He is the ex-Blade Billy Whitehurst, seen here in 1996, shortly after becoming the new landlord of the Cricketers Arms pub, across the road from United’s Bramall Lane stadium.
The photo is one of more than 30 nostalgic images in this retro picture gallery, taking you back to the 90s.
The scenes from across Sheffield include a memorable performance by homegrown rock legends Def Leppard, teenagers getting their first taste of clubbing, and play-off heartbreak for the Blades.
If you find it hard to believe this all happened more than a quarter of a century ago, you’re not alone.
These photos will help take you back to the years before Covid, austerity and soaring energy bills, to Britpop’s glory days, a time of hope, prosperity and great music, when our biggest worry was the millennium bug.
Lottery winners, lollipop ladies, school celebrations, leisure centre fun and popular restaurants of the era are among the evocative images, sure to bring back happy memories for many.
These archive images also feature the final days of a Sheffield landmark, famously referenced in the Pulp anthem Disco 2000; young sword dancers learning their craft; and one of the city’s lost breweries.
What are your happiest memories of the 90s, and what do you miss most about life back then?
1. New landlord
Ex-Sheffield Utd player Billy Whitehurst, pictured in 1996, after becoming the new landlord of the Cricketers Arms pub on Bramall Lane | Sheffield Newspapers Photo: Steve Ellis
2. Three cheers
Staff and pupils at Nether Green Infant School, Sheffield, celebrate with the Lord Mayor and Mayoress after recieving a glowing Ofsted report in 1999 | Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Dean Atkins
3. Wimpy
The new Wimpy beside the Fina petrol station on Penistone Road, Sheffield, in 1999 | Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Dean Atkins
4. Maria's
Steve Attwell and his other chef at Maria's restaurant, Crookes, Sheffield, in 1999 | Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Dean Atkins