Hello everyone,
Wasn't quite sure where to put this but I was looking to get your help.
I am currently a college student in New York and have been given an opportunity which requires me to live in Sheffield for a year. I love football/soccer (don't hate on the word, it originates from Oxford University) and have been a member of New York Red Bulls since its foundation as well as playing all my life. Anyway, one of the main things I am looking forward to is getting a season ticket at one of the Sheffield clubs, either United or Wednesday, but I am having trouble deciding who to go for. When I was looking into this last year it seemed an obvious decision to choose Wednesday due to the Championship football on offer although that benefit is likely to be equalled as United look set to be promoted.
Why am I here wasting your time on the forum? Basically I want to get the fans opinion to try and persuade me and give me a reason to choose their club. Due to other sports teams I support in the US (red and white colours) and the fact Bramall Lane will be a bit easier to access from where I am staying I have decided to ask you guys first.
I appreciate any advice given though please keep comments constructive, saying things like they are pigs (I know you call each other that) and hillbillies isn't an argument. Match day experience, fan culture, players, history would be preferable.
Thanks
I am currently a college student in New York and have been given an opportunity which requires me to live in Sheffield for a year.
You will be welcomed. Sheffield is a great city and I hope you enjoy a successful and enjoyable time here.
I love football/soccer (don't hate on the word, it originates from Oxford University) and have been a member of New York Red Bulls since its foundation as well as playing all my life.
Clearly you are a sports fan and want the best from your 'match day experience' Honestly? you would get something from both venues. Realistically, short-lived or otherwise, next season has all the hall marks of being up there with the best we've ever enjoyed so your timing if you decide Bramall Lane over Hillsborough couldn't be better from a potentially 'best match day experience' point of view.
Anyway, one of the main things I am looking forward to is getting a season ticket at one of the Sheffield clubs, either United or Wednesday, but I am having trouble deciding who to go for. When I was looking into this last year it seemed an obvious decision to choose Wednesday due to the Championship football on offer although that benefit is likely to be equalled as United look set to be promoted.
In some ways, it would polarise your choices if Wednesday did go up this season. Positives for going to Hillsborough would include seeing the best that this country has to offer in the way of players and managers every other week. The worst of it is that you wouldn't be experiencing the proper, traditional sport as a whole, but a money-driven industry/play thing that has changed the game from what many ordinary supporters want to see/be involved in. If both are in the same division, the reasons already mentioned in other posts would hopefully have provided you with enough reasons for you to be able to make the choice that's best for you.
Why am I here wasting your time on the forum?
It's not a waste of time at all, you can see that from the number of responses. It's a sensible thing to do and I hope it's been a useful exercise for you.
Basically I want to get the fans opinion to try and persuade me and give me a reason to choose their club. Due to other sports teams I support in the US (red and white colours) and the fact Bramall Lane will be a bit easier to access from where I am staying I have decided to ask you guys first.
Good choice!
I appreciate any advice given though please keep comments constructive, saying things like they are pigs (I know you call each other that) and hillbillies isn't an argument. Match day experience
As a supporter from an early age, I have seen many ups and downs, some exhilarating, some heart-breaking. The one thing that never leaves me though is the love I have for my club and the enthusiasm I have for every game we play. It's great to be with like minded people who you have a connection with, even before you speak a word. Many times, particularly when I didn't have a season ticket and sat next to strangers most games, I'd find myself hugging someone I'd never seen before after we scored.
I truly believe that Bramall lane cannot be bettered for a match day experience. Tuesday night games under the floodlights, whether playing a routine league game or one of those very special nights for example when we played Tottenham in a cup semi-final recently, will remain with you forever.
Fan culture
Honest, working class individuals and families who have a passion for their team.
Appreciative of their team when they give their all, whether they're successful or not.
Although there are a few 'over-enthusiastic' youngsters there is a fantastic unity about the club which gives a true meaning to the club being 'United'
You would be made to feel genuinely welcome and instantly become 'one of us'!
Players
We have some fantastically talented players at the club who give great value for money with some wonderfully entertaining football.
The manager has an eye for what works well and his players give their all for him. Long may it continue.
There is also the promise of further financial investment for the players necessary to make an assault on promotion from the Championship next season.
History.
I've nothing to add to what some great posters have already said, except to reiterate that, not just with SUFC, but with the whole city around the ground, that you have an enormous amount of history and culture that you will do well to cram in in your short twelve months here......assuming you'll ever want to leave
