Letter: Steel and football

There are two Sheffield “flagships” of world renown; the first “Steel”, remains known of worldwide to this day; even though the attempts of China and India threaten to some extent.

The second “flagship” that being of Sheffield laying down the first foundation stone, for this now world wide game of football, is pitifully, pitifully, represented to the World by the City of Sheffield Council, and has been for years.

Would there be a Manchester United; would there be a Barcelona; would there be a Liverpool; would there be a Real Madrid; would there be a Chelsea, and on it goes, IF Sheffield hadn’t laid the very first foundation stone for this game, as we know the rules being of it played today, over 150 years, or so ago?

Why, oh why, is the National Football Museum in Manchester?

It is an absolute travesty that Sheffield is left “in the slipstream” of other cities being appointed for this: I could recommend that instead of the Sheffield City Library being mooted it being converted for some other use, then that “use” should be to frame up, and showcase our world status of being the origins of the World football game; not Manchester. What attraction that could well offer tourists to visit our city.

Goodness me where is the City of Sheffield councillors/committee acumen, and pride in our city’s historical offering?

Yes we are building tower blocks here and there, but do we all know for what purpose they are going to serve, and who is going to occupy them?

Rather, please focus on the football opportunity, that we, Sheffield, have to offer; make some strategic initiatives.

As many of the Star letters contributors have written in, Sheffield is falling by the wayside and becoming a second thought when compared to Manchester or Leeds.

We; the “unrecognised!” need to rally the troops “stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, and cry “come on the City of Sheffield; the beginnings of World Football”; not quite Agincourt, but Crosspool will do today!