What does SUFC mean to you?

[Linz]

Inspired by Swiss' post, what does Sheffield United mean to you?

Moan, whinge and gripe about them... but there must be something that keeps you coming to the Lane? There must have been some reason you sought out our little corner of the internet to talk to fellow Blades?

For me, there is a sense of belonging. Sheffield United has been a constant in my life through all kinds of ups and downs. No matter what was happening, there have always been the same faces in the pub, the same faces sat around me in the South Stand and invariably, the same crap on the pitch. It's the grim sense of humour shared by most Blades which seems to be the mark of a perennial underdog. It's the tears at both ends of the spectrum - knowing the absolute sheer pleasure of Jeff Stelling telling you the result of Leeds v. Reading and the crushing heartbreak of your club pissing away a play-off final at Cardiff and Wembley. Sheffield United is an extension of my family and given the option, I would do anything for a fellow Blade.

So that is what my club means to me. What about you?

 

[raul]

I would do anything for a fellow Blade.

There's this bloke in Tadcaster......

 

[JohnDenver]

For me, there is a sense of belonging. Sheffield United has been a constant in my life through all kinds of ups and downs. No matter what was happening, there have always been the same faces in the pub, the same faces sat around me in the South Stand and invariably, the same crap on the pitch. It's the grim sense of humour shared by most Blades which seems to be the mark of a perennial underdog. It's the tears at both ends of the spectrum - knowing the absolute sheer pleasure of Jeff Stelling telling you the result of Leeds v. Reading and the crushing heartbreak of your club pissing away a play-off final at Cardiff and Wembley. Sheffield United is an extension of my family and given the option, I would do anything for a fellow Blade.

Nicely put.

It's also about a sense of place. I may not be from here originally, but I've been here long enough to know that Bramall Lane and the people there are Sheffield.

And it may be something of a Fever Pitch cliche, but it's how my dad and I communicate with each other. Without SUFC (and football generally), who knows how that would work?

 

[boo radley]

I would do anything for a fellow Blade.

Please drive the 56mph cherry picker van to March at 5.30 am in the morning.

 

[LA Blade]

For overseas/out of town fans this is a great source of information about SUFC.

 

[beightonblade]

Its like having a second wife ! ........................ yer have a good moan nar n again but yer luv em ! ....... and any outsiders criticising better watch out

 

[BaldeRunner]

For me it means a connection to Sheffield. Haven't lived there for 35 years but Bramall Lane is a place where I have experienced some highs and lows that would be difficult to replicate in any other context. Beating Cardiff 5-1, losing to Walsall to get relegated to Division 4 , beating the Pigs 2-0 with that fabulous goal at the kop end, the Battle of Bramall Lane and the truly transcendental experience of Peschy's goal against Forest locks me in to this team and this location forever.

There's only my dad left in Sheffield now and he is in his 80s and struggling with his mental & physical health. Once he's gone the place where I was brought up and spent my first 18 formative years will no longer be a place where I can visit family. There will be no longer a physical home to which I can return. There will just be this strange and lasting allegiance to a football team that is at best mediocre, at worst downright dire but always there, always mine and always something of which I am proud to be a part.

 

[boo radley]

Seriously though, when we started our family I could not afford season tickets and then as times got easier we had them a number of years. Then came a little hardship and we said we'd have half season tickets. The first game of that season we went out for the day and when it got to around 3pm my wife looked at me and the lads and said to us ''you shouldn't be here should you''. that was the time that she realised and the lads also how much the Blades actually meant to us.
This place is quite special to many of us. We rant at each other a little, make a few friends we'll never meet and in our own minds perhaps call one or two 'tossers'. I've also had a priviledge of playing a little football with one or two. I think of the Sad death of Happy Hippy, (who I never met) and think that brought a realisation that our admin had created something more than just a word forum.
Thanks.

 

[Northyorksblade]

Not half as much as it used to, and that saddens me.

 

[Rustyblade]

It's the only part of my character that I can't do a damned thing about. Other parts might get honed, educated maybe, others eradicated or at least sublimated but the Blades part I'm stuck with. And I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. And to some extent, the actual team is an irrelevance.

I don't think I'm being wrong headed when I say that there is something special about Blades. It's the only common denominator that I'm aware of that automatically cuts through a whole heap of other things that would instantly divide us. Class, politics, accent, background, the lot. Okay, there are probably exceptions at both ends of the scale (*cough* Bladesmad) but generally, there is no place I feel more at home than in a pub full of Blades. Even within Sheffield, there's a snide edge to porcine banter that I just don't feel from Blades.

And this place? I would quite happily sup alongside any of you, to be honest and have done in some cases. We'd argue like fuck, mind. But we'd have some laughs along the way.

 

[Lt. J Dangle]

Sheffield United is like the other half, who blows all the money on the nags or down the bingo, or forgets birthdays, or makes a promise then let's you down,or comes home after a night on the pop and pisses in your closet, yet you can't help but love em because when things are good it's the best feeling in the world and you couldn't live without them.

in a nutshell

If Hallmark are reading, I'm available for writing cheesy poems in your greeeting cards

 

[gavtheblade]

for me its about good memories.
mostly about pillars in my life-about the first time been taken to the lane when i was 8,and been taught the greasy chip buttie song in mum and dads before we left .by my uncle who took me because mum and dad were skint-then going to the lane later in life with mum and dad in the kop when we won arsenal in the fa cup under kendall(the only time weve been together because shortly after mum was not good on her feet and we went to the family enclosure soon after).
Then the warnock years-what can you say,they were moments that even make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck,especially beating the pigs 3.1,and the promo year.
Being there with my parents and having a family hug when we scored is really special for me.
Now im a dad myself,and cannot wait to take amelia to her first game.
lump in the throat moment.
I LOVE THE BLADES AND ALWAYS WILL,

 

[Barney Rubble]

I got a free schoolboy ticket for a game against Sunderland in about 1967. We lost the game 2-1 and went down that season so I got an early lesson in what I could come to expect in the next 45 years.

On the other hand this meant that my formative years were spent watching the great team of the early 70ies who proved as addictive to me as others find crack cocaine.

Despite the experience often being painful - last season the team seemed to find a new way of kicking me in the nuts each game - the atmosphere in the ground, the hours spent/ wasted discussing how to put things right with fellow fans, friends and family the joy of winning either through fabulous football or the sneaking in of a totally undeserved last minute winner have all combined to provide enough pleasure to outweigh all the bad points.

My favourite memory came after the FA Cup quarter final win against Blackburn. Walking away from the ground with friends and family we were all singing and as we passed men in their 50s and 60s they all joined in. The win had transformed all of us into schoolboys again.

A lot of my experiences of United were shared with my father. After that first game, he encouraged me to go, took me with him and even paid for my first season ticket.
When I moved away from Sheffield, our regular phone calls always turned to talk of the Blades within a few minutes. Sadly he passed away last year, so I suppose I turned to the forum as a means of finding some other people to argue with about the team we all love.

 

[gavtheblade]

I got a free schoolboy ticket for a game against Sunderland in about 1967. We lost the game 2-1 and went down that season so I got an early lesson in what I could come to expect in the next 45 years.

On the other hand this meant that my formative years were spent watching the great team of the early 70ies who proved as addictive to me as others find crack cocaine.

Despite the experience often being painful - last season the team seemed to find a new way of kicking me in the nuts each game - the atmosphere in the ground, the hours spent/ wasted discussing how to put things right with fellow fans, friends and family the joy of winning either through fabulous football or the sneaking in of a totally undeserved last minute winner have all combined to provide enough pleasure to outweigh all the bad points.

My favourite memory came after the FA Cup quarter final win against Blackburn. Walking away from the ground with friends and family we were all singing and as we passed men in their 50s and 60s they all joined in. The win had transformed all of us into schoolboys again.

A lot of my experiences of United were shared with my father. After that first game, he encouraged me to go, took me with him and even paid for my first season ticket.
When I moved away from Sheffield, our regular phone calls always turned to talk of the Blades within a few minutes. Sadly he passed away last year, so I suppose I turned to the forum as a means of finding some other people to argue with about the team we all love.

as i re-iterate barney,blades times to me are best conjured amongst family and friends.im sure your dad would agree bless him.

 

[bricktop]

For me it is like a religion.

I grew up obsessed by Sheffield United, all things Sheffield United and all things to do with Sheffield United.

Like Grecian 2000 has already mentioned his behaviour in the pursuit of watching Sheffield United was absolutely Scandalous when he looked back at it, and i'm the same. When i think about it i've probably spent a good few thousands on watching Sheffield United all over the country. Not only has it cost me money, its cost me jobs in the past, its contibuted to costing me a marriage, i've lost girlfriends before as i've more interested in getting pissed and watching the Blades when i was younger.

I've got an in-depth encyclopedic knowledge, i can tell you the results of most of the games i've been to. A few years back i could tell the result of any United game from the previous 10 years, i can tell you all about any of the players i've seen over the last 25 years, where they come from, where they went, what they was like for us, and have an obsession on Sheffield United that can i'm sure would register on the Autistic Scale (and i'm sure i'm not the only one on here who is like).

On the plus side, it has given me a sense of identity over the years. When i was younger i grew up supporting the Blades in a massive Wednesday stronghold when they was going through their glory days. I was proud to be different and have my own different sense of identity. I used to feel sorry for a lot of the people who got caught up in supporting Wednesday because everyone else did.

I've got a big circle of friends who i have met over the years, and most of my friends i have made support Sheffield United, its sad but Sheffield United have played a big part of my social life. I met a lad when i worked at Butlins as a waiter in the Summer of 1998, he is a similar age to me, and we hit it off straight away as we was the only Blades working in the restaurant, ended up staying in contact and we are still to this day best mates.

Two years ago my son was born, and i wore my United shirt to the birth as i wanted my first photo's to be taken of me and my new born son with me in a Blades shirt. I can't wait until the next couple of years have passed and he is old enough to come to the Lane with me and we can live our lives together with the mutual love of football.

It's like a religion, because it draws you in. It's like going to church because it something you, and somewhere you see your friends. It's like crack, because one your addicted its hard to wean yourself off it, and it'll cost you a shitload of money. Would i change it? Not a chance.

 

[travellingblade]

Not half as much as it used to, and that saddens me.

...... and me too, but somehow .........

Like a few others, I've moved away, although not too far, but there is no longer anywhere specifically to visit in Sheffield.

When I was very young, especially on night matches, I thought this is where my heart is, where I'd like my ashes scattered. When I was in my mid thirties as a season ticket holder, I thought one day I'll be able to buy a season at concession prices. Now I can, I don't, because the club are not prepared to listen to issues from "away" supporters of this club, with so many night matches, which are impossible for the younger members of my family to attend.

I come on here every day, and on match days I'd like to think I was there, whilst listening to Radio Sheffield. Yes, we go frequently, but not regularly enough to warrant a season ticket, as we're out of the country most mid-weeks, and come saturday, without a season ticket there is no drive.

I feel that the club has lost something, certainly its marketing has, and therefore its place in my heart is just that bit smaller, which makes me sad, but once a Blade ALWAYS a Blade.

UTB

 

[cahill]

Agree with every sentiment in the original post apart from the "tears" bit, I save that for other things. Anybody who cries when their team gets relegated needs to have a long hard look at themselves. Tears of happiness mmmm.

 

[Vancouver]

Agree with every sentiment in the original post apart from the "tears" bit, I save that for other things. Anybody who cries when their team gets relegated needs to have a long hard look at themselves. Tears of happiness mmmm.

If you can shed tears of joy about football what's the deal with shedding tears of sorrow?

 

[Kentblade]

I can agree with all that has been posted on this interesting subject.
All I will say is that I spent the first 30 years of my life there,and now when I arrive at the ground and walk into the car park I always feel that I have returned home.
The feelings and emotions that we have can only be appreciated if you are a Blade
Such memories of games and players over the years all come flooding back and it is a shame that while we have had exciting times we also share many lows.
Always a blade.
UTB

 

[davidpinder]

Its a way of life to me, it was introduced into my life at a young age and i will go to my grave supporting them. Doesn't matter which league or where there playing, if i'm on holiday or simply can not make it i need to know that final score at 4.45pm not at half 5 or 6pm, as that final whistle blows and i am not sat in the stands i need to know what we have done. Highs and lows and even tears i am a blade and always will be, i will moan and even boycott games but they will still mean as much to me whatever happens. Every season i have to buy the new shirt maybe the home maybe the away, i will moan about price or quality but i will still buy one thats what being a blade is all about.

 

[sheffielder]

Its like having a second wife ! ........................ yer have a good moan nar n again but yer luv em ! ....... and any outsiders criticising better watch out

I never thought I would agree with a BB post, but this is nailed on for me

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

For me its an obsession that I'm not embarrased to admit. Some people think its silly, going up and down the country, attending every home game without fail and spouting off that Sheffield United is the best team on planet earth even when they're playing like absolute dog shit. I'm sure its the same for supporters of other clubs, no other football experience feels quite the same as going to watch your own team.

Its also a family affair where I'm concerned. My whole family are Blades to a man/woman and I have always attended games with them. We go to the games together, we drink in the boozers togther, we watch the Blades on TV together. Its a shared experience and we are all as passionate about the Blades as one another. We will throw our toys out of the pram when they lose a big game and swear we wont go again but the next morning all is forgiven and that soft sentiment creeps back in.

Loving your club and riding the emotional rollercoaster because of it is not unique to SUFC in broad terms, but in its own little way it is at the same time (you know what I mean). Apart from that its just something to mump and moan about

 

[JJ Sefton]

"Sheffield United will break your fucking heart"

- My dad, on the phone, 3pm, 13/05/07

 

[Darren]

It's about loyalty to my roots and where I feel I come from and, ultimately belong too. Like keeping voting Labour despite Blair, the Iraq war, cuts to lone parent benefits etc etc

 

[JJ Sefton]

It's about loyalty to my roots and where I feel I come from and, ultimately belong too. Like keeping voting Labour despite Blair, the Iraq war, cuts to lone parent benefits etc etc

Actually thats better than what I had. I get much of the same. My great grandad went there to watch Needham and Foulke, my grandad went there to watch Tunstall, Gillespie and Hagan, my dad went there to see Joe Shaw, Jones, Woodward and Currie, my cousins went there to see Keith Edwards and Bob Hatton and I went there to watch Deane, Jagielka and whatever shower of shite theyre serving up now. Not of all of them lads are around anymore, but I am, and still doing the same thing.

 

[JohnDenver]

My great grandad went there to watch Needham and Foulke, my grandad went there to watch Tunstall, Gillespie and Hagan, my dad went there to see Joe Shaw, Jones, Woodward and Currie, my cousins went there to see Keith Edwards and Bob Hatton and I went there to watch Deane, Jagielka

And your kids might get to see an aged Collins and Doyle.

 

[blade too long]

SUFC
To me is my dad taking me as a 6 year old on the kop and holding me up to the railings to see derek pace,
its going to ball inn with my brother and watching a young mick jones on a saturday morning
Is walking past the cricket pavillion at half time changing ends to watch the blades attack the kop with mates
Its meeting the wife in the beer keller that was in said pavillion
It was being lucky enough to see every game Tony Currie wore a blades shirt, sheer joy
Its watching the new stand open where the cricket pitch used to be, and to see givens miss a penalty sheer misery
Its going to Burnley and watch my brother die of a heart attack in front of me , total heart break in 93
Its buying a mini bus so we could travel to away games in the basset era
Its watching the john street stand get knocked down and 3 years go to waste as nowt happens
Its the joy of promotions and the lows like in may

It what we are, its family,you know its family as it gives you both joy and pain

 

[frechyblade]

As others have alluded to I think most go through cycles. As a youngster it was my time to be with my dad, walking from Heeley, calling for a drink in the Red Lion, then onto the game. We moved to woodhouse, new house and everything my dad struggled to take me to many matches. It wasn't long before I was old enough to go with my mates and i think those ten years from '78 to '88 are what reall got me hooked. I then got married, with mortgage and kids so I had about 10 years without regular appearances at BDTBL. As my eldest came of age he started asking to go to games his first experience of the low's of being a Blade was the play off final defeat in '97. From then we attended regularly together, my middle son got dragged to a few games, but has never shown an interest in football at all. The youngest started his affiliation with the season in the premier league, the youngest realised the strength of feeling when we came back of holiday for the day to go to the opening fixture against Liverpool. All three of us were there for the highs i.e. Arsenal and lows i.e.Wigan that season but we were all back the following season. we only had one more season all together before my eldest passed away at the start of the 2008/9 season. We kept our season tickets and my dad comes in my eldest place. Every time I'm there I not only get all the emotions of being amongst fellow baldes hoping and praying that this is going to be the game, the season it's also where I feel I'm with my son, he's certainly there in spirit. We belt out the GCB every game and think of James.

It's certainly in your blood and can't be nurtured as evidenced by my middle son.

UTB

 

[bladeinspaceandtime]

They always fail to amaze me! Mind you I suppose if you are after glory you would support Manchester United or the like. For me the club reflects the fortunes of the city; the best times are in the past and seriously needs a kick up the arse to get going again.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

It's about loyalty to my roots and where I feel I come from and, ultimately belong too. Like keeping voting Labour despite Blair, the Iraq war, cuts to lone parent benefits etc etc

That's about the long and short of it for me. Growing up it was about identity - belonging to a gang, and the feeling that our gang was better than the other lot. Now, it's about roots - The Lane and various cricket clubs were the first places I mixed with people from different backgrounds and realised you could all get along. Sheffield would just be a place my parents live if it wasn't for the appreciation of the local culture that came from mixing with fellow Blades. Shared experiences with fellow Blades I wouldn't come into contact with if it wasn't for United have shaped my humour and my outlook almost as much my family, friends and education.