Since the first year of the 20^th century, the Owls have been either promoted, relegated, or confirmed as champions of England in eight of the 11 years ending in a zero.

Indeed, the three missing links of this incredible sequence were not far from joining the list too.

The bizarre run started back in 1900, when the newly-opened Hillsborough was christened in fine style with the Owls winning ALL 17 of their home fixtures on their way to the Second Division title.

It would be another twenty years before the omen was to return (the 1909/10 season passed off without incident) when the Owls suffered perhaps their worst season in their history.

Relegation from the First Division was confirmed with games to spare and numerous unwanted club records were created – most players used in a season (43), most defeats in a season (26), most home defeats in a season (11), fewest goals scored in a season (28) and fewest home goals scored in a season (14) were all attributed to this dreadful season.

A decade later however everything would be rosy in S6 with Wednesday winning the league championship for a third time in 1929, carrying on where they left off a season later by storming to their fourth, and so far last, championship win.

By the time the 1939/40 season started the Owls were back in the Second Division, but uniquely, the Football League saw fit to suspend the season following the outbreak of the Second World War.  After the war ended football across the country was incredibly popular with clubs getting their biggest gates ever. This came in handy for Wednesday who were battling for promotion in May 1950.

In an unprecedented end of season run in, the Owls were head to head with the Blades for the final promotion place. A final day 0-0 draw in front of over 50,000 against an already promoted Tottenham saw Wednesday clinch promotion by a difference in goal average of just 0.008 goals – a sickener if ever there was one for the red side of the city.

As was fast becoming the norm, Wednesday flitted between the First and Second Divisions throughout the 1950’s and it was a surprise that the 1959/60 season didn’t see either promotion or relegation as, in the prior nine years, the Owls had been promoted and relegated between the two divisions on four occasions.

After a promising start to the 1960’s (including a 2^nd place finish in the top flight in 1961), Wednesday went on their usual downward spiral and were relegated by Manchester City in late April 1970.  The seventies have gone down in history as the worst decade on record for Wednesdayites, slumping into the Third Division for the first time ever in 1975.

The Owls spent four painful years in the lower echelons of the Football League before a Jack Charlton inspired side finally hauled themselves out of the mire in – you guessed it – 1980.

Promotion back to the top flight followed in 1984 and Wednesday rubbed shoulders with the country’s elite on more than one occasion in the mid-to-late eighties, but relegation back to the second tier came in heartbreaking fashion in 1990.  The Owls went into the last game of the season three points clear of the relegation zone and only needed a draw from their final game, but a 0-3 loss, combined with results elsewhere, saw shell-shocked Wednesdayites trudging home in disbelief by 5 pm.

Of course a year later those same fans were rewarded with an instant return – and a League Cup win to boot, but despite another good few years in the top flight, the dawn of the new millennium saw yet another fall.

The Owls haven’t managed to regain their place in the Premier League since then, and even suffered a second spell in the third tier from 2003 to 2005. However, most Wednesdayites, now thinking of a more positive future following the appointment of Lee Strafford as club chairman a year ago, will be hoping the ‘Zero Year Omen’ can leave their team alone come May…

The ‘zero year omen’
1899/1900 – Division 2 champions
1919/20 – Relegated from Division 1
1929/30 – Division 1 champions
1949/50 – Division 2 champions
1969/70 – Relegated from Division 1
1979/80 – Promoted from Division 3
1989/90 – Relegated from Division 1
1999/2000 – Relegated from Premier League
2009/10 – ???

Lee Hicklin

“Mr. Dewhurst you will need major open heart surgery,” words that struck fear into me like nothing else in my life. It marked the beginning of the end of the beginning, sat in that consultant’s room; it marked the end of two years of hell. A case of putting a bit of weight on back in January 2008 had resulted in me being rushed into hospital with heart failure and fluid retention as well as nearly having a heart transplant…..

I was sat in the Hallamshire hospital contemplating the thought of going through a serious operation, my entire body numb. This was serious, I had to stand up and be a man but I felt weak…I went for the pre-assessment with the surgeon who was to perform my operation (a Mr. J Wilkinson) and he went into detail about the risks.

He was going to open my chest up and strip down my pericardium wall which had become stiff and had prevented my heart pumping. He explained what would happen and made sure I knew all the risks involved. Again I went numb and with Mr. Wilkinson sensing this made a comment about being a Pompey fan. I remember hoping they won a few games so he would be in a good mood pre-op.

I went home and tried to enjoy Christmas knowing that in January I would be having surgery. I couldn’t enjoy it though as every time I felt good I remembered what I was facing. Nothing mattered, not even the football. I used to listen to Radio Sheffield and normally I’d be interested, but all the time I kept thinking selfish thoughts such as why others were happy when I was not.

It sounds stupid but that was how I felt….

The next few weeks came and went until I got the dreaded letter asking me to go for my pre–op. I went, all the time thinking I couldn’t go through with the operation. I became so angry and depressed. I cut my family and friends out of my life as I just couldn’t handle anything, but then, like an epiphany I thought I just needed to get it done.

The day of the operation I was ready, until a phone call from the Northern General hospital informed me that my op was to be postponed due to an outbreak of sickness and diarrhea. I felt relieved in a way but also cheated as it had just postponed the inevitable.

I waited for another fortnight until another letter came for the operation date but once the date arrived I had a really bad cold so couldn’t go in. This sort of unfortunate event carried on for a few months with me not being able to go through with the operation with one thing or another.

I can’t explain the feeling and I’m guessing I’m not alone. I knew that this operation would give me a chance to get my old life back but I just feared the unknown of the operation as I wouldn’t be in control.

I eventually went for the operation on 1^st June 2009. This was the match of my life, already 3-1 down and having to pull myself together to get through it. My thoughts turned to my family and friends and I began to be concerned with how people would react if the worst happened.

When I woke up from the operation I was in a lot of pain but the information that the operation had been a success felt like I had won the World Cup. I couldn’t stop smiling despite the pain but I think a lot of that was to do with the morphine and the dihyracodine.

The first six weeks or so went really slow as I wasn’t allowed to do much. I was desperate to get out and see some football and this finally happened at the Sheffield FC vs. Stamford game. It was the first game of the season and felt amazing to be able to be out and amongst people who would soon become friends.

I can’t thank Sheffield FC enough for their help and support with my rehabilitation, especially the chairman, Richard Tims and Ian Feeley. Mr Tims sent me a lovely email of support and invited me down to the ground as a guest of the club.

There will be many people reading this who are going through a bad time in their lives, but if you believe in something such as football and your club, then you have something to focus on that will help you to get through it as I did and now, (touch wood) I’m well on my way to recovery.

However, I know each step is supported by my family, friends and my club. There’s loads of people I want to thank for their love and support but the ones I want to particularly mention are my Nan, my family (without their support I wouldn’t be here), Nicola my heart nurse who kept at me to have the operation as well as the entire heart staff at both the Northern General and the Hallamshire hospital and my amazing surgeon Mr. G Wilkinson (Play Up Pompey!)

Thank you to my friends and especially Ady who I discarded like the rest of the people at my lowest ebb but one who stuck by me and was there when I came out…

Phillip Dewhurst

Note From Editor: And thanks to you Phil for sharing your experiences and all your support and time you have given first e11even. Fans like you make this publication. And it is for fans like you that we dose ourselves up on caffeine and energy drinks long into the wee small hours to make this magazine ….

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Victoria. For those detectives amongst you: I am a girl, but don’t let that cloud your judgement. I’ve had a season ticket at Hillsborough since 1989 and I’m also pretty nifty in midfield. In fact, I spent most of my childhood convinced that Trevor Francis would one day spot me playing in the local park, contact the FA to organise a girl to join his team and invite me to take over from Graham Hyde.

Sadly my dreams of playing professionally never came true and, despite a brief appearance as Ollie Owl at the Cardiff City game last season, I have never kicked a ball on the hallowed turf. I’m still holding out hope, despite having the knees of a centenarian, that I will be playing the ball through to super Leon one day.

I’m sitting writing this after listening to a pretty impressive turnaround at Deepdale. Preston became victims of the mighty *cough* Owls and of what Chris Turner would describe as “a nightmare 2-0 lead.” That said, the loss of Jermaine ‘hamstring’ Johnson for three weeks has done nothing for my positivity for the relegation run-in.

Of course I’d love to think that by the time this has gone to print, Wednesday will have climbed the table and cemented their place in the Championship again for next season. My heart says yes but, as usual, my head says no.

Obviously, I would love to see us back in the Premiership. Especially if we were looking down, proudly, on our lovely neighbours (*cough* again). The blue and white blood pumping through my veins reminds me that one day we will be there again. For now, I’m happy to see what Mr Strafford, Mr Parker and Co. have in store.

I really am trying to stay as positive as possible. I know that community-wise, the club is heading in the right direction. I just wish I could, hand on heart, say the same about the football. I sympathised with Brian Laws and Russ Wilcox. Having worked with them fairly closely, I saw two men desperate to push the team forward. Unfortunately things got relatively stagnant and I was sorry to see them move on.

Having worked at S6 for a while, I can honestly say that both Brian and Russ were a pleasure to work with. Both of them were very intelligent and educated to the highest standard, amongst the most qualified in the Football League. Brian Laws, especially, worked incredibly well with the media (you’ll notice he’s a regular feature on Sky Sports News.) I wish both of them, and their families, the best of luck at Burnley. I would love to see them turn it around for the Clarets.

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Back to the present: I have faith in Irvine, I thought he was desperately unlucky at North End and I’d like to see him get the best out Wednesday. On paper, we’re fantastic. We have some big names in the squad with the likes of Darren Purse, Marcus Tudgay and Michael Gray. Not forgetting Lee Grant who I believe, is to be  thanked  for the fact we’re not much lower in the league than we are already.

We also have some brilliant players to build on with the likes of Tom Spurr, Mark Beevers and Sean McAllister. I’m in no doubt that their progression to first-team football is thanks to the Academy Manager, Sean McAuley, and his brilliant staff.

I’ve had a few friends in the past who have been under McAuley’s rule. Not one of them has a bad word to say against him and every experience I have had of him has shown how truly professional he is. I was delighted to see he signed a new deal with the club and I am looking forward to seeing the likes of Liam Palmer, Vadaine Oliver and Paddy Lacey coming through the ranks.

The one question that I can’t seem to avoid is whether or not I plan to renew my season ticket this year. Of course, at the moment I am giving the answer I have given for the last ten years: “Not unless they pull their finger out. I’ve got better things to waste four hundred quid on.”

The answer, of course, is a total lie. I have absolutely nothing better to waste my money on. I’m resigned to the fact that next season; I am not going to see Lionel Messi tearing up the wing, Wayne Rooney celebrating in blue and white or Fabio Capello sitting next to Lee Strafford in the Directors’ Box.

I suppose that’s one of the benefits to being an Owl; you know exactly what to expect. I know that I will still travel for hours across the country to see a scrappy 0-0 draw; will still sing ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ with all my might at 3pm – only to be sat in silence five minutes later; still moan about the goalkeeper/defence/midfield/strikers for 90 minutes. I know all this, so why do I know I will renew?

Quite frankly, it’s worth it. For every hour of misery, there’s a minute of glory. There’s that moment when Clarke knocks one in the bottom corner, or Lee Grant pulls off a world-class save. There’s always that moment, albeit rare, where the referee blows the final whistle and you leap to your feet in appreciation. That’s what being a Wednesday fan is all about, that’s the point of it all. Think back to Wembley, Cardiff and even Leicester away the other year.

That, my friends, is what makes my blood blue and white and that’s why I will never leave Gangway T, North Stand, Hillsborough, S6 1SW. It’s my second home and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Until next time: Up The Owls.

Victoria Wood is a Sheffield-based PR Consultant and Copywriter. You can contact her via her Twitter account, @Victoria1867 or via email talk@fairycommunications.com.

Just 14 minutes later, fears were allayed when Deon Burton equalised to set the Owls on their way to a 4-1 victory, preserving their Championship status and leaving them in a lofty 16th position.

At this moment fans of the S6 club are again quivering with the possibility that their team may return to the third tier of English football. However, the Owls fortunes are still very much in their own hands and therefore, arguably in a more promising position to stave off relegation than a couple of years ago.

The only team who stands between survival and downfall is The Owls themselves.

There are similarities however, with loanees integral for survival. Last time it was Franck Songo’o, Adam Bolder and Ben Sahar now Eddie Nolan, Tom Soares and Luke Varney are charged with the task of keeping the club in the Championship.

All the clichés come out; every game being a cup final and such like but all the clubs within touching distance of the relegation places are humming the same tune if you listen to the quotes. Some say Wednesday have the hardest run-in culminating in a last day game at Hillsborough against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace. But does it truly matter who stands in the way of Championship safety?

Granted there have been disappointing performances, but there have also been games which have put the loyal supporters on the edge of their seats as Wednesday looked nothing like a team in such a difficult position.  No-one would have foretold that the Owls would taste victory in the first three games of Irvine’s tenure, but then again was a 5-0 drubbing away at Reading expected either?

Disappointingly though, the recent unbeaten run of six games was destroyed by a rather toothless performance against Bristol City, although on the positive, chances were created.

Some may say the team have a psychological problem, or even a split personality. But since Alan Irvine took the role of manager performances have undoubtedly improved; there is a steel about the side which had eroded prior to Alan Irvine’s arrival.

Wednesday can survive in the Championship, but I suppose it’s all down to whether we see Doctor Jekyll or Mr Hyde in blue and white during the run in…only time will tell.

This season, Hugo has started 37 matches (only Stephen Foster has started more); has picked up no injuries, no major suspensions and has never been dropped.

Last season Bobby Hassell deservedly won the award with Colace finishing second. It is notoriously difficult to make a quick impact coming into a foreign country, but Hugo did it with ease last season. And here’s the thing, he’s improved this term.

In his first game in charge this season, Mark Robins didn’t play him. After a week’s training, MR saw the light and Colace was recalled. Now he and Nathan Doyle (known as the ‘Coyle’ partnership) form the heart of our set-up.

The addition of Doyle in midfield this season has strengthened Hugo’s cause as together they provide an almost immaculate shield in front of the back four, taking the strain off Darren Moore’s lack of pace.

Despite bringing the same standard of solid defensive play that marked his first season, some people may criticise Hugo’s apparent lack of involvement and lacklustre tackling. However, to counter this, his positioning is second to none – watch him off the ball for a game; the Argentine stops most attacks before they start.

Furthermore, his partnership with Doyle has given Hugo the extra freedom to move forward to achieve the incredible accomplishment of becoming our second top scorer (only ‘Boggy’ has more). His finishing is clinical and most have come from late runs into the box which is no small feat.

Yet he is not just a poacher of goals. His assist tally is at four, joint best. And all from a player who has built a career (which includes captaining Lionel Messi) out of the holding role.

My vote has gone to the supporters trust and club yours should too. To enter your vote for Hugo Colace you can either send an email to website@barnsleyfc.co.uk or hand it in at the club office. Simples. Get it done, and get it won for Hugo Colace.

Author, Barnsley FC website barnsleyblog.com – check out his match reports, fan observations, previews, videos, competitions and features.

On our Forums you can exchange some witty banter, discuss the latest Club News and even just chat about Mobile phones or what’s been ont’ telly recently. Should be pretty fun. Simply click the link up towards the top of the site to check it out!

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I guess we’ll be seeing you around!

It’s been a long, hard slog that started as an idea back at Sheffield Football Club in May 2009 but did not begin to feel real until December 16th when Sheffield was confirmed as a Host City if the World Cup comes home in 2018.

Since then, the level of support, advice and trust that each of the eleven clubs and organisations have shown towards first e11even has been overwhelming with none of those involved trying to impose their views during the production phase.

This region is special, not only in terms of its football heritage but also the people, fans and clubs that make it what it is. The ability to be able to create a unique, multi-club fan magazine is testament to this.

The ethos of first e11even is to promote the diverse nature of the region’s football. I firmly believe that our clubs and league set-up are the best in the world and that this region, as the birth place of football, is at the centre of this. It is about time we stop hiding our achievements and proclaim them from the terraces.

Furthermore, in a society currently experiencing high levels of unemployment in stark contrast with often obscene over-inflation in football revenues and earnings, many ordinary fans are right to feel disillusioned with the sport and clubs they love.

However, compared to many other clubs who have a ‘boom or bust’ policy, I believe local clubs have a responsible attitude, placing community, not cash, at the forefront of growth, seeing the potential and value of supporters rather than just as weekly customers.

A sense of community is integral to the ethos of first e11even as it aims to be a platform for all fans to express their beliefs and opinions in an engaging, entertaining, humorous manner, independent from any club or organisation.

Coupled with the previously mentioned dialogue between each of the eleven clubs and organisations, this can be transferred to positive changes within the region’s game due to first e11even’s intended position as a reliable outlet and bridge between club and fan.

As an aside, any profits that may be made from First E11even will be put toward a long term goal to get involved with events and community initiatives.

The contents page shows the wide range of writers on board and the number of different subjects covered. We have views on Sheffield Wednesday’s recent managerial change-over (including one from a Blades fan), the positives and negatives of being in a football club’s youth set-up, a focus on Doncaster Rovers Belles and England articles.

I would like to think that by this time ‘first e11even’ will have established itself as a credible regional fan publication that acts as a calling card for everyone involved on a regional, national and perhaps even international level.

To read more please don’t hesitate to grab a copy of the Magazine from your Local GT or subscribe to our Newsletter so you know when it’s available online!

Sheffield United’s Website Article:
http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/Promotions/0,,10418~1257447,00.html

Chesterfield’s Website Article:
http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/page/FansNewsDetail/0,,10435~1975799,00.html

We’ve also appeared on BBC Radio Sheffield’s Howard Pressman Saturday Show, which was live on 20th February.
If you managed to catch our Radio Interview then let us know what you think. Why not leave a comment below?

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