My First Game: A Marcelo hat-trick and the unforgettable feeling of being introduced to Sheffield United

Today, Richard Snowden remembers his first game at Bramall Lane – and how it fuelled a life of love for the Blades.

I remember the smell of grandad's chips in the fryer and the taste of buttery bread and salt and vinegar.

We waited on the front, full with chip butties and Coke, for my uncle to pick us up at 1.15pm; something that would become routine for us for the next 15 years.

Off we drove to Sheffield; my uncle, an experienced city driver, scared me with his approach to Ponds Forge roundabout as we (my uncle, dad, grandad and me) talked about all things football. From my glittering career as an under 9s goalkeeper to the odds on today’s Blades game. I was full of excitement and nerves as though I was playing. I was about to see my new heroes; Alan Kelly, Shaun Murphy, Marcus Bent and MARCELO! Asked in the car whether I’d any predictions, I casually replied “Yeah! Marcelo will get a hat trick!” (He did!)

We parked on a side street off Shoreham, another part of my new routine and waked 300 yards to PB’s, where my uncle collected his sausage and bacon cob as big as a football. Another 500 yards and we were at the crossroads with John St. and Charlotte Road. A programme and a bottle of Coke, and we were ready to go in.

The first glimpse of the pitch I’ll never forget. Two hours earlier, I didn’t know much about what it meant to be a Blade other than when I’d wear my red and white stripes to football training and have playful arguments with my friends about who was better - “us” or Wednesday. Now I knew, it was definitely US.

I’ve never forgot that feeling and it comes back to me every time I go in any stadium anywhere in the world. Down the stairs of gangway D we went to row G, seat 83, 84, 85, and we were home.

The result on that day has left me (except Marcelo’s hattrick!) but the feeling of being a Blade will never.

It was only during the next 15 years of being a season ticket holder that THE song became part of my life. It was played at my wedding and always brings a small tear to my eye. Like Sheffield United, come fill me again!

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