It’s incredible to think Boro’ once played a league match in front of 30,000 people – and it would happen at Sheffield United. For borking their chances of pipping their city rivals to automatic promotion, however, they took their revenge against us in the 2011-2 League One playoffs. But that didn’t stop getting out of the third tier being a real challenge to the Blades. It wasn’t until 2017 that they made it back to the second tier. Of course, we were long off the League One scene by then. And they’ve even squeezed two Premier League seasons in since then too.
We’ll always have that 4-0 victory when Dani Lopez enjoyed his finest hour in a Boro’ shirt though…
Sheffield United were one of those fair few fallen ‘giants’ that we ran into after we were promoted to League One in 2011. Much like city rivals Wednesday and other such teams, Boro’ were more or less expected to be cannon fodder for ’em. And much like city rivals Wednesday and other such teams, we upset the applecart. But this is a club with a long, proud history. Formed in 1889, the Blades are former champions of the land – even if Queen Victoria was still pottering around when they managed it.
There’s the four times they lifted the Cup – 1899, 1902, 1915 and 1925 too. And there’s being founder members of the Premier League as well. Mind you, it appears to be doing OK without them at the moment. On the flip side, the club have tasted the indignity of fourth tier action. It was short-lived. The 1981-2 Division Four campaign saw them romp to the title to make sure their stay down there was limited to the one season. In second place that year? Why, it’s Bradford City. And the Bantams are much more familiar with the fourth tier these days.
How to get to Sheffield United – Travel Information – Distance: 139 miles
By Road
From Stevenage, the quickest and shortest route is to head up the M1 to Junction 29. Exit the motorway and take the second exit at the roundabout for the A617; signposted Chesterfield/Matlock/A632. Continue for five miles before you need to take the fourth exit at the roundabout for the Sheffield-bound A61.
Travel along the A61 through a number of roundabouts and into Sheffield. After making a right turn to remain on the A61 once in the city, you will see a Halfords on your right. Just after this, turn left into Shoreham Street and make a left after 0.2 miles for Cherry Street.
It is suggested that your best option when visiting Sheffield United is to find street parking, unless you are feeling adventurous with the public transport options on offer.
By Rail
Station: SHEFFIELD
Services to: DONCASTER (for STEVENAGE)
A walk from the railway station won’t take you too much time and effort. It’s not even a mile long! Come out of the station and turn left onto the A61 Sheaf Street, heading in a south-westerly direction. After 0.1 mile, you need to take a slight right for Shoreham Street (still the A61).
Follow this road for more than half a mile; crossing St Mary’s Close in the process. This brings you to the stadium; the away end on the opposite side from Shoreham Street. So, the best option is to take the right turn for John Street and then left onto Bramall Lane to come behind the right end.
