My First Game: Sheffield United's Greasy Chip Butty song captivated me - and I was hooked for life

As part of our #myfirstgame series, The Star will feature one supporter’s memories of their first experience seeing Sheffield United on these pages every day this week.
Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Today, Joel Roberts remembers the day he first saw United in the flesh – a League One game against Preston North End.

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It's definitely not a game for the history books but it means a lot to me. My first trip to Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane and I remember it as if it was yesterday.

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There is something unique about a matchday in S2, it’s one big movement made up of different characters all wanting the same thing.

I was sat in the John Street stand with my stepdad who is a life long Blade. The smell of beer and pie dominated the air of the concourse as I entered through the turnstiles, then walking up the stairs and just seeing a glistening green pitch in the sunlight in front of me.

When the team in red and white kicked off the Greasy Chip Butty song was in full flow. I had no idea what it was but it captivated me as it was nothing I had ever heard before.

It’s no generic football anthem, it is unique and special. Just like the club. I asked my stepdad about the lyrics and meaning. He educated me and I remember thinking it is so simple but so brilliant.

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I had just moved to that side of the city after I had been to other games before but never really consistently went to games or properly supported a team and I went to that game.

Then my best mate was getting a season ticket so I said I'd get one with him.

The game itself was not so special with the Blades losing by a goal to nil and slumping towards a relegation battle in League One.

However, from that game on I was captivated and have now witnessed some of the best moments in the club's history.

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