As I listened in to the Sheffield Wednesday chat-show callers I suddenly thought that the curators should nudge Jackie Robinson, Derek Dooley, Albert Quixall, Terry Curran, Mel Sterland, David Hirst, Chris Waddle, Roland Nilsson et al, a bit further along that pedestal reserved for Legendary Owls.

And make room for Leon Clarke!

Now, I know they used to make a fuss up on Tyneside over Alan Shearer.
But as each caller hung up I began to reckon the idolatry and praise for the big striker was getting up to Geordie proportions!

Isn't this the player about whom barely a Wednesdayite had a decent word to say when he pitched up from Wolves last season? Or since. In fact, it wasn't a particularly popular signing right from day one.

Normally, Owls fans always find something good to say about any player linked with Wednesday or signing for them.

If not, they just keep quiet - like when Craig Rocastle signed. When big Leon came, one or two found even their legendary "quiet" loyalty being tested and couldn't even keep quiet. But, how things can change.
A few minutes on the pitch at Leicester, an exquisitely finished goal signifying the moment when a vital, vital three points had been secured before lumbering off towards fans going bonkers.

In that moment, thousands changed zero to hero. It was a big moment for big Leon. But that's football.

By the time the last caller had finished, I reckoned his future lay not at Hillsborough but Real Madrid.

If he's in that squad on Sunday (and how dare Brian Laws leave him out?) I reckon that he might even get the biggest roar of all when the names are read out.

Wednesdayites might just have found a new cult hero! Funny old game eh?

Great idea Laws

TALKING of loyalty, the decision to drop the admission prices for Sunday - an idea first mooted by Brian Laws after the Leicester game - was absolutely the right one.

It was quickly rewarded by selling out Hillsborough five days before the game in an astonishing show of support.

The Blades have shown themselves the best supported club in The Championship this season but nowhere in the division can a club rocket their support like Wednesday even thought they had slashed the prices.

I hope they do stay up and I think they will because, surely, Leicester won't survive at Stoke will they? A point for the Owls and Leicester would have to win.

So, survival for the Owls and the full house can glory in the lap of honour at the end. If Leon Clarke happens to get the goal that keeps them up, then he might get a lap honour all to himself although people would want to get off before it's dark!

It might be a bridge too far for United simply because all the other results have to fall their way too.

I get the feeling that a certain manager would enjoy taking a play-off place at United's expense - and then probably say he wished United were in there!

Very good luck also to Donny tomorrow. John Ryan, the chairman, probably hasn't slept for a week.

Let's hope they get that win down at Cheltenham which takes them into The Championship and the first appearance at that level for exactly 50 years.

A cracker Katie!

IT was a day 16-year-old cricketer Katie Levick won't forget - but not entirely for cricketing reasons.

The young leg spinner was spotted by coach Andy Humphries when she went to the ladies' nets at Sheffield United CC.

He saw her potential and felt she was good enough for the men's team and so made her debut in United's 2nd XI last Saturday.

She bowled very tidily indeed and some watchers were impressed.

Less impressive, however, was the idiot who had been playing rugby on an adjoining pitch and decided to streak across the cricket pitch.

Incidentally, when our photographer turned up at the nets to take a few photos of Katie this week, he got in front for a picture of her bowling and the coach said "Bowl one to miss him."

The photographer was busy concentrating through the lens when the ball pitched, turned and whacked him straight on the knee cap.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

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