What happened to Sheffield United’s side from the historic Nottingham Forest play-off match 22 years ago today?
On this day in 2003, Sheffield United defeated Nottingham Forest in a historic play-off semi-final to advance to the final. The two teams had drawn 1-1 in the first leg, and Forest were favourites as they stormed to a 2-0 lead in South Yorkshire.
However, the Blades rallied with two goals in eight minutes from Michael Brown and Steve Kabba, before Paul Peschisolido scored in extra time. Former Wednesday player Des Walker then scored an own goal to put United in the final, before United captain Rob Page did the same at the other end, setting up a nail-biting finish.
The Blades eventually lost 3-0 to Wolves in the final, but it was a fantastic evening that brought them there, with Peschisolido’s infamous “Oh my God!” celebration after scoring and throwing off his shirt becoming part of United mythology. It’s been 22 years since that night, so we had a look at what the starting XI and substitutes are doing now…
1. Paddy Kenny Kenny, a Blades fan who still lives in the area, owns his own transport company and is a well-known character on the after-dinner scene.
2. John Curtis was a defender who spent the season on loan at United from Blackburn. He later played for Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, and Gold Coast United in Australia. After retiring, he founded the National Centre of Excellence coaching organisation in Connecticut, USA.
3. Robert Page is a former Sheffield United captain who moved into coaching after retiring. He led Wales’ U21 team to Euro 2020 and their first World Cup appearance since 1958 in 2022 before being fired. He currently seeks a new management position.
4. Philip Jagielka Jagielka, then a relative newcomer to United’s academy, went on to become an established Premier League player and senior England international before returning to Bramall Lane. Jagielka ended his 23-year playing career in 2023 and has since spent his time doing media work and playing golf.
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