Part one of our lead-up to this Sunday's visit by ex Blade Alex Sabella and his Estudiantes team which will play the Blades at 4pm on Sunday 1st August, after Open Day at the Lane.

Alex, socks always rolled down, thrilled the crowds with his mesmerising skills and talks first about why he came to Britain, and the major problems he first faced.

"We are talking a long time ago, but even back then (in 1978) many South American players were doing their best to get a transfer to Europe; it has always been the same. It was more difficult a long time ago because there was a lot less movement in the transfer market.

"After the World Cup there were more chances for Argentinean players to move to Europe which is the place Argentineans dream of playing and where their careers really begin because the fans are passionate and everyone loves the game.

"Players want to play in Europe to play in the best leagues, to play in front of big crowds in great stadiums and, of course, for economic reasons in terms of the rewards which are also very important.

"It was a very good opportunity even though I was young and didn't know how to control myself. The worst thing for me at first was the weather because I only took light clothes, thinking it would be hot but it wasn't, not even on my first day.

"I went for my medical examinations which took a few days and I well remember feeling the cold because I was still only in shorts. One guy took me to Blackpool - supposed to be a summer city - where I saw the English in shirtsleeves but I was freezing despite being well wrapped up!

"I didn't have experience of what to expect but it was a calmer, more relaxed lifestyle than in Argentina. There are different routines with regard to shop opening hours and meal times, for example we have dinner early in Argentina.

"The weather determines the routine in each country and back home it gets dark early so we played under floodlights at about 4 o'clock. Fortunately, as I am a relaxed person, the changes in routine didn't really affect me.

"What was noticeable, though, was the really different style of football. It was much quicker in England and that was the biggest change for me - apart from the weather!"

The Estudiantes fixture kicks off at 4pm on Sunday and the prices are...

Season Ticket Holders: £10 (adults), £8 (concessions) and £5 (under 16s), Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 juniors) £23

General sale: £15 (adults), £10 (concessions), £5 (under 16s), Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 juniors) £33

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Ticket Office, over the telephone on 0871 995 1889 or online.

All ticket sales are subject to availability. Please book early to avoid disappointment.