There is no doubt that Sheffield United supporters across the land will be gleaming at the news that Sheffield Wednesday has, finally, been relegated from the SkyBet Championship after a torturous few week’s wait. I cannot deny that I too raised a rather large smile at their demise, but in reality, it only officiates a rather disappointing period for Yorkshire football, particularly in the South region.
The Championship fulfilled its final day anticlimax today with three clubs all desperate to reach that one important spot, safety. Wednesday, Derby County, and another South Yorkshire rival Rotherham United all took it to the final day of the season. Even Wycombe had a shout, though they would have had to win at Middlesbrough by fourteen clear goals and results elsewhere go their way. The Chairboys did, at least, claim a win, 3-0, but it was never going to be enough.
Ironically Darren Moore’s Wednesday would travel to Derby County on the final day, against his former club. It would have been a straight winner takes all had Rotherham failed to claim a point at Luton in midweek, but a 0-0 draw took them to the final day, and they were almost in the hot seat. All the Millers had to do was win at Cardiff.
At one point, having taken a first-half lead, and the score at Pride Park locked at 0-0, the Millers were staying up, until the Owls netted a stoppage-time lead. Rotherham was still in the driving seat and whilst the scores twisted and turned over in Derbyshire, Derby scoring twice in the opening exchanges of the second half. Wednesday splurged into a 3-2 lead before the Rams levelled again for the final time. The game finished 3-3. Perhaps the most important goal of the day came in South Wales. At 1-0 up, the Millers were home and dry until Marlon Pack levelled things up on 88 minutes, it is now 1-1, and it’s Derby who will survive. And they did, by the skin of their teeth.
Sheffield United’s fate has too already been sealed and will play Championship football next season. With the Owls, and the Millers falling from grace, there won’t be many local derbies to endure next season.
Leeds United will carry the Yorkshire flag in the Premier League next season but may not go it alone. Barnsley have defeated the odds and finished in a playoff spot. We wish them all the luck and if they are successful in their plight will play top-flight football again for the first time since 1998 – though the Play-Offs can be cruel and no pity is taken on those who fail.
The Blades are guaranteed derby matches against Huddersfield Town, who finished in the lower half and they too were looking like relegation candidates. Hull City has also won the League One title and will join United in the Championship next season, and whilst they may not be a Yorkshire club, Lincoln City has made it to the League One Play-Offs.
It has been a long time since any real celebrations were witnessed at Hillsborough. With the Blades relegation, it sets a new unwanted relegation record for the Steel City, with neither being relegated together in the same season. No doubt each opposing supporter will have a giggle at each team’s demise but it is a sorry state. Mind the gap the Blades supporters will chant next season but it only further distances themselves from seeing both sides play top-flight football. Something which hasn’t been seen since 1994.