So here it begins....

[silverfox]

With the new season only a week away I thought I'd try to put down in words how I feel about the upcoming campaign.

Back in the eary 70's it was so easy to get excited about a new season with the Blades great to watch and with my youthful hopes. Back in those pre-internet days news was harder to come by, football magazines, newspapers and of course The Green-Un were the best information we could get hold of.

The Manager was hardly ever quoted and you never heard from the Chairman. We still craved information though and I managed to put a few scrap books together with pictures and information gathered. I was a little obsessed in those days and even found out players birthdays and tried to find out where the players lived. I still have those scrap books.

Pre-season for me was all about watching United train on the old Ball Inn ground, handy when you live next door, fetching the ball when the lads had kicked it way over the net, nowt changes eh? Even in the rain I'd be there and had the exciting privelidge of being asked in for a cup of tea with my heroes. It's funny but the new players always looked good in training - but when the season started? I remember seeing big Chris Guthrie when he arrived and I thought we'd found a real gem. How wrong can fans be!

Back to the now.

We now have so much information about the new players, even in depth thoughts of fans where these players come from. We have the thoughts of our Chairman in question and answer sessions. Radio Sheffield will have all the local managers debating on Monday night.

We all have our own thoughts and can debate and analyse in minute detail everything anyone says and how players have done even in pre-season.

In my opinion the instant success society we live in will never relate to football and certainly not at United. We all want to keep the best players and we want to sign the best too but in the real world it don't happen that way.

I said after the defeat at Wembley no more away matches......I've been to Hallam, Chesterfield and Lincoln already and the bloody season hasn't even started!

I'm still looking forward to the new season as ever, but as a 50 year old i'm realistic in my expectations. Although we all want to win and be the top of the league I never expect it to happen. One day I really hope it does happen.

It's more about the whole day. I'm looking forward to meeting up with the people I know, and perhaps new friends yet to meet, a bit of banter and a few beers. Shouting at the ref and no doubt and the ups and downs of following the Blades.

Up The Blades!

 

[shorehamview]

For me the new season is one to look forward to. As SF says, it's about the day. Meeting mates for a beer or two, that sense that maybe, just maybe this could be the season we sweep all before us. After all, we nearly did a few years ago. And it's about knowing that we probably won't tonk every team we face, and we'll have disappointment and joy and not in equal measures.
If I wanted trophies and glory then I'd support somebody else. But I can't, I'm a Blade and that's about more than silverware, it's about the roller-coaster ride with it's ups and downs, not the easy route to the top.

 

[Come from away]

I envy you folks. That's why I try to make it over there for a few games each year. Most Saturdays it means no sleep, grab a cup of coffee from the kitchen, stick my Blades shirt on over my PJs (plus my scarf) and then I plonk myself down in front of the computer and hope to get the Radio Sheffield commentary off the main site. I probably look a site too. Actually my wife has the pictures to prove it. Waiting for the game I wander through the posts on the forum. Once the game is on .... It's hard playing the game in your mind with the sort of intermitent chat you get on the Radio, but at least it's live. Much rather be stood outside the Lion. Regardless, UTB!!!

 

[dingledog]

I love the optimism of the first game, everyone is on nil points and everything is to play for. I always believe that this is our season, sometimes I still believe it going into the second game.

I see it as meeting up with family, my Blades family, and it is an important part of my life. I have been privilaged to meet some wonderful people through following Sheffield United, including many on this forum.

So as we go into Friday nights game I will be nervous and excited all at once and look forward to meeting up in the Lion for the home games.

 

[mickerz-blade]

I always believe that this is our season

I agree with you totally there. And i am really quite optimistic about this season!! C'mon we can do it. :thumbup:

UP THE BLADES!!!!! :thumbup:

 

[La_Blade]

I agree with you totally there. And i am really quite optimistic about this season!! C'mon we can do it. :thumbup:

UP THE BLADES!!!!! :thumbup:

I'm with you guys, but maybe I'm still young(ish) and naive, either way I'm definately going to get to the Lion for a home game this season.