'Arsenal, when Di Canio pushed the referee over. I turned to my dad and said ‘does this happen every week?'" - Sheffield Wednesday fans' memories of watching their first Owls game

Let’s face it, there's nothing quite like being inside a ground on matchday to soak up the atmosphere, catch up with friends who sit – or stand – around you and, of course, to hopefully cheer on your heroes to victory.

Every fan has their match day ritual, from enjoying a pre-match pint or two in the boozer to placing a bet on the first goalscorer ahead of kick-off.

Of course, these are things we’ve all sorely missed during the coronavirus crisis and none of us can wait to get back inside Hillsborough to support Garry Monk’s side as they chip away at their 12-point deduction at the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table.

So, what memories of their first Wednesday game do Owls fans have?

Let’s take a look at what some of you have had to say in part one of our ‘my first game’ feature.

Neil Hayz

“It was Arsenal in the Cup. I was six and it was bloody freezing. My dad didn’t really like football, although he was a very good cricketer, but he came to see Liam Brady.

"Sadly for him, his son got the bug and Geoff Boycott just wasn’t competition for Terry Curran and Jack Charlton’s aces.

"For Christmas that year I got tickets to the game on Boxing Day. The year was 1979.”

Lisa Goldenburgh

“My dad took me with my brother when I was about six and he was about two, I think.

"He’d pass him over the turnstiles in those days! I wish I could remember who my first match was against! I’m 43 now!

"But going to the matches are some of my favourite memories. My favourite player was Mel Sterland back then and I used to love going in the shop after the game to buy photos of the players.

"I was a Young Owl for many years and remember getting the silk scarf and autograph book you used to get with it. As I got older I got a season ticket with three of my friends and we would meet my dad and my brother after the match, he’d buy us all a burger and we’d pile into our car for the ride home.

"Those Wembley days are definitely my favourite memories and how could you pick a favourite player from that era?! What a team! Love them all!

"Now I’m a mum to two boys who share the Wednesday bug and I’m taking them to matches now! We bought them season tickets for the first time last season only for it to be cut short because of Covid-19 and are really missing being at Hillsborough. Hopefully it won’t be long before we will be back to make more memories.”

Michael Allen

"My dad took me to my first game when I was a week old. He told me it was at Hillsborough against Oldham.

“My stand out memory though was the cup final at Wembley – and I was two years old – against Manchester United where I got to see Sheridan for the first time.

“Other stand out memories for me, Cardiff play off final which, for me was the most passionate Sheffield Wednesday team I have EVER seen.

"We didn’t have the best of players but every single one of them would have taken a bullet for each other. Brentford away in the semi final that year too was unreal.

“In those days I would walk into the stadium and you’d feel the love and the atmosphere and the ambition and the passion and enthusiasm from the fans.

"Now, when I walk in that ground it feels empty, lifeless and unpleasant at times.”

Andy Perry

"Man City - 22 April 1970, we lost 2-1 and were relegated from Division One.”

Mark Gilfillan

"1975, I think it was Port Vale at home. We were in the old Third Division and so nearly got relegated. Went to the last game of the season at home to Southend. We won 2-1 which saved us. Some of us invaded the pitch at the end and carried the players about on or shoulders, was like we'd won the European Cup. I was 16.”

Sean Spencer

“For me, possibly the biggest match in our history (?) 29th April 1976. Thursday night, over 25,000 - I remember sitting on the wall on the “Lep”. We scrambled a 2-1 win against Southend to stay up in the Third Division. Everything since has been a positive.”

James Vernon

"1987, FA Cup versus Coventry. I think I was my mate’s fourth choice to get the ticket. At the ground they were giving out peanut tracker bars, I was hooked!”

Andy Murray

“Wednesday 4 Manchester United 4...December 1974. Violence outside the ground, violence inside the ground. Pitch Invasions, Jim Holton breaks his leg, Owls 3-1 up at half time, me at 13 on the Kop with my blue and white scarf safely tucked up my 3 star jumper!”

Jason Burke

"Wednesday v Stockport County, FA Cup 1st Round, November 1976. Won 2-0. Goals from Eric Potts and Roger Wylde. God bless you grandad for introducing me that day x.”

Ollie King

“1998 v Arsenal when Di Canio pushed the referee over. I turned to my dad and said ‘does this happen every week.”

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