I understand where you're coming from. I've been going since 1970 as well. It would be lovely to see them lift a bit of silverware wouldn't it? But the only silverware this lot are going to lift are the knives and forks that they eat their dinner with. I told my kids the same when I took them to their first match about 12 years ago. "Our team, but they never win owt". (An over-exaggeration of course - but not far off the mark when it comes to Cups). I'd commend you to adopt a similar attitude towards watching Sheffield United. Expect nothing - appreciate everything, however small - because it may be all you get.
I remember the Watney Cup final very well. It was back in the day of "Watney's Red Barrel". One of many insidious "keg" beers that killed off beer as we knew it, because it was so much easier and profitable to have on the bar. It sparked a generation of drinkers who like their beer fizzy and cold - and opened the door to the popularity of lager - which takes this concept to a higher level. As if that wasn't bad enough, Ted Hemsley missed a penalty.
I'm afraid it is all about the money. This is the thing that has improved and worsened our national game in equal measure. I like to blame Jimmy Hill for that, but it wasn't all his fault. He hadn't had a classical education and had never heard of Pandora's box. George Eastham as well. There's another one. I had multiple swops of him on the bubbly gum cards - I didn't realise at the time that he was going to start an avalanche of greed or I'd have binned them.
So, old-timer, what do you want and expect from your remaining days watching Sheffield United? I mean, you and I will be dead and long gone very soon, sorry to be so cheery about it, but the clock is ticking down for both of us. I'll tell you what I want...
I want to continue to have the good health to be able to go and watch them live. I want to continue to enjoy watching them give 100% and come away feeling that I've had my moneys-worth, whether they win, lose or draw. I want to see them playing attractive, entertaining football. I want to see individuals who are blessed with exceptional skills playing for United, players with real flair and individuality (I'm talking "exceptional" here - not just good. I'd like to think there may be another TC or Woody somewhere coming through the ranks. Or another Edwards, Deane or Agana. That would be lovely! There isn't a single player in the current squad that I'd put anywhere near any of those guys. The most exceptionally talented player I've seen since them is David Brooks - and of course - we sold him). I want to see them refrain from selling our best players and build better teams around them instead. I want them to stay in the Premier League for a good stretch - at least the next 5 years. I want to see them be financially stable with genuine owners who want the best for the club and its supporters. I want to see the club extend the ground so that it holds a minimum of 40,000 and sells out every home game. I want to see us dominate the Sheffield football scene for future generations to come and put clear red water between us and our filthy neighbours. I want to see us finish in the top 6 and qualify for Europe. I'd like to have a reason to travel to a football match in Europe, when my team is playing and there's something at stake. I've never done that.
All these things, I think, are possible in the 20 years or so that I have remaining in life. But seeing them win a major trophy, is probably not. So honestly, I'm fine with that. As long as I can have some, if not all, of the other things.
(please!)
