Exiled Bull enthuses about our Fourth Round draw
There are lots of large football stadia in this UK. Most are highly efficient, safe, comfortable and dull clones. Only the colour of the seats helps identify Middlesbrough from Reading or Wigan from Derby. Most are “out of town” surrounded by shopping malls or industrial parks. Last Saturday, I was at Reading and ended up in the cafe in B&Q because there was nothing more inspiring. On Boxing Day, I ended up queuing for a coffee at Starbucks in the retail mall next to the Reebok Stadium for the same reason. “Its football Jim, but not as we know it.”
There are a few exceptions. Goodison is still a grand old lady. Liverpool retains some of its class and as we recall Elland Road still has something about it. And then there’s Sheffield Wednesday..
It retains its roots in a slightly-down-at-heel North Sheffield suburb and as a result the place reeks of history. At certain parts of the stadium, try half-closing your eyes. Try to imagine 1950’s Wednesday players strolling around with boots dangling around their neck, fresh off the bus. As John Lennon once wrote “it’s easy if you try.”
On my last visit, about 15 months ago, I watched Wednesday being hammered 4-0. Apart from the moans of the home spectators, I could feel the sadness of the place almost coming out of the turf, old players wailing that their famous old club was looking so shabby.. Since then, the club have new owners, a new manager and a team which is just starting on the long road back up the Leagues.
Hillsborough is huge, with over 40,000 seats, so room for anyone from the Shire who fancies the trip. Make no mistake, despite their temporary sojourn in the Third Tier, Wednesday is a big club in almost every way. The seats aren’t all modern and the spectator facilities for visitors are on a par with Edgar Street but I can live with that. I’ll swap them for the quiet satisfaction that this is a proper football arena.
Hillsborough was cutting edge in the 1960’s and the Penistone Road End was a simply huge terrace behind the home goal. And yes, the away end is Leppings Lane with all those dreadful memories. Everyone has learnt from that day. The end has been all-seater for decades and there is vast space behind the away turnstiles. There’s a discreet memorial and floral tributes are encouraged. There but for the grace of God go I. Mature Bulls followers will recall just how tightly packed Edgar Street was for the visit of Newcastle in the Cup. It was much later when we heard the club sold all the tickets and then printed some more....
Before you enter Leppings Lane, make a point of taking the path to the right of the away end which goes under the main stand. Yes, under. It’s a good way to appreciate the scale of the ground and the range of facilities on offer. Also just outside the away end and a few houses down is a football programme shop with a very friendly owner.
The local area is a little short on amenities. Car parks are few (be early) and nearby pubs are even fewer in number. Despite what your sat nav may tell you, the sensible route to Hillsborough is to approach from M1 J36 which is North of the City. There are a number of pubs en route. An alternative for those who can’t leave retail alone for one day is to park at Meadowhall Shopping Centre and catch the tram from there.
United in the FA Cup Fourth Round, 3pm on a Saturday at a great football stadium. What could be better? Just be there!