattered us! It did set the tone for the season though.

Personal favourite is 2-1 v Man U, even sweater for the most blatant penalty I've ever seen not given for a foul on Giggs!

 

[Doormat]

Deane & Agana copping 3 apiece against Chester I believe in Bassetts first full season in what is today's League one equivalent.

I'd be happy with another season like that this year, it was the season before we started with that 3 - 0 opener at West Brom!

 

[Blade for Sale]

Deane & Agana copping 3 apiece against Chester I believe in Bassetts first full season in what is today's League one equivalent.

I'd be happy with another season like that this year, it was the season before we started with that 3 - 0 opener at West Brom!

The 6-0 v Chester wasn't opening day. I think our 1st match that season was actually a 3-1 away win v Gillingham? A repeat of that would be good if so.

 

[Gin&Juice]

Leicester in 05 wasnt spectacular but it got us off to a good start. We had a really good pre-season in terms of signing good players who would get us promoted.

Sunderland in 1997 was almost orgasmic in regards to the style of play and the utter destruction of a team who were favourites for promotion. Should have been more than 2-0.. rememeber Katchuro missing a sitter in the second half. Poor Petr didnt score that season after being voted out best player the year before.

 

[Esablade]

The nerves are really kicking in ahead of Saturday, more so than any other first day I can remember. I think its due to the fact that I believe so much in Adkins and the performances I've seen in pre-season, I really think we could do something special.

Got me thinking about opening fixtures during my lifetime and what the best results/performances were.

My personal favourite was the 2-0 victory over Sunderland - Borbokis and Deane (on his homecoming). That was a result/performance that had swagger and got everyone excited for the season ahead.

What are everyone else's personal favourites?

..think I've still got some of these in the fourth drawer down..should be enough till Saturday....

 

[Benji]

Being born in 1989, I'm a relative baby blade among some of you, you who have memories of glorious opening days... For me, who's first real football memory is the playoff final against palace... I think the most impressed I've been on an opening day is vs Liverpool in the premier league season... We showed in that game we weren't going to be making up the numbers... And would have won it if it wasn't for a rather dubious refereeing decision leading to a Robbie Fowler penalty... Also for atmosphere, the GCB before that game brought tears to my eyes!!

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

The nerves are really kicking in ahead of Saturday, more so than any other first day I can remember. I think its due to the fact that I believe so much in Adkins and the performances I've seen in pre-season, I really think we could do something special.

Got me thinking about opening fixtures during my lifetime and what the best results/performances were.

My personal favourite was the 2-0 victory over Sunderland# - Borbokis and Deane (on his homecoming). That was a result/performance that had swagger and got everyone excited for the season ahead.

What are everyone else's personal favourites?

#End of thread although the game against Liverpool [Tracey] had special meaning as I thought those days had gone but Basset brought them back much quicker than expected.

 

[Lane Ender]

We are not renowned for our opening day performances but ive got a good feeling about Saturday

 

[Grecian2000]

Didn't Sir Keith score 4 in an opening day thrashing of Gillingham at the Lane (one a bender from a free kick)?

That, Sunderland and West Brom for me. Did enjoy playing at Carrow road and getting a 2-2 with Deano scoring first at unfeasibly large odds (more than paid for the whole day).

 

[JJBlade]

Remember West Brom away in our promotion season. After just being promoted me and my mate were saying "We've just got to get to 50 points as quick as we can and try to survive"
That result set the tone for this season. I went to Ibiza the next day and whilst in Ibiza I remember games against Ipswich and Middlesboro, a 2-0 win against Ipswich and a 3-3 draw against Middlesboro, so we'd played three well fancied teams and won two and drawn one.
Ibiza was just a haze of Blades promotion songs and various stimulants.
We got pally with two Middlesboro fans whilst in Ibiza so the 3-3 draw was amiable although I think in true SUFC fashion we were 3-1 up with about ten seconds to play or something equally ridiculous if my memory is correct (might be wrong)

 

[LardSardine]

Season we were promoted to the premier league. Think we beat Leicester 4-0 or 4-1. My memory shocking but we battered them, just knew it was going to be a good season from then on.

Was the Leicester game on TV? I definitely saw the game but can't remember whether it was on telly or in the ground!

I was definitely in the ground for the Sunderland 2-0 game though. I remember taking a new girlfriend along who didn't even like football, needless to say, the relationship didn't last long but that particular day was fantastic all round!

Liverpool in the prem was a decent game, we played pretty well but was spoiled slightly by Gerrard and Rob Styles' cheating.

 

[WeareBlades]

Was the Leicester game on TV? I definitely saw the game but can't remember whether it was on telly or in the ground!

I was definitely in the ground for the Sunderland 2-0 game though. I remember taking a new girlfriend along who didn't even like football, needless to say, the relationship didn't last long but that particular day was fantastic all round!

Liverpool in the prem was a decent game, we played pretty well but was spoiled slightly by Gerrard and Rob Styles' cheating.

I don't think it was on TV. The Liverpool game was brilliant, I remember being so nervous just watching the match, was shaking like a leaf. Never seen such a blatant dive though the cheating bastard.

 

[raul]

It was an early kick off, and was the same day as the Edgbaston test in the Ashes. I departed the Pump, England had slumped to 5 down for not very many. When I got to the Lord Nelson after the match, Flintoff had flogged Australia to all parts of the ground, and was in the process of knocking over the Aussies top order.

We started the season in fine style, and finished with the arm wrestling comp.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

England v Australia
Trent Bridge
6th August 2015

 

[Deleted member 875]

We started the season in fine style, and finished with the arm wrestling comp.

I'll have to take your word for it, as my recollection of finishing that season are still somewhat hazy

 

[grafikhaus]

We got pally with two Middlesboro fans whilst in Ibiza so the 3-3 draw was amiable although I think in true SUFC fashion we were 3-1 up with about ten seconds to play or something equally ridiculous if my memory is correct (might be wrong)

I can't verify that but it was 1-1 at HT and Bernie Slaven scored twice for them in the second half. Programme for £2.50 here.

OK, opening day fixtures as far back as I can be bothered:

2014 (H) BRISTOL CITY - L - 1-2
2013 (H) NOTTS COUNTY - W - 2-1
2012 (H) SHREWSBURY - W - 1-0
2011 (A) Oldham Athletic - W - 2-0
2010 (A) Cardiff City - D - 1-1
2009 (A) Middlesbrough - D - 0-0
2008 (A) Birmingham - L - 0-1
2007 (H) COLCHESTER - D - 2-2
2006 (H) LIVERPOOL - D - 1-1
2005 (H) LEICESTER CITY - W - 4-1
2004 (A) Burnley - D - 1-1
2003 (H) GILLINGHAM - D - 0-0
2002 (A) Coventry City - L - 1-2
2001 (A) Nottingham Forst - D - 1-1
2000 (H) PORTSMOUTH - W - 2-0
1999 (A) Portsmouth - L - 0-2
1998 (H) SWINDON TOWN - W - 2-1
1997 (H) SUNDELAND - W - 2-0
1996 (A) Reading - L - 0-1
1995 (A) Watford - L - 1-2
1994 (H) WATFORD - W - 3-0
1993 (H) SWINDON TOWN - W - 3-1
1992 (H) MANCHESTER UNITED - W - 2-1
1991 (A) Norwich City - D - 2-2
1990 (H) LIVERPOOL - L - 1-3
1989 (A) West Brom - W - 3-0
1988 (A) Reading - W - 3-1
1987 (H) BOURNEMOUTH - L - 0-1
1986 (H) SHREWSBURY - D - 1-1
1985 (A) Stoke City - W - 3-1
1984 (A) Wolverhampton W - D - 2-2
1983 (H) GILLINGHAM - W - 4-0
1982 (A) Portsmouth - L - 1-4
1981 (H) HEREFORD UNITED - D - 2-2
1980 (A) Carlisle United - W - 3-0

 

[Eskimo]

Didn't Sir Keith score 4 in an opening day thrashing of Gillingham at the Lane (one a bender from a free kick)?

That, Sunderland and West Brom for me. Did enjoy playing at Carrow road and getting a 2-2 with Deano scoring first at unfeasibly large odds (more than paid for the whole day).

Now I am right in believing that when we went one nil up at Carrow rd we were very briefly top of the Premiership (or maybe it was Div 1 back then)

 

[BushBlade]

Was the Leicester game on TV? I definitely saw the game but can't remember whether it was on telly or in the ground!

I was definitely in the ground for the Sunderland 2-0 game though. I remember taking a new girlfriend along who didn't even like football, needless to say, the relationship didn't last long but that particular day was fantastic all round!

Liverpool in the prem was a decent game, we played pretty well but was spoiled slightly by Gerrard and Rob Styles' cheating.

Yes, it was. Watched it round my mates with two Spurs and a Leicester supporter.

 

[Punk Blade]

The nerves are really kicking in ahead of Saturday, more so than any other first day I can remember. I think its due to the fact that I believe so much in Adkins and the performances I've seen in pre-season, I really think we could do something special.

Got me thinking about opening fixtures during my lifetime and what the best results/performances were.

My personal favourite was the 2-0 victory over Sunderland - Borbokis and Deane (on his homecoming). That was a result/performance that had swagger and got everyone excited for the season ahead.

What are everyone else's personal favourites?

Wasn't it Fjortoft and not Deane who scored against Sunderland? Great debut from Vas.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Wasn't it Fjortoft and not Deane who scored against Sunderland? Great debut from Vas.

Your quite right.

However me being wrong did mean I did have to watch this;



Beautiful.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I can't verify that but it was 1-1 at HT and Bernie Slaven scored twice for them in the second half. Programme for £2.50 here.

OK, opening day fixtures as far back as I can be bothered:

2014 (H) BRISTOL CITY - L - 1-2
2013 (H) NOTTS COUNTY - W - 2-1
2012 (H) SHREWSBURY - W - 1-0
2011 (A) Oldham Athletic - W - 2-0
2010 (A) Cardiff City - D - 1-1
2009 (A) Middlesbrough - D - 0-0
2008 (A) Birmingham - L - 0-1
2007 (H) COLCHESTER - D - 2-2
2006 (H) LIVERPOOL - D - 1-1
2005 (H) LEICESTER CITY - W - 4-1
2004 (A) Burnley - D - 1-1
2003 (H) GILLINGHAM - D - 0-0
2002 (A) Coventry City - L - 1-2
2001 (A) Nottingham Forst - D - 1-1
2000 (H) PORTSMOUTH - W - 2-0
1999 (A) Portsmouth - L - 0-2
1998 (H) SWINDON TOWN - W - 2-1
1997 (H) SUNDELAND - W - 2-0
1996 (A) Reading - L - 0-1
1995 (A) Watford - L - 1-2
1994 (H) WATFORD - W - 3-0
1993 (H) SWINDON TOWN - W - 3-1
1992 (H) MANCHESTER UNITED - W - 2-1
1991 (A) Norwich City - D - 2-2
1990 (H) LIVERPOOL - L - 1-3
1989 (A) West Brom - W - 3-0
1988 (A) Reading - W - 3-1
1987 (H) BOURNEMOUTH - L - 0-1
1986 (H) SHREWSBURY - D - 1-1
1985 (A) Stoke City - W - 3-1
1984 (A) Wolverhampton W - D - 2-2
1983 (H) GILLINGHAM - W - 4-0
1982 (A) Portsmouth - L - 1-4
1981 (H) HEREFORD UNITED - D - 2-2
1980 (A) Carlisle United - W - 3-0

Cheers for that. The Gillingham game is the one I remember. Was on the Kop dancing and jumping around for that one. Did Keith get all 4?

 

[Newbury Blade]

Blades 3 Southampton 1, first game of 1971-72 season, first game back in the top flight and straight to the top of the table – where we remained, incredibly, for weeks. We looked the business right from the off and were even better winning our next two games, including a memorable 3-0 thrashing of Leeds.