International fans fly in to support Blades at Wembley in play-off clash

Sheffield United supporter Thomas Dobby said the round trip of almost 7,000 miles was a big commitment, but added that he just had to be at Wembley for the League One play-off final tomorrow against Huddersfield Town.

The Toronto-based Blade, 28, who works as a sports producer with a Canadian sports broadcaster, is flying into Manchester with his father Stephen today, just a few hours before kick-off.

He will then head over the Pennines to stay with family in Sheffield and will be at the city’s Motorpoint Arena tomorrow to catch one of the coaches full of fans hopeful of seeing United win a return to the Championship after just one season away.

Speaking before he left home, Mr Dobby, who works on the Canadian television programme Live at The Score, said: “We will be in the UK for less than 50 hours. I am nervous, Huddersfield looked to have potential going forward, but I am trying not to put everything on the result this time.

“I have been over to Sheffield twice in the last four years. Two years ago I was here for two weeks and I was able to take in four games, I said to Dad that if we beat Stevenage and make the play-off final then we would go to Wembley.

“We booked the flights and tickets last week and we will set off on Thursday.”

Mr Dobby, who was born in Canada, said following the Blades was a birthright after his father Stephen, a former Sheffield Boys triallist, emigrated with his family from Norton Lees, Sheffield at the age of 16.

He said: “From an early age I was inspired by the passion and the loyalty Dad had for United.

“It was influential in my decision to follow the Blades even though I was so far away in Canada.”

On a previous visit to Bramall Lane Mr Dobby was given a tour of the stadium and met Blades legend Tony Currie.

Sheffield United managing director Dave McCarthy said: “Thomas is typical of so many of our fans who will follow the Blades whatever the circumstances.

“We are delighted he will be with us at Wembley and we hope Thomas flies home a very happy Unitedite.”

Mr Dobby will be joined by another Canadian, Bob Mather, who is flying into the country to join the Blades contingent at Wembley, and Hans Petter Syversen, who lives in Norway and started supporting the team in 1968.