Steel City derby set for sell-out as tickets snapped up

With over a month still to go before the clash between Wednesday and United at Hillsborough, there are less than 4,500 tickets remaining for home fans.

And with the Blades’ away allocation expected to be snapped up, a crowd approaching the 39,812 capacity is expected on Sunday, February 26 (kick-off 1pm).

Tickets went on general sale to Wednesday fans on Monday with 5,700 seats being snapped up on the first day.

The North Stand is almost sold out, and the Owls are advising fans to buy early to avoid disappointment.

“Staff have been working flat out to cope with the demand for the derby tickets and I would like to thank supporters for their patience,” said Hillsborough ticket office manager Alastair Wilson.

“I can confirm that the North Stand is almost completely sold out and limited tickets are available in other areas of the ground.

“The importance of this game has been reflected in the ticket sales and I would advise all Wednesday fans wanting tickets for the derby to make their purchase as soon as possible to guarantee their seats,” added Wilson.

Despite a lunchtime kick-off, the game has not been selected for live TV coverage.

The first meeting of the sides this season ended in a 2-2 draw back in October in front of 28,136 supporters at Bramall Lane. United took a 2-0 lead through Stephen Quinn and Ched Evans, before the Owls snatched a point with late efforts from Chris O’Grady and Gary Madine.

The last Steel City derby at Hillsborough attracted 35,485 in the Championship back in April 2010. A 1-1 draw was not enough for Wednesday though as they were relegated a few weeks later. With both clubs firmly focused on promotion, optimism is high in both camps this time around.

Wednesday and United sit third and fourth in League One, ahead of the Owls’ trip to Scunthorpe United last night, and along with leaders Charlton, second-placed Huddersfield Town and MK Dons it is widely seen as a five-horse race for the two automatic promotion spots.

Aberdeen have taken former Nigeria Under-20 striker Daniel Uchechi on trial.

Uchechi parted company with Sheffield Wednesday in November having made just one first-team appearance this season – the 0-0 draw at Bradford City in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – and the 22-year-old now has a chance to earn a contract at Pittodrie.