A player who knows all about what is required from a Sheffield derby is Marcus Tudgay.
When recalling the big moments in recent Steel City affairs, Tudgay’s name will almost certainly crop up at some stage.
The former Wednesday striker – who made 211 appearances for the Owls – was a regular thorn in the side of the Blades and is responsible for one of the all-time great derby moments.
His thunderbolt strike from distance at Bramall Lane back in 2009 sealed the memorable derby double and Tudgay says he will never forget the passion that surrounds this fixture.
He told swfc.co.uk: “I always remember when I was at the club, prior to the derby the talk would begin a good two weeks before and you could feel the tension around the city.
“It’s great to hear the passion ahead of the game.
“I found that a few weeks before, you would get people asking you questions and wanting to look to the derby but I always took one game at a time and I imagine that’s what the players have been like.
“You relish it and you want to be a part of it. You feel the magnitude of the game and just have to go out there and give it everything.
“I remember the games like they were yesterday. Walking out at Hillsborough, I always felt the fans were tremendous there.
“You knew what you would get from them, a loyal set of fans who wanted to sing their hearts out for you and it only pushed you on to send them home happy.
“You have 11 players out there, chasing every ball, giving everything and to get the three points is massive.”
So what was it about Tudgay and the Sheffield derby?
“I’d say for me, I always tried to play my best in every game but you wake up with an extra bounce in your step in these sort of games,” he continued.
“They can make you a legend if you do well in them. I’ve been back to Sheffield many times since and even now, people will stop me in Meadowhall to talk about my goal at Bramall Lane.
“It just show how much the fans love their club and their city and you have got to look how great that is for them.
“They work hard all week and their release is to come and watch the derby and want to go home happy.
“I’ve said to people before, minus the birth of my children and being married to my wife, the goal is up there with my best moments.
“My football blossomed at Wednesday and I feel I went on to become a good player, I learnt my trade and to get goals like I did in those big games, it puts you on the map.
“It sits really high in my memories, I will treasure it forever. My boys are getting older and I like to get those clips out to show them and share those moments.
“I would like to thank Sheffield Wednesday for letting me be a part of all that.”
Tudgay has told swfc.co.uk that he will be keeping a close eye on proceedings this Sunday.
The first Sheffield derby in over five years has no doubt already captured the imagination of supporters up and down the country and Tudgay finished:
“I’m in Liverpool this weekend with my boys who are competing in gymnastics but I will be keeping up to date all the way.
“When he’s not doing his routine, I will be watching the game. All I’ll say is, best of luck to Sheffield Wednesday, great team, great set of lads, great club and I’m sure they’ll keep the good memories going.”
