Here's the truth of why Wednesday were and always will be PIGS. This is an extract from a document from the Sheffield Local History Society, which can be viewed at Sheffield's Central Library. "The Wednesday football club was formed on 4th September 1867. The football club first played its games at the Olive Grove Sports Ground in Heeley before moving to a new stadium in the Owlerton district of Sheffield. The first Ordnance Survey maps (1850's) mark a building close to where the stadium now stands as 'Swine Cottage'. They also show another farm on Penistone Road, south of where the North Stand is situated, which was also believed to be a large piggery. Pork farming is thought to have been practised in the area since the early 1800's, and did not cease until around 1900 when the city's rapid expansion put an end to livestock production in the area. At its height the "Owlerton Piggery," as it was known, provided work for some 50 employees. Initial discussions about a nickname began soon after the Wednesday arrived at Owlerton. In reference to their new home, most club officials were in favour of "The Owls." However, another suggestion was also popular. In view of the area's strong tradition of pork farming, a popular grass-roots alternative was "The Pigs." Although the name "Owls" prevailed, many working class supporters continued to refer to their team as "t'pigs." A popular song of the time "They may be t'Owls to some, (but they'll always be pigs to me)" was performed in music halls across South Yorkshire. As late as the 1920's, fans used to welcome their team onto the field with the characteristic grunting sound we still associate with the club. This peculiarity was once referred to by BBC commentator Edward Milburn, who famously described Hillsborough as a "sea of grunts" moments after The Wednesday won the First Division title in 1932.
that was at the bottom near the stream.</p> Oakwell used to be pig pasture. it used to be called swinhill field.</p> </p>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2">Response from my colleague who is a Wednesday historianwho's most recent published work is a biography of every player who's every played for Wednesday.... somewhat a 'local interest' publication and a reight page turner. (zzz) sorry Jas.</font></div><div><font face="Arial" size="2" /></div><div><font face="Arial" size="2">" <div><font face="Arial" size="2">Been doing the rounds for a few years, total rubbish. When Owls moved to Owlerton it was open grassland and they did not play at Olive Grove until 20 years into their history so first line gives it away as written by a Blade!</font></div><div><font face="Arial" size="2" /></div><div><font face="Arial" size="2">Owls were called Blades until 1913 when name of Owls stuck after a a few of the feathered variety were found under the North Stand, coinciding with arun of home wins. The club resisted moves to change the nickname but eventually gave in! "</font></div></font></div>
I expect we could be called 'Donkeys' If I remember correctly the founder of BFC was riding a Donkey at the time, according to some old pics. Has anybody got this pic ??
