Sheffield, 4 October, 2008

Off then, to Sheffield, the place where people speak properly. Alas it's Sheffield United rather than Wednesday, but you can't have everything. After all, where would you put it? Anyway, they do a marvellous pie, with, Lord be praised, mushy peas. If there's a more elegant food than mushy peas I haven't tasted it and nether have you. Their press box is spacious, their wi-fi is free (Premiership clubs take note) and if their television screen showed replays and the press room is too small and full of electrical equipment, they'd be set fair for a Premiership return, media-wise at least.
Their team is quite good too. Not great, but well-balanced, quite pretty and reasonably potent. They certainly had too much for a Bristol City who wilted in the northern winds and rains. Somebody whose opinion I sometimes trust told me Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell is an idiot, tactically and emotionally and that his players struggle to respect him Alas, I think of this every time I see him in action and I think of it so much today, I forget to ask him a question. I can't see it myself though. His teams are well-organised and he speaks well and wisely. Best not believe all your hear and read, eh?
I don't know him, but I like Gary Johnson and I like his way. I've only come across him twice, first at Wembley after his Bristol City had lost their play-off against Hull. Then, today after his very poor side had been brushed aside. Both times, he's been bereft, but honest and dignified. I still reckon they haven't got over Wembley and seeing Hull not go to hell can't help their sense of rue. He politely but firmly disagreed with me, claiming they've never really talked about it. I believe that, but I don't believe it isn't a contributory factor: perhaps they should discuss it more.