Calls for lifelong Sheffield United fan to be remembered with 58th minute applause in first league game
A family from Manor Lane are hoping to pay an emotional tribute to lifelong Sheffield United fan Richard Johnson after he passed away at the age of 58
The daughter of a lifelong Sheffield United fan is hoping to organise a minute's applause at Bramall Lane to honour the memory of her father, Richard, who sadly passed away last month, aged 58.
Richard Johnson, who hails from Manor Lane, was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer in May, with the condition spreading quickly in the two months leading up to his death on Saturday 4 July.
A father of five boys and two girls, daughter Lauren describes her late father as a larger than life character with the kindest heart.
Lauren said: “He was a contagious person, anyone that was around him would be laughing. He loved his family and his grandson Liam was basically his best friend - and they properly bonded over their love for football.”
Richard regularly attended matches at Bramall Lane throughout his entire life, but Lauren says the height of his obsession with the club was probably in the Neil Warnock years.
Lauren added: “He went to most matches from a really young age and then got a season ticket when he was a little bit older.
“I know when Neil Warnock was in charge, he and his friends used to travel on a mini-bus to almost all the away games as well. That was the height of his obsession.
“He still went to a lot of games after that, but had to cut down slightly towards the end due to health issues. Even then though he’d be keeping track of every game.”
Sheffield United achieved a lot during Neil Warnock’s eight-year stint as manager. Between 1999 and 2007, the club reached semi-finals of the League Cup and FA Cup and clinched promotion to the Premier League in 2006 - ending a 12-year wait for top-flight football.
The Blades enjoyed plenty of famous wins in this period but when asked about Richard’s favourite games, Lauren only had one answer.
“It was always the Steel City derby that meant the most to him. Anytime United played Wednesday that was always the one he got most excited for. I couldn’t pick out what his favourite win was, but it would definitely be against Wednesday.”
Richard passed his love of Sheffield United down to his family, who are all planning on attending the club’s opening home game against Birmingham City, where they hope the applause will take place in the 58th minute.
The club will honour Richard’s memories with a section about him in the matchday programme, but on top of that Lauren is hoping to organise an applause in the 58th minute to symbolise the age he was when he passed.
When asked about what it would mean to her to see the fan come together in unison for Richard, Lauren said: “It would mean the world to me - and it would mean a lot to all seven of us. And all his nephews too.
“He would be beaming with joy if he knew. I like to think he’ll be looking down on all of us when it takes place.”
Sheffield United take on Birmingham on Saturday 15 August in the first home match of the new Championship campaign.