It's the game that matters the most to
Personally I have only experiences one of those defeats first hand- the 3-1 crushing delivered in October 2001. Nigel Spackman was sacked the next day.
That though was the same season we got revenge by winning 3-0 at Oakwell. We haven't tasted success of the Owls home or away since.
Last season the pain was probably at its height. After dominating for 90 minutes in the Hillsborough meeting, Chris Brunt struck a last gasp winner to break 6,000 hearts whilst at Oakwell in the last game of 2006, a poor display saw Wednesday walk away with a comfortable 3-0 success.
Now I, along with around 5,000 other fans will be sat in the Carlsberg Stand on Tuesday night hoping to end 24 years and 10 games of hurt. Here's my plea to each and every one of the 11 players likely to start the game.
Heinz Muller: Make that 6"7 frame count. Continue to punch or catch anything that comes your way. Usual your physical presence to beat those boys in blue before they even leave the tunnel!
Dominik Werling: Hit one of those Roberto Carlos free-kicks that have already got the Championship sitting up and taking notice. Use that incredible strength to muscle out the Wednesday wingers.
Dennis Souza: Dennis- the man mountain. After combating the presence of an 18 goal strike force on Saturday, put Deon Burton in his place too. On your day you are THE best centre-half in this league. Go out there and prove it!
Lewin Nyatanga: When you played in midweek last week you kept out a German strike force that was free-scoring at the last World Cup. You know you can compete with the best. Tuesday night is your night to prove to
Stephen Foster: Mr Cultured. The most gifted defender I've seen for ages. Your eye for a pass is outstanding and you know that if anybody comes running at you. You have the legs and the brain to stop them!
Jamal Campbell-Ryce: For 10 minutes on Saturday you was the best player on the park. Your pace and size makes it near impossible for anybody to touch you whilst you also proved Saturday you can cross a ball. Play for 90 like you did for 10 and there will be no fear of getting hauled off again!
Brian Howard: The captain! And highest scoring midfielder in the Championship. You know how to score at Hillsborough and this is the type of game where Premier League scouts will be looking to see if you really are like the hype suggests. Wear that armband with pride on Tuesday and you can walk off a hero!
Martin Devaney: It's simple. Play like you did against
Istvan Ferenczi: You think you're an Oakwell legend now? Score the winner on Tuesday night and there will be a statue of you in the middle of town! You are loved by
Jon Macken: What a game to score your first goal! You've got everything else right. Stick one in on Tuesday and we'll take you to our hearts!
And finally…..
Simon Davey: You have come through a lot since getting the manager's job a year ago. Many criticisms, a relegation battle, a complete squad over-haul and a fantastic start. It's taken a long time to win around the fans, you know that better than anyone. But Simon if you manage to do what the previous THIRTEEN 