The Sheffield United Miscellany E-Book

Darren Phillips

• Herausgeber: The History Press
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Seitenzahl: 185

Beschreibung

The Sheffield United – a book on the Blades like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legends. Sheffield United FC enjoy a notable history. Names such as Ernest Needham, Jimmy Hagan and Alan Woodward have worn the famous red and white stripes hundreds of times. As has the mercurial Tony Currie plus the infamous William 'Fatty' Foulke - a huge keeper who walked off the field at a whim and once dumped a forward on his head in a muddy penalty area. The Sheffield United Miscellany charts these events and many more in an intriguing format. Well known events are covered as are some priceless trivia gems - who can claim to have known the club was founded on the site of one of snooker's most hallowed venues and hosted the obscure winter sport of bandy? Also featured are a wide range of statistics, quotes and biographies from the club's 110-year history, making it a must for any Blade. Can you really afford not to own a copy?

Leseprobe

First published 2010

The History Press

The Mill, Brimscombe Port

Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2QG

www.thehistorypress.co.uk

This ebook edition first published in 2017

© Darren Phillips, 2010

The right of Darren Phillips to be identified as the Author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

EPUB ISBN 978 0 7509 8398 3

Typesetting and origination by The History Press

eBook converted by Geethik Technologies

INTRODUCTION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sheffield United’s fortunes may fluctuate, but over the past century or so the Blades have been, and will remain, one of football’s biggest names. The city famous for its steel production is possibly just as renowned for its sporting heritage. And rightly so.

United fans have seen many interesting times. Some great ones too, not to mention some superb players. In this book I have attempted to show some of the most fascinating events and names to have shaped life at Bramall Lane.

Charting the history of a pioneering club and one of the Football League’s first great teams has been a great pleasure for me, and one which it is to be hoped readers will draw equal delight from.

Onto more practical points. Although the author gets his or her name on a book cover and praise or brickbats for their efforts, the end product is usually the fruit of many people’s labours. A host of others will usually play a quiet but highly significant role. The process of writing this book was no different and this is my chance to pay due respect. Although the thanks to follow will be brief, they are no less heartfelt because of that. A debt of gratitude is due to all at The History Press for their professionalism, but especially to Michelle Tilling for her help and understanding throughout the writing and editorial process. I would also like to thank Peter Charlton who, during his editorship of the Sheffield Star, encouraged me to write my first words about the Blades.

FOUNDING FATHERS

Except for the odd football match, Bramall Lane was mostly used by the Sheffield United Cricket Club. But an FA Cup semi-final between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion in March 1889, which raised £558 1s from the 22,688 in attendance, convinced Charles Stokes, a junior member of the cricket committee, that forming a football club to use the ground regularly alongside its existing occupants would be a good idea. It was a sporting endeavour he felt would go down well given its popularity elsewhere in the city. Also, with the ground’s original ‘soccer’ tenants Sheffield Wednesday to quit, it kept the presence of a football team. Just as importantly it would earn money during the winter months, so in March of the same year Sir Charles Clegg, president of the Sheffield FA, balloted his fellow committee members. They accepted his proposal by a single vote mainly due to the assistance offered by more established local clubs. However, that pledged support was withdrawn. Sheffield FC were first to pull out of the venture and were swiftly followed by Heeley then Owlerton Football Clubs.

Although the club was now formed, the decision of others to stay as they were left Sheffield United with no players. Advertisements were placed in the local newspapers but gleaned just three replies. It took until the end of May to recruit a squad of adequate size. Scouts headed north of the border and the first United team to kick a ball in competition was an amalgam of local amateurs and Scottish professionals. The club’s very first game should have been shrouded in a little mystery given that a secret match was arranged between United and Sheffield FC at Hallam Cricket Club. However, Sheffield Wednesday captain Ted Brayshaw and a reporter followed the brake transporting United’s team and were able to reveal that the fledgling club lost 3–1.

THE FIRST, IF NOT THE ONLY . . .

Though clubs who subsequently took United as part of their name were formed before the Blades, Sheffield United were the first to take the now well-favoured suffix. The next longest serving United – Newcastle – were founded three years later. Those pre-dating 1892 all had different incarnations until a move or incorporation of other clubs led to a change.

THE CRUCIBLE WAS A CRUCIAL VENUE

Like so many football clubs founded close to the end of the nineteenth century, a public house provided a venue for those seeking to establish a football club at Bramall Lane. The driving forces behind this plan declared their intentions at a public meeting held on 30 January 1889 at the Adelphi Hotel. The hostelry stood on the same site now used by the Crucible Theatre, which along with plays and other performances, now hosts the annual World Snooker Championships.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Spread over 8½ acres of land located in the south of the city, Bramall Lane derived its name from the fields on which it stood containing an approach leading to the file manufacturing business factory and private residence of David Bramall. The grounds utilised for sports were separated from other pasture by walls with a gateway leading down a dusty lane to his family estate. Work was completed in 1855 and a 90-year lease taken out at an annual rent of £70. Seven years later Bramall Lane hosted its first football match which saw Sheffield FC take on Hallam in a friendly game aimed at raising money for charity – the Lancashire Distress Fund to be precise. It is to be hoped nobody sponsored the amount of goals scored during the game. It lasted 3 hours and resulted in a goalless draw. The most remarkable result achieved at the stadium is perhaps Lockwood Brothers defeat of Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup tie during December 1886. The well regarded Forest side’s 2–1 reverse is widely considered the first ever cup upset as Lockwood were ultimately a works side who only had their run ended by eventual finalists West Bromwich Albion.

United’s first league game was at Bramall Lane against Lincoln City on 3 September 1892. The Blades won 4–2. Harry Hammond grabbed a hat-trick and his opening strike ensured that he became the first United player to score a Football League goal.

PIGEONS AND RABBITS ARE SAFE AT BRAMALL LANE

Sheffield United bought the ground (which the cricket club had leased from the Duke of Norfolk since 1855) following the club’s 1897/98 championship-winning season. The death of the duke’s loyal agent Michael Ellison that same year was a factor in the land being offered. £10,134 was the sum paid and though this may not seem much by current standards, the money was borrowed and only repaid in full half a century later. Aside from cricket, a range of other sporting endeavours have been hosted at the ground including athletics, baseball, bowls, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, tennis and rugby league. The re-formed Sheffield Eagles, who played a couple of poorly attended games at Bramall Lane in 2000 under a previous guise – Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants – commenced a tenancy in April 2010.

However, certain pastimes were banned within the land’s confines and remain so. As stated in United’s aims, the club was instituted to: ‘promote and practice the play of cricket, football, lacrosse, lawn tennis, bowls, bicycling and tricycling, running, jumping, physical training, and the development of the human frame, and other athletic sports, games and exercises of every description, and any other game, pastime, sport, recreation, amusement or entertainment, but not pigeon shooting, rabbit coursing, or racing for money.’

There were actually moves to form an athletics club at the ground when Sheffield United were formed but that sport’s governing body would not tolerate a club which employed professional sportsmen, even if those paid were not from track and field, setting up a club nor eventually staging events.

KNOCKING ’EM BANDY

Bandy is a close relation, not to say a mixture of hockey and ice hockey, in that it is played on a thin sheet of ice (though with a ball and curved sticks). Though almost exclusively practised outdoors, it also has laws very similar to Association Football. Played for over 4,000 years it was perhaps something of a good fit for a range of soccer clubs to consider, as until the latter part of the 1890s it was played on grass during summer months. Founded in 1855, Sheffield Southerand and Bandy Club were incorporated into the newly formed Sheffield United FC.

ANYONE FOR CRICKET?

Bramall Lane was one of few grounds to have had three stands rather than the four most have always boasted. The open space backed on to the cricket ground. The idea of building another stand had been mooted throughout most of the 1960s but United’s return to Division One in 1971 proved the catalyst for real change. Yorkshire County Cricket Club, tenants since the ground opened, were given 2 years’ notice to quit and by August 1973 the last cricket match was played. Fittingly, a Roses battle with Lancashire drew the veil on 118 years of the sport which first graced the stadium when Yorkshire entertained Sussex. League cricket had also been staged at the ground but these fixtures were moved away long before the County Championship paid its last visit.

Alongside the Oval, Bramall Lane is the only ground to have hosted both English cricket and football internationals. The summer game was limited to just one match against Australia in 1902, though. The tourists won handsomely, but more importantly it was felt receipts were insufficient and could be bettered elsewhere. Additionally industrial smog caused play to be lost in otherwise playable conditions.

GROUNDS FOR COMPLAINT

At a cost of £750,000 the new South Stand was built on the old cricket ground’s outfield. The result was a full-length cantilevered stand with a seating capacity of around 8,000, which became operational in August 1975. Unfortunately, loss of the cricket revenue hit United harder than was originally expected and within 8 years the Blades, who had been able to invest little in the squad as a result of that expense, slid from the top flight to Division Four. With so much money tied up in the development of the ground, there were precious little funds available for transfers which could halt the decline. An upgrade of facilities in 1981 saw the introduction of new executive and directors’ boxes, as well as dressing room facilities and a new administration department. Other developments have taken place since the early part of the twenty-first century, and, though a drive to push even more through was part of the thwarted bid to become a host stadium for 2012 Olympics and England’s 2018 World Cup bid, there is no sign of ambition being stymied.

WEDNESDAY’S DAYS AT THE LANE

Wednesday Cricket Club, the forerunners of Sheffield Wednesday, also played at Bramall Lane holding a fixture in 1867 which is acclaimed as their first competitive football match. Within 12 months Wednesday won their first trophy when the Lane hosted a specially arranged tournament for clubs less than 2 years old, and they did so in the first game ever to be decided by a golden goal. The Cromwell Cup took its name from a theatre owner – Oliver Cromwell – but clearly not the one who did for Charles I. It took 10 minutes of indefinite time after the final whistle sounding for The Wednesday to beat Garrick.

The purchase of land at the Olive Grove soon after that win saw Wednesday sever their connections with a venue which first staged a game in 1862. Given that United took up residence immediately after and have not moved since, Bramall Lane is the oldest ground in the world to have continuously staged first-class football.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Of the four stands to eventually encompass Bramall Lane, the one on John Street is perhaps the most interesting. Originally built in 1865 it remained largely untouched until 1890 when modernised with a second tier built up on certain sections. A small-scale extension was made in 1895 as the 2,000 all-seater capacity proved woefully inadequate given the sheer amount of people who wished to see United play. Receipts were so good that renowned architect Archibald Leitch, who eventually designed major parts of the Hillsborough ground, was hired to oversee the erection of a much bigger and brand new stand opened in September 1901. 3,800 seats were housed at the back of the structure with room for a further 6,000 fans just in front.

The original plans helped shape another complete rebuild when damage sustained during the Second World War necessitated it. Faithfully recreated from the old blueprints, it finally reopened in 1954 – 14 years after the damage was caused and 8 years after work began. This construction was finally demolished and totally rebuilt in 1996 at a cost of £4.2 million with a capacity of 6,500. Corners either side of the stand were filled during the summer of 2001.

A HOME FROM HOME

Bramall Lane gained redevelopment because of bomb damage which was sustained after the Luftwaffe conducted a blitz on Sheffield just before Christmas 1940. Ten bombs fell on Bramall Lane causing extensive damage to not just the John Street Stand but also the Shoreham Street Kop and Main or South Stand. The immediate reaction was to transfer all home matches to Hillsborough and Rotherham United’s Millmoor. The stadium was fit for use when the 1941/42 term kicked-off.

THE TRUE BLADES?

Sheffield Wednesday were initially known as the Blades due to the city’s main industry and steel being used to make cutting implements. This nickname was one extended to most if not all Sheffield teams at one time or another, though for a while United would always be referred to as the Cutlers. This was another generic title bestowed on both the city’s teams and again a steel-related nickname. That changed when Wednesday moved to Owlerton stadium in 1899 and any debate as to who should be the rightful owner of the Blades title seems to have subsided two decades later. Anecdotal evidence suggested United fans preferred to call for the Blades rather than the Cutlers. Though to further distinguish the clubs before this, Wednesday were known as the Grovites while they were playing at Olive Grove while United were referred to as the Laneites. Confusing, eh?

WHERE DID YOU GET THAT CREST?

United’s emblem depicts two crossed scimitar blades and a white rose to signify the County of Yorkshire. It also includes the club’s name along with the year of formation and is resplendently decorated in red, black and white – matching the club’s colours. It was introduced in 1977 from which point United have been associated with the crossed blades symbol. Only a few minor alterations have been carried out since.

The design can be traced back to 1907 and the publishing of a cartoon in one of the Sheffield newspapers. An artist depicted the Owlerton-based Wednesday as an owl and United as a blade. Those early designs proved an inspiration for legendary player Jimmy Hagan who designed the emblem some 20 years before it was adopted – just prior to hanging up his boots.

Other emblems to have been used by the club include the City of Sheffield’s crest. This was widely used from 1966 onwards but was also embroidered on to the players’ shirts for the 1925 FA Cup final. A slightly altered version was utilised during the early part of United’s history along with the club’s name.

SPORTING COLOURS

United began their history in all white but had added a red stripe within a year. Blue shorts replaced the white knickerbockers players had previously worn. Over the years since, only the nature of the stripes have varied. In 1920 the lines were quite broad and accompanied by black shorts. White became the first choice short colour in 1967. Black was added to shirts in 1975. These colours remained in various jerseys worn until 1979 when United donned what was essentially a white shirt with a thick red stripe down the middle. Black and red pinstripes ran down the sides of the central stripe. Red shorts were also introduced at this time but didn’t last long before replaced by the traditional black.

There was suggestion that the team wear red and white quarters during the early 1960s, although this option was not taken up after an experiment with the reserve side over Christmas 1961. There was another brief kit experiment with the introduction of a white diamond effect being laid over the stripes in 1995. However, this too only stayed for a season. Stripes can increase the potential for a clash of colours, though on one occasion it was socks that caused a problem. In a match with Coventry City the linesman asked that one of the teams change so he could distinguish them.

United have worn a variety of change strips, including the original team colours of white. Then it was white with a red V-design. White has been a fairly constant feature in away kits, while red sleeves and collars have been introduced at various times. Other colour combinations have included blue jerseys which had their first airing during the 1934/35 campaign. Orange shirts with white shorts and more latterly yellow has become a prominent colour having been mixed with a red collar and red shorts then with purple halves and matching trims. The team has also turned out in a gold strip with blue trims when colours have clashed. In order to commemorate the club’s 120th anniversary, the 2009/10 season kicked off with a specially commissioned third kit – a black shirt embroidered with the names of every player to have turned out for United in the fabric.

DERRY TRIBUTE

Derry City adopted a red and white striped kit in tribute to former Blades skipper Billy Gillespie who took charge of the Irish club between 1932 and 1940. Derry had only been founded for a few years and within two seasons of the Donegal-born inside forward taking the helm, changed from a white jersey with black shorts to red and white. Though the shorts remained as they were, there was a change to a gold shirt for six years between 1956 and 1962. Otherwise the ‘candystripes’ have remained home colours ever since.

WHY STRIPES? POSSIBLY SOMETHING TO SLEEP ON

Theories about the large number of clubs to have taken red and white lines as their colours abound. But perhaps the most interesting is that such a strip was once the cheapest to make given that the colours were used in the making of mattresses around the turn of the twentieth century. Any leftover cloth or off-cuts could be picked up for relatively modest fees. Atletico Madrid, who also play in red and white stripes, are known as Los Colchoneros which – when translated from Spanish – means ‘the mattress-makers’.

Although there is insufficient evidence to be sure a cost-minded Bramall Lane board had this in mind during the early 1890s when stripes were introduced, the manufacture of mattresses was widespread across Yorkshire at this time, owing to the textile industry and easy availability of other components.

NATIONAL SERVICE

Six England games have been played at Bramall Lane, the first being against Scotland in March 1883 when the visitors won 3–2. Scotland won the next encounter between the two a decade later, but in April 1920 when the old enemies last met at the venue, England secured a thrilling 5–4 victory. The Three Lions have triumphed over every other team they have met at the home of Sheffield United. These matches were against Ireland in February 1887 which finished 7–0; Wales who lost 4–0 on their only visit in March 1897 and Northern Ireland who did at least manage a goal but still found themselves on the wrong end of a 5–1 thumping in October 1930.

NO ADMISSION

Before joining the Football League, United wanted to join the highly regarded Football Alliance but were rejected as only one team per city was allowed into membership. Sheffield Wednesday were founder members but both Manchester and Birmingham had more than a sole representative. Wednesday themselves claim they did not block any application, but United were left to lick their wounds and get on with business. They joined the Midland Counties League instead, before taking up tenure in the Northern League. Two seasons among some fine sides with high finishes proved the Blades were more than capable of holding their own should a transition to the Football League occur.

BAR ROOM GOSSIP

United board member Charles Stokes was fortunate to be spending an afternoon in the billiard room of a Southport hotel in 1891. Merseyside was an area he was hoping to exploit for talent and it is believed he was on a scouting mission, but after eavesdropping on a conversation he learned that Preston North End were about to allow some of a team known as ‘The Invincibles’ to leave Deepdale. He moved swiftly and met counterparts at the Lancashire club agreeing fees to purchase three of the most important players United would call on over the Victorian era – centre-half Billy Hendry (who became captain), outside left Jack Drummond and inside forward Sammy Dobson. This trio added to the talent already in place and helped the club enjoy much success during the decade which followed. Starting with a promotion to Division One, they ended with silverware as champions, then FA Cup holders.

HIGHS AND LOWS

Matches with other Yorkshire clubs understandably make for interesting clashes, and have created record attendances at Bramall Lane. Regardless of hail, rain or sun, huge numbers make their way to the ground for these encounters. Even extreme cold fails to put hardy souls from both sides off. The highest number paying to watch a game was 68,287 for an FA Cup encounter with Leeds United in February 1936. The club’s Football League record was set by the 59,555 fans packing the ground to see a Sheffield derby played during January 1927. Away from the Lane, a meeting with Wednesday at Hillsborough set a high-point for the third tier of English football – 49,309 spectators took in a match on Boxing Day 1979.