For Dads and Granddads everywhere

[Blade in Brid]

What about Mums and Nannans?

The Blades were passed down the matriarchal line in my family, a traditional I shall endeavour to continue with my soon-to-arrive daughter. I think my Nannan paid for my first season ticket as a Christmas present and between her and my Uncle, indoctrinated me correctly... with my Mum taking a benign interest.

It turns out I'll watch any old shite for a Bovril and a sausage roll.

Wasn't intending to appear sexist Linz just speaking from my perspective as a granddad.
Get that mums n nans thread rolling!!!!

 

[Blade in Brid]

Very moving posts on here the last few days, can't resist adding a few thoughts. Strange how reading other people's thoughts makes you realise things about your own experiences that you hadn't properly understood before. My dad followed Utd from the record home win v. Cardiff to his last match v.Walsall, heading for Division 4. He was in hospital for the first match the following season, but insisted I should go to the Lane with my son rather than visit him. I got my son fixed up with a friend to see the match, and listened to the commentary on the radio in the hospital car park, so my last conversation with him was about a match that I pretended to have been to, and he was glad to think that he hadn't been the cause of the 2 of us missing a match.
I have been going to matches with my son for many years, and I won't say how much it means, because it would embarrass him. Daughter lives away, but still comes several times a year to matches with our grandkids, who love their games at The Lane. Grandson is enjoying school just now, because his maths teacher is a Bolton fan! We will all be together for the Chesterfield match. Wembley v. Hull was a family experience to savour.
Mrs HBT has never got the Blades bug. I took her to Hodgy's 500th match, away at Newcastle. Behind the goal, no roof, compacted snow which your feet stuck to if you didn't keep moving them: she didn't see the point of it, whereas the wave Hodgy gave us as he came towards our goal made my day. Still, she did marry me, and the only downside is that if all goes well in the next 18 months, our golden wedding celebrations might make me miss our first match back in the premier league in 2018! Hope you won't ban me on here for being a part-timer.

Sounds as though we are from same era I remember well how hodgy used to always used to salute the crowd on the Kop

 

[Grecian2000]

My dad died ten years ago this summer. He'd moved from the immediate area some years before so we very rarely went to games together anymore (his last game at BDTBL was when we scored 5 against Rotherham and his legs were bollocksed so had a real hard time having to be up and down on the Kop).
He would ring me just about every Saturday night and, to my shame, I would dread having to take him through the defeats having lived through the thing an hour before. Would give a large sum indeed to talk him through this seasons events I can tell you!

 

[1danewhitehouse]

What a great thread this has been to read and I’ll chuck my own two-penneth in.


My dad moved here from Kenya when he was 18 so had no particular affinity for the blades. He did like football but actually had a preference for the dirties as they had a very successful team when he was growing up and were one of the teams that got some coverage in Kenya. My mum’s side of the family aren’t big football fans but tended to have a mild preference for the pigs (but they were just into horse-racing and mildly into boxing really). But my dad’s brother in law had become a share holder at united and attended games with business associates. He started taking me and my brother when we were 4 and 6 respectively (around 88-89 season) and by the time I was about 8 or 9 I was hooked (just in time for the agonizing relegation of 94). When I was 10 my parents separated and we gradually had less to do with my dad’s extended family (still saw my dad regularly but not as much of the rest). As our uncle stopped taking us to games we used to scrape together bits of pocket money here and there to go to games for a couple of seasons getting to any “quid a kid” games and a few others before persuading my dad to buy me a season ticket for my birthday when I was about 14 and going regularly with a couple of mates. That becamea yearly tradition. My dad has been known to come to games with us now and again but moved down south about 10 years ago. He’s hoping to be up for the Bradford game and I’ve just heard he’s hoping to get to MK as well if we can sort tickets. I don’t see much of my uncle anymore but I look back and thank or blame him (depending on how we’re doing) for infecting me with the blades bug.


As for my own kids, I’ve taken my oldest (lad, 10 years old) to a few games over the years starting when he was 3. He takes a passing interest but more often than not isn’t bothered about coming to the game (except if it’s a night game so he can stay up past his bed-time).


Took my daughter (3 at the time) to her first game last season under Adkins. After about 15 minutes she told me “daddy, I don’t like football. I just like chips”. She hasn’t wanted to come again since. The lad has expressed an interest in coming to the chesterfield game so we shall see.


This thread has made me slightly re-evaluate my thoughts about them coming to the match though. Normally, I breathe a sigh of relief when they say they don’t want to come because it means I can drink, smoke, swear and generally be as much of a dick as I like with mates rather than being “dad” as I try not to do those things in front of them. But reading the bonding stories of others, perhaps I should be trying to encourage them to come more, even if it means my matchday experience changes a little.

 

[Isar]

Wonderful thread.
My dad started taking me to Bramall Lane when I was about 9, I cant even remember who we played, but I know at half time I asked my dad if we could go home because I was cold. When I was about 13, I used to go with mates from school, we would go in the Junior Blades pen, then escape onto the Kop. My dad also took me to my first away game, Hull City in the old Division 2 on a Friday night.
I took my son to his first game when he was 6, he loved it and still is a passionate Blade. My daughter and wife also sometimes go, but that is a rare event now. My son still goes when he can, and also we go together when possible.
Blades are a very passionate lot

 

[cahill]

I've tried taking my ex-wife, current wife, step sons, my son and my daughter but it's only my daughter that has become a devoted Blade. I've lived in Gloucestershire my whole life, but fell in love with Sheffield thanks to a few train spotting trips to Wath, Tinsley and Midland station in the late 1970s. I never warmed to any local teams and my parents weren't interested in football, so I started following United through the radio, newspapers and Final Score etc.
I went to my first United game away at Swindon (a 2-1 defeat of course), but I really did honestly feel like I'd joined a 'club' for life that day.
I took my ex-wife to a few games but she's a Wolves fan so she was without hope. I took my current wife too, including the 3-1 win against Wendy at the Lane. Even Michael Brown's wonder goal didn't convert her to United - football still leaves her cold.
My son and daughter were just about old enough to make the trip in the Warnock era. I'd just split up from their mum, and saw both of them one day a week in that rather awkward, artificial way that absent parents do. We went to a few games together and then took the plunge and got season tickets for the Premier League season. They both loved the day out, the Lane and everything about it. My son is a Liverpool fan so his heart wasn't always totally in it, but he now works for Sunderland in the media dept so maybe his Blades experiences helped him along the way.
However my daughter still comes to virtually every match with me. She's red and white through and through, despite all the heartache that has come with it. We have a brilliant day win or lose, setting off from Stroud for the 3 hour journey, nattering all the way - Strensham for breakfast, Tibshelf for a wee, 2 hours on the Kop followed by chips from Admiral in Mosborough listening to P&G. For evening games we drive to Tamworth, train to Sheffield and then a quick dash for the 22.00 to Birmingham New Street back to Tamworth. Usually home about 01.00am.
I honestly believe Sheff Utd saved my relationship with my children, especially my daughter. We've been through so much together, virtually all of it miserable but we both wouldn't have it any other way. We're both stuck with the Blades for life come rain or shine. We both feel part of the family.
After all the disappointments we're nearly there. I know we might not go up Wednesday but I'm sure it'll soon be confirmed. I'll give her hand a little squeeze during GCB this week and reflect on what I've read in this thread . Another 'father - daughter' bond woven into the wonderful fabric that is our beloved Sheffield United.

Interesting story, what was it about Sheffield and the Blades that led you to this lifelong love affair, your trainspotting hobby must have taken you to other towns/cities

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

What a great thread this has been to read and I’ll chuck my own two-penneth in.


My dad moved here from Kenya when he was 18 so had no particular affinity for the blades. He did like football but actually had a preference for the dirties as they had a very successful team when he was growing up and were one of the teams that got some coverage in Kenya. My mum’s side of the family aren’t big football fans but tended to have a mild preference for the pigs (but they were just into horse-racing and mildly into boxing really). But my dad’s brother in law had become a share holder at united and attended games with business associates. He started taking me and my brother when we were 4 and 6 respectively (around 88-89 season) and by the time I was about 8 or 9 I was hooked (just in time for the agonizing relegation of 94). When I was 10 my parents separated and we gradually had less to do with my dad’s extended family (still saw my dad regularly but not as much of the rest). As our uncle stopped taking us to games we used to scrape together bits of pocket money here and there to go to games for a couple of seasons getting to any “quid a kid” games and a few others before persuading my dad to buy me a season ticket for my birthday when I was about 14 and going regularly with a couple of mates. That becamea yearly tradition. My dad has been known to come to games with us now and again but moved down south about 10 years ago. He’s hoping to be up for the Bradford game and I’ve just heard he’s hoping to get to MK as well if we can sort tickets. I don’t see much of my uncle anymore but I look back and thank or blame him (depending on how we’re doing) for infecting me with the blades bug.


As for my own kids, I’ve taken my oldest (lad, 10 years old) to a few games over the years starting when he was 3. He takes a passing interest but more often than not isn’t bothered about coming to the game (except if it’s a night game so he can stay up past his bed-time).


Took my daughter (3 at the time) to her first game last season under Adkins. After about 15 minutes she told me “daddy, I don’t like football. I just like chips”. She hasn’t wanted to come again since. The lad has expressed an interest in coming to the chesterfield game so we shall see.


This thread has made me slightly re-evaluate my thoughts about them coming to the match though. Normally, I breathe a sigh of relief when they say they don’t want to come because it means I can drink, smoke, swear and generally be as much of a dick as I like with mates rather than being “dad” as I try not to do those things in front of them. But reading the bonding stories of others, perhaps I should be trying to encourage them to come more, even if it means my matchday experience changes a little.

We're all different, so there's no single response to your last sentence. If you go down the family route, you may well take great pleasure in having shared interests with your kids (and grandkids - they come round quicker than you imagine). But if you need your own space, and interests away from the kids, don't take them to the games and let them sense you would rather be with other people. End of sermon!

 

[Ivanhoe]

I began going with mates from school in the early 70's, my old fella used to go to watch the dirties with his mates from work. I began taking my younger brother in the mid 70's, I joined up in 1975 and always took my kid bro when I was home on leave, or I would arrange to meet up with him in Sheffield if I travelled up just for the game.
My bro then began taking our two cousins to the games when I was posted abroad,
I got married and needless to say my son was born a Blade even though he was born in North London, when we moved back up to Yorkshire my brother, son and I began to all go to the Lane together, this is when my Dad decided to get in on the act too, I think he realised that he had missed out on part of our growing up.
Our kid got married and took both of his daughters to the Lane for a while, the girls don't bother now, and our kid picks and chooses his matches.
Six years ago our grandson was born, he's had a season ticket for the past two seasons, his sister now seven months of age will also go as soon as possible.
This photo was taken at the first home game this season.

Grandad & Grandson..

"Keep the Faith!!"

 

[maidmarion]

Am I the only one who takes his daughter?! Her first game was Yeovil a few seasons ago, lost 2-1 (I think). Her mother was in attendance also and not impressed with my shouting and swearing and generally being pissed off!

Next visit was against Chesterfield last season when she wanted to leave at half time!! I'm quite sure some supporters will have done this in the past in disgust but not when you're 2-0 up and cruising!?

Shrewsbury Town is season she managed a full 90 minutes thank Christ and a victory to boot! Something has possibly clicked in her little mind as she actually wanted to go the Millwall match last week but I couldn't make it, however I promised the next one (Coventry) and also MK Dons! Having her with me and seeing her in a little Blades shirt makes my heart melt! Not having a son makes me more desperate to get her interested but we shall see, hopefully my patience and softly softly approach will last a lifetime? If not I shall treasure these moments instead!

UTB

Having two daughters, my dad ( and mum) took us to Bramall Lane for years. Then my daughter came with me from the age of around 9 months old.
I still go with my dad ( as I said before he's now 81) , my daughter goes when she can but my son and his wife will be there at The Chesterfield match. Once a Blade......

 

[Sherwood Forester]

Interesting story, what was it about Sheffield and the Blades that led you to this lifelong love affair, your trainspotting hobby must have taken you to other towns/cities

Good question, I've been asked this dozens of times & I'm still not sure I even know the answer myself. I'll try.....
1) At that time (late 1970's) the Sheffield area was one of the most exciting regions for railway enthusiasts everywhere.
2) I'll be honest I was enthralled by the industrial kind of "bleakness" of the place. I don't mean this to in any way sound unkind! Sheffield seemed a thrilling city. We watched the fiery & smoky steel mills, the smell of coal & coke from the collieries - being interested in trains took me to local beauty spots like Tinsley, Manvers, Rotherwood and many others. Coming from sleepy Gloucestershire, it seemed exhilarating! No other city in the UK (and I went to them all many, many times), was anything like as exciting.
3) Always loved the people - that kind of "this is Sheffield, we live here - take it or leave it" kind of feeling. No fakeness or show, just very real & honest (I do realise I'm talking as an outsider - a soft Southerner at that!).
4) I guess the geography of the city - my friends laugh when I insist it is a stunning & beautiful city, but I honestly believe it is!
5) Have you been to Swindon, Reading, Basingstoke etc? These days everywhere is the same as everywhere else. But Sheffield still feels different, still feels special.

As for why I opted for United - well we all know why don't we?

 

[HillmortonBlade]

My father is not really a football man, more interested in watching Irish rugby, but he did ask to come along once and talks about it to this day. To be honest, it was not a bad match to see, sat in the Kop watching us beat Manchester United 2-1 in the Fifth Round.

I speak to the Old Boy most Saturday evenings, first question will be about HBJnrs match, second about Blades. You see? This team just gets you like that.

 

[Longtimesupporter]

My father was an Owl. My granddad was a Blade. My first match was Sept 1947 at BL. My granddad took me to BL and my dad took me to Owlerton. My dad was very disappointed in me.

 

[essexblade73]

grew up in pitsmoor, didnt know my dad so my grandad took me to bramall lane.i moved to essex when i was 22 and now my son is 16 and a blade. took a few years of toil on my side cos all the kids down here are liverpool,manu,spuds,wet spam, farcenal, but now he's a proper blade. I asked him the other day why he decided to support us, he said cos its real and its in the blood. no doubt if i pass before he has kids they will also be blades

 

[essexblade73]

Good question, I've been asked this dozens of times & I'm still not sure I even know the answer myself. I'll try.....
1) At that time (late 1970's) the Sheffield area was one of the most exciting regions for railway enthusiasts everywhere.
2) I'll be honest I was enthralled by the industrial kind of "bleakness" of the place. I don't mean this to in any way sound unkind! Sheffield seemed a thrilling city. We watched the fiery & smoky steel mills, the smell of coal & coke from the collieries - being interested in trains took me to local beauty spots like Tinsley, Manvers, Rotherwood and many others. Coming from sleepy Gloucestershire, it seemed exhilarating! No other city in the UK (and I went to them all many, many times), was anything like as exciting.
3) Always loved the people - that kind of "this is Sheffield, we live here - take it or leave it" kind of feeling. No fakeness or show, just very real & honest (I do realise I'm talking as an outsider - a soft Southerner at that!).
4) I guess the geography of the city - my friends laugh when I insist it is a stunning & beautiful city, but I honestly believe it is!
5) Have you been to Swindon, Reading, Basingstoke etc? These days everywhere is the same as everywhere else. But Sheffield still feels different, still feels special.

As for why I opted for United - well we all know why don't we?

indeed i wish i could move back to sheffield. everything you could need esp the peak district nearby.

 

[cahill]

Good question, I've been asked this dozens of times & I'm still not sure I even know the answer myself. I'll try.....
1) At that time (late 1970's) the Sheffield area was one of the most exciting regions for railway enthusiasts everywhere.
2) I'll be honest I was enthralled by the industrial kind of "bleakness" of the place. I don't mean this to in any way sound unkind! Sheffield seemed a thrilling city. We watched the fiery & smoky steel mills, the smell of coal & coke from the collieries - being interested in trains took me to local beauty spots like Tinsley, Manvers, Rotherwood and many others. Coming from sleepy Gloucestershire, it seemed exhilarating! No other city in the UK (and I went to them all many, many times), was anything like as exciting.
3) Always loved the people - that kind of "this is Sheffield, we live here - take it or leave it" kind of feeling. No fakeness or show, just very real & honest (I do realise I'm talking as an outsider - a soft Southerner at that!).
4) I guess the geography of the city - my friends laugh when I insist it is a stunning & beautiful city, but I honestly believe it is!
5) Have you been to Swindon, Reading, Basingstoke etc? These days everywhere is the same as everywhere else. But Sheffield still feels different, still feels special.

As for why I opted for United - well we all know why don't we?

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. Who knows why we make certain choices, Divine Intervention
The United question was a given

 

[1danewhitehouse]

We're all different, so there's no single response to your last sentence. If you go down the family route, you may well take great pleasure in having shared interests with your kids (and grandkids - they come round quicker than you imagine). But if you need your own space, and interests away from the kids, don't take them to the games and let them sense you would rather be with other people. End of sermon!

Well, I asked the kids if they wanted to come to the final game against Ches for the promotion party and they “want to go to nannan’s” instead. My eldest has asked about going to a night game next season. He’s getting older now so might start letting him stay up and come to the night games with me.


My youngest is still a handful so might hold off making matches a regular thing for her yet as she gets bored very quickly and wants to leave after 10 minutes.


I expect it will come as they get older. Just don’t want to lose them to the dark side as they go to school full of pork.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

View attachment 25153

Well, I asked the kids if they wanted to come to the final game against Ches for the promotion party and they “want to go to nannan’s” instead. My eldest has asked about going to a night game next season. He’s getting older now so might start letting him stay up and come to the night games with me.


My youngest is still a handful so might hold off making matches a regular thing for her yet as she gets bored very quickly and wants to leave after 10 minutes.


I expect it will come as they get older. Just don’t want to lose them to the dark side as they go to school full of pork.

This man provided more grief (United) and joy (fishing) than anyone else in the family. My Grandad ensured that I would be brought up a Blade, took me to watch cricket at Millhouses, and taught me how to fish. Still think about him a lot, and try to remember how much I owe him
,

 

[georgebernardshaw]

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

To grandmas and grandads, to mums and dads, to sons and daughters, to grandsons and granddaughters everywhere, if you are Blades, get ready to have a great family celebration, because soon, the Blades are going UP!