RIP Shred

[essex blade]

 

[sitwell]

My own brief personal thoughts on Shred ,I have know him to say hello to for over 40 years ,had many conversations with him ,and a few pints over the years. In all that time I never knew his name until today and very much doubt he knew mine ,even away from the club at Junior football meetings we would speak but never felt the need to know anymore ,we knew enough. I introduced my lad to him (as Shred) not long ago and saw him at Rochdale on Tuesday ,where we just shared the usual nod ,and 'alright'.
To get the Shred nod at any match always made you feel a bit more important and a proper Blade.
Richard, Shred and Pez in the last year from my personal Blades ensemble and many more including Cooperman make the Lane a sadder place but also make you realise what a massive part Utd play in our lives ,don't know what we would do without it.x

 

[Foxy]

Such sad, sad news to receive this morning.

It's hard to believe that a man I've seen without fail the majority of weekends of my adult life will no longer be there in his own inimitable, unassuming style. We've no reason to have ever of crossed paths other than the Blades, but I'm honoured to have done so.

I first heard about him from the one who introduced me to football, my dad, talking about this mythical legendary character I'd later go on to see in the flesh. It's great to hear all the stories and peoples memories, it's what we do it for, it's the massive part of football often cast aside and forgotten by those "in charge" of the game.

Whether it be stood freezing up at Shirecliffe, a bizarre pre-season fixture or some random town we happened to be losing in that week, you'd catch his familiar face, have a chat or simply share a nod and a smile and couldn't help but feel such respect for the man, feel that you were part of a large family, not just a fan base.

That is of course, selling it short, because he did an awful lot more for Blades supporters without ever coveting any personal notoriety or praise. Speaks volumes that the man would have nothing to do with the planned award that was to be given to him at the 125 dinner.

John Garrett has put into words far better than I ever could in the piece on the official site, but Sheffield United and the football family as a whole has taken a massive loss today.

United can't kick off unless Shred is there, but I've no doubt that's precisely where he'll be in spirit tomorrow, telling us all to get behind our team, our club, as one.

 

[silverfox]

Such sad, sad news to receive this morning.

It's hard to believe that a man I've seen without fail the majority of weekends of my adult life will no longer be there in his own inimitable, unassuming style. We've no reason to have ever of crossed paths other than the Blades, but I'm honoured to have done so.

I first heard about the man from the one who introduced me to football, my dad, talking about this mythical legendary character I'd later go on to see in the flesh. It's great to hear all the stories and peoples memories, it's what we do it for, it's the massive part of football often cast aside and forgotten by those "in charge" of the game.

Whether it be stood freezing up at Shirecliffe, a bizarre pre-season fixture or some random town we happened to be losing in that week, you'd catch his familiar face, have a chat or simply share a nod and a smile and couldn't help but feel such respect for the man, feel that you were part of a large family, not just a fan base.

That is of course, selling it short, because he did an awful lot more for Blades supporters without ever coveting any personal notoriety or praise. Speaks volumes that the man would have nothing to do with the planned award that was planned to be given to him at the 125 dinner.

John Garrett has put into words far better than I ever could in the piece on the official site, but Sheffield United and the football family as a whole has taken a massive loss today.

United can't kick off unless Shred is there, but I've no doubt that's precisely where he'll be in spirit tomorrow, telling us all to get behind our team, our club, as one.

Proud that you are my son and proud that you are a Blade!

Proud that you met Shred too!

 

[Pollingtonblade]

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said but will just post what I posted on my Facebook page.

It speaks volumes of the Great man that all my Blades friends on here and Twitter who don't know each other all know Shred are all paying tribute to the great man and even the club have commented on the official site. I first met Shred in 1984 when my Uncle Steven Womack started taking me up and down the UK following the Blades. He ran coaches everywhere off his own back and never made a penny out of it, he was never angry and god knows he had great reason to be some of the states those who travelled with him and the dire football often served up. He always had time for a chat with people and would go out of his way for everyone. To me if you've never been on Shreds yours you have missed out on legendary trips, recall some of the far flung places he always knew a boozer. Legend is a word over used in football but in this case it is fitting and it speaks volumes of the man that he declined an award for greatest fan at our 125th anniversary - no more Shred tours :-( RIP great man and peace and love to all your family - I know the club will do something in your memory top Gent top Blade the kop won't be the same ever again x

 

[alcoblade]

Gutted. What a sad day.

A face I've seen so often over decades since being a young child. He is Mr Sheffield United to me.

Everyone speaks so highly of him, everyone who knows him, loves him. He will be so missed, by so many.

There are few who, through thin and thinner, have remained so completely supportive of our club.

It's important that the club do something special to mark this.

RIP Shred. Gone, but never forgotten.

UTB

 

[Cheets]

I didn't know him and I only found out today of his legendary status amongst Blades. Back in the day I used to see him at EVERY away ground. When we got relegated in heart-breaking fashion at Chelsea in 1994, I was despondent as I left my seat in the stand. Then as I was heading out towards the exit I saw the big man on the staircase leaning against the wall. He was in tears. That in turn made me well up. RIP.

 

[alcoblade]

Maybe an ideal opportunity for the club to rename the Lane end to the best known Blade fan of the past 40 years ?

Just what I was thinking. That would really make us proud.

UTB

 

[Pedro Verde]

Just what I was thinking. That would really make us proud.

UTB

But would Shred want that I knew him reasonably well he was very modest and the fact he turned down the Greatest Fan award at the 125 celebration backs this up. I would be totally in favour but wonder if he would really want that. It will be up to his Mum and his sister if they think that would be a fitting tribute all well and good and I would love that if it was to happen

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

But would Shred want that I knew him reasonably well he was very modest and the fact he turned down the Greatest Fan award at the 125 celebration backs this up. I would be totally in favour but wonder if he would really want that. It will be up to his Mum and his sister if they think that would be a fitting tribute all well and good and I would love that if it was to happen

Think 'The Shred Busm' would be a good name for the team coach?

 

[silverfox]

But would Shred want that I knew him reasonably well he was very modest and the fact he turned down the Greatest Fan award at the 125 celebration backs this up. I would be totally in favour but wonder if he would really want that. It will be up to his Mum and his sister if they think that would be a fitting tribute all well and good and I would love that if it was to happen

Such a dilema....the bloke was so humble and laid back and never wanted any praise.....but we all want something there to remember him by.

We must respect the family wishes though.

 

[sitwell]

But would Shred want that I knew him reasonably well he was very modest and the fact he turned down the Greatest Fan award at the 125 celebration backs this up. I would be totally in favour but wonder if he would really want that. It will be up to his Mum and his sister if they think that would be a fitting tribute all well and good and I would love that if it was to happen

I think there is a difference in modesty and shyness in life and remembrance in death. I do emphasise that is only a personal opinion though ,it will all be very raw to the people close to him . It would be nice to think the option was offered though.

 

[Mustela Putorius Furo]

I think there is a difference in modesty and shyness in life and remembrance in death. I do emphasise that is only a personal opinion though ,it will all be very raw to the people close to him . It would be nice to think the option was offered though.

Sometimes it's right that things are done for the benefit of those that want to remember, not those that are being remembered.

We all have a connection with blokes like Shred... he's a reminder of the meaning of the word "club", even for those of us on the outside of the formal, commercial organisation that forms the modern football club.

There's nothing wrong in the selfish desire to provide a memorial to one so unselfish in his affinity and membership of that club.

 

[SwitchBLADE Smiles]

IMO the best thing the club could do for Spencer would be to, by hook or by crook, win promotion from this fucking division. It saddens me that the greatest supporter of SUFC in living memory, maybe even of all time, saw his final game watching the team he adored, in division 3.

Starting tomorrow afternoon, this one's for you Shred.

YFUMS

 

[alcoblade]

IMO the best thing the club could do for Spencer would be to, by hook or by crook, win promotion from this fucking division. It saddens me that the greatest supporter of SUFC in living memory, maybe even of all time, saw his final game watching the team he adored, in division 3.

Starting tomorrow afternoon, this one's for you Shred.

YFUMS

True to an extent fella. But remember, supporters like Shred weren't in it for the glory. In a funny kind of way, it's almost fitting.

UTB

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

A statue on the Kop?

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Sometimes it's right that things are done for the benefit of those that want to remember, not those that are being remembered.

We all have a connection with blokes like Shred... he's a reminder of the meaning of the word "club", even for those of us on the outside of the formal, commercial organisation that forms the modern football club.

There's nothing wrong in the selfish desire to provide a memorial to one so unselfish in his affinity and membership of that club.

Follow Liverpool for the glory
Follow The Blades for love

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

A statue on the Kop?

Standing or sitting?

 

[Mustela Putorius Furo]

IMO the best thing the club could do for Spencer would be to, by hook or by crook, win promotion from this fucking division. It saddens me that the greatest supporter of SUFC in living memory, maybe even of all time, saw his final game watching the team he adored, in division 3.

Starting tomorrow afternoon, this one's for you Shred.

YFUMS

You know what, I feel that - "win promotion for gods sake, because of blokes like Shred"...

but without wanting to diminish that, I'd say that even winning the European Cup or whatever it's called now, isn't worthy of a tribute... to him, it wasn't necessarily about that, a victory is just another milestone on the journey through life as a member of a community of people that essentially choose to congregate together behind a "flag", a team, a club.

So, let's not feel that he's missed out on some greater glory, some ultimate objective. I think that for the likes of Shred, it was the journey and the travel companions that provide the greater pleasure than the destination.

Of course, if we'd ever won anything, he'd have gone as mental as the rest of us!

 

[Mustela Putorius Furo]

Standing or sitting?

drinking?

 

[finlaytheblade]

My own brief personal thoughts on Shred ,I have know him to say hello to for over 40 years ,had many conversations with him ,and a few pints over the years. In all that time I never knew his name until today and very much doubt he knew mine ,even away from the club at Junior football meetings we would speak but never felt the need to know anymore ,we knew enough. I introduced my lad to him (as Shred) not long ago and saw him at Rochdale on Tuesday ,where we just shared the usual nod ,and 'alright'.
To get the Shred nod at any match always made you feel a bit more important and a proper Blade.
Richard, Shred and Pez in the last year from my personal Blades ensemble and many more including Cooperman make the Lane a sadder place but also make you realise what a massive part Utd play in our lives ,don't know what we would do without it.x

yes sitwell i have been going to away matches for well over 50 years and cant remember a time when i have not come across him although he has a fantastic record for watching the blades all over the world (i am not in the same league!) never really talked to him much but exchanged nods whenever our paths crossed. fans like him are one in a million and listening to annies song on football heaven brought me to tears a very said day my sympathies go out to his family and many friends he made over the years .i hope 100s turn out for his final journey and would,nt it be fitting for the funeral to depart from bramall lane or on 2nd thoughts finish there.

 

[sothall blade]

sad day when another one of the good guys passes over, I did not know him personally (only by sight & reputation) but he was a big mate of my neighbour, RIP big lad. name the bramall lane stand after him, a by far and certainly more deserving person in my book

 

[Blade82]

Nice touch by the club recogninising his devotion to the blades.

Let's win promotion for him

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

From the club website:

Sheffield United are deeply saddened to report the passing of well-known Blades fan David Spencer.

Staff, friends and colleagues, and undoubtedly fellow supporters at Bramall Lane are all shocked by the passing of 'Shred' to a higher league.

John Garrett, United's Supporters' Liaison Officer, comments: "We say 'Shred' because that is the name that all knew David by. What can any of us say, you will find no one fortunate to know him that will say a bad word about a figure regarded by all as an icon, but the man himself was the most unassuming person you would ever meet.

"Never a bad word to say of anyone, his utopia was all Blades being together - United truly as one. His away coaches are the stuff of Sheffield United folklore. How many fans were weaned at his side and looked after with an arm round them as a young 'un by a man respected by all? A massive influence on so many, a fact that makes this piece so hard to write, so hard to find the right words because all who came under that wing, all who stood or sat next to him will have their own stories, their own view and feelings - all will be feeling their own grief - such is the mark of the man. What a legacy. A complete one off, a decent and honest man who simply wanted all to be the same. All to be equal. They broke the mould, they really did."

The Club he dedicated everything to will listen to suggestions of tributes that the football family at Bramall Lane he cared for so much wish to make in any way it can, but this has to be led with the approval of his family first and foremost, and we ask all to understand and respect this.

The main flag on the John Street side of Bramall Lane flies at half-mast in memory of one of our own loved and respected by all. A proper Blade, a proper bloke.

Those wishing to make a suggestion or those simply wanting to pass their sympathies and love to the family and those closest to him are welcome to do so at [email protected]

RIP Shred.

http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-shred-david-spencer-2300000.aspx

 

[Peezablade]

Shred was from my own era. The highest compliment I can pay is by saying that if you don't know shred or know of him then you have never, truly, had a proper away day with the Blades.
Top man who will be missed by many.

 

[Blackheath Blade]

Like a few on here, I didn't know Shred personally but he was instantly recognisable at many of the games I've been too.
Such a very sad day for everyone who knew him and my thoughts go out to his family and friends who must be devastated by today's news.
Some of the tributes on here have brought a lump to my throat and it's a great tribute by the Blades to fly the Club flag at half-mast and wear black armbands at Crawley tomorrow.

RIP Shred God bless

 

[Davie Blade]

Reading this thread with tear in eyes
all I can add to these marvellous tributes from the whole Blades family on here is

Shred is the epitome of ''He's a Blade and He's a Blade''

We should all remember him when we sing this.

'' Shred's a Blade and Shred's a Blade ''

RIP

 

[Blade59]

Didn't know him but from all the stories a true Blades legend

RIP

 

[Harry's Game]

I can't belive this I have just landed at Heathrow and logged on to mainly see what the reaction to JCR leaving is, which I heard about before boarding my flight, to hear this awful awful news.

Sheffield Utd without Shred is .. I can't find the words.

RIP Mr. Sheffield United.

 

[boo radley]

I have never seen the local press so full of an ordinary football fan. Football heaven (I know not many listen these days) was full of people paying tribute and they played Annie's song at the end in tribute to Mr David Spencer.
It is obvious to those of us who had met him little or not at all that he touched so many in the Blades family and brought so many in to it and to respect it.
Hearing and reading all this makes those of us who knew him little or not at all regret that we did not come to know him better.
I do not know if there are many character supporters at other clubs or have been? At this moment it seems so insular. This Gentleman seems to have set the standard which we should all aspire to not just in football but in life in general with his humble hospitality
Our Club is better for him to have been there and it may be that whatever the transport to the away games be named after him, if appropriate and within his families wishes?