I know this because I lived in Sheffield for 17 years and can testify to how the city gradually seeps into your soul. Perhaps its the fact that more men go home for their Sunday lunch than anywhere else in the country or the traditional feel and long history of the two football clubs.
A visit to Hillsborough, home of the Owls, similarly has a real sense of occasion. This could be evidenced by many of the 750 strong away support taking pictures of the stadium on the mobile phones both before and after the game. The reason for this is the scale and thoughful design of Hillsborough. It is like no other ground in combining old and new. It is true that Everton and Villa still retain much of their history but can appear cramped. Old Trafford and St James Park have been over-developed to the extent that away fans require oxygen. The new grounds, whether they be at Boro, Leicester, Derby or Coventry or are in my view all functional and lacking style, including the concrete carbuncle at St Marys. Hillsborough is different altogether. The view from the West Stand, above the infamous Leppings Lane terrace, is excellent, with the Kop opposite appearing close because of its sheer size. This once wild hill, tamed by steel engineers is now roofed and matches its neighbours on either side. The North Stand has more seats than the capacity at Dean Court and with new blue seatsing looks as sleek and modern as it did when it was opened in 1960 as only the second canteliever stand in England (the first being at Scunthorpe as Peter Wicks is keen to point out). The South Stand opposite has been tastefully developed in more recent times, retaining the old clock and Archibald Leach gable was a touch of genius. The four roofs now meet at the open corners, giving a sense of unity and light. Its definitely has the wow factor.
So could the Cherries rise to the occasion with a performance fitting of the surroundings. No problem. The 4-5-1 formation, with Josh McQuoid passing a fitness test, Pugh and Feeney playing very wide in front of Wiggins and Smith, Garry and Pearce patrolling the back line in front of holding but adventurous midfielders, Bartley and Robinson, with Hollands linking up the play, which he did very well. From the outset the confidence and belief in the Cherries players was oozing from every pore of their sweaty bodies.
The Owls looking slow and nervous were so second best that a boxing referee might have stopped the contest. As the cherry boys zipped the ball backwards and forwards across the big pitch, the away contingent were soon chanting 'ole' at every pass, and all this after 20 mins. Of course possession has never won a game by itself and we grateful when dominance eventually led to a well worked goal by Garry after 25 mins.
Opportunities to double the score were spurned and the half ended with boos for the home team and arguably the best 45 mins shift by a Cherries team for many a year.
We all knew the Owls would come back after a team talk and re-organisation, with two substitutions at the start of the 2nd half, including Neil Mellor, whose presence the Cherries would live to regret.
However it was the away team who continued as before although perhaps without the same speed and panache. The games turning point came after about an hour, when a great through ball prented Josh with a good chance for 2-0 and game over. His well struck shot was heading for the corner and produced a reflex diving save to his left by Nicky Weaver. Cherries didn't really have another clear cut chance after this and the Owls gradually forced themselves back into the game, culminating in a sweeping move down the left after Smith was caught in possession, with Mellor firing in a cross shot at the far post under Jalal's diving body.
Owls were happy just to be level and the expected onslaught for the winner did not transpire. So in the end it was two points dropped but with deep satisfaction of a performance that will live long in the memory.
Garry's defended firmly and athletically, Holland's passing was long and accurate but I'm giving it to Josh McQuoid, for playing up front on his own, holding the ball with no small measure of skill and showing a maturity and movement that belies his young age. He is not afraid to shoot early and I hope will score a hatful of goals this season'.
AFCB: Jalal, Wiggins, Garry, Pearce, Smith, Pugh, Bartley, Robinson, Feeney, Hollands, McQuoid
Subs: Stewart, Cummings, Cooper, Partington, Bradbury, Fletcher (for Feeney, 84 mins), Taylor (for McQuoid, 93 mins)
Jack Parker, Manchester