Time to talk value of football without any more excuses - Editor's comment

We carry our children and families along with us. It gives us incredible highs and miserable lows. Unfortunately, the entire city has had far too many of the latter this season.

I do acknowledge that not everyone loves watching 22 people kick a ball around but all true Sheffielders should value what it means to the city. I’m not necessarily talking red and white or blue and white but the importance of being the Home of Football.

Yesterday’s front page was all about the news that Sheffield FC the world’s oldest club no less, is finally getting a permanent home in the city. You might find this hard to believe but they haven’t even been able to play here in recent years, let alone have a proper place to set up a base.

What they need is a spot with easy access from across the country and somewhere to proudly host international visitors who will travel an awfully long way to find out more about the heritage of this sport. Finally, finally, that is what is being planned.

The news was given a very warm reaction from football fans across the city. They are delighted that this is finally happening and have wanted it for a very long time. However, they want this to be just the start and they are absolutely right. Some are asking for a museum, others want the Home of Football branding to greet every visitor on bridges at every entrance to Sheffield. They want our leaders to show they care and to support the vision that has struggled so hard to materialise. They want action.

What better time than when we are emerging from a pandemic and desperately need ideas to bring fresh life to our economy?

Let’s all get behind Sheffield FC, let’s make the world know that we are the Home of Football and let's show what the city which invented the game can do when it pulls together.

I am very excited about the possibilities and – whatever your thoughts about football – I hope you will join me in doing all you can to help this become the success it deserves to be and should have been decades ago. The time for excuses is done … let’s kick off a brighter future.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor