Game by Game - 15

Game 15 – Blackburn Rovers (A), Championship – 0-2

The A666. The road of the devil. The road to hell. The road to Blackburn. Driving through Darwen into Blackburn is a bit like passing over and finding yourself in Hades. We were welcomed into Blackburn by the sight of a young mum in dressing gown pushing a child in her buggy up the street, at 5:45 pm. An interesting sight, yet this wasn't the oddest moment of the night and the welcome was never really warm.

A walk down Bolton Road to McDonalds was a bizarre fusion of sights and sounds. From the gaunt, pasty faced youths guarding the entrance to Ewood Park WMC (and the membership secretary at a small table inside) with a look that just said, "Don't think about it". To the youths outside the newsagents, "I'd sooner get beat up than do prison". There was a Blackburn fan whose main form of communication appeared to be whinnying like a horse.Then to cap it all there was the 10 year old in the McDonalds queue  who, after asking JB if he supported Blackburn and JB replying that he didn't, proceeded to tell him to "f@ck off then". 

The night soon got better. United started with a bang. Quite literally, as banger exploded in the away end and 2,000 Blades fans simultaneously crapped themselves. Once the eggy smell of firework and rectal expulsion had passed, United were on the front foot from the off. Most of the first half saw the Blades camped in the opposition half. I have never seen such an unambitious home side as Blackburn. Once the excellent Egan and Basham isolated Graham and Dack (and subsequently Brereton), any counter attacks were snuffed out.

I can't imagine watching my team set up like that at home and clearly Rovers fans feel the same way. We have had some low points and rogue owners, but for a team riding high on their return to the Championship, just 12,000 home fans rattling around three sides of the stadium was a poor show. A sign of being careful what you wish for in terms of owners and recognition that the very best of times can soon turn bad. The fact those there were largely silent, apart from the youth sporadically banging his drum (which did more for Blades fans song creativity than  theirs), was equally sobering. "Is this a library?" chanted the Blades fans, more like a morgue.

As has been the case recently United didn't convert superior play and possession into goals, although this can be put down to the Blackburn keeper rather than profligate finishing. Whilst there was still a tendency for players to look for a pass when a shot was seemingly on, it was the saves that Raya made from McGoldrick, Duff and Fleck that kept the score 0-0. Well, those saves and a good headed chance put over by O'Connell. At 66-1 for the first goal and 20-1 anytime, it would have been nice if you had got your head over it Jack 😁.

After a bright five minutes or so at the start of the second half, when United had a great shout for handball in the box, Blackburn eased there way into the game, switching formation to match us and gaining some territory. For ten minutes or so we were on the back foot and failing to retain possession. Wilder and Knill responded by pushing Basham into midfield and morphing into a 4-3-3 which enabled United to regain control and we finally took the lead. 

Duffy, cut inside from the right and passed inside to Fleck, who moved the ball out wide left to McGoldrick. Rovers defenders were tracking across but nowhere near the Blades players and McGoldrick crossed for Sharp to bundle home at the second attempt. From thereon, United reverted back to the usual formation and Blackburn never looked like getting back into the game. There lack of creativity and guile exemplified by utilising sub Mulgrew as a quarterback sweeper, firing long diagonals from behind the centre halves.

The introduction of Coutts brought one of the biggest cheers of the night and from the minute he stepped on the pitch it was like he had never been away. From the off he was full blooded in the tackle and shirked nothing. Always wanting the ball, his touch was superb. A series of intricate one-twos when he was tight on the touchline showed quick feet and mind. He always seems to create more time and space than you think he has and this was no different. "Coutts's touch is arousing me", said JB.

The second goal again came from an advancing Fleck laying the ball off to his left. This time Stevens hit a wonderful curling cross and Billy somehow had more space around him than a Rovers fan, allowing him to head the ball hard into the ground, bouncing up into the roof of the net from close range. If it wasn't game over before, it was now. Scores of Rovers supporters were streaming out of the ground when sub Washington should have buried a third, but he fired too close to the impressive Raya.

Away wins are seldom more emphatic, even if the scoreline doesn't fully reflect the dominance.

Three final thoughts:

Billy Reliable: You can score all the spectacular 30 yard goals you like, but a bundled goal from 5 yards counts for as much, if not more. Especially if it gives your team the win that the flashier goals sometimes do not. That is why there will always be a role for Billy in the Blades team and why he is second top scorer in the division. At half time, you could argue he had been our least effective player. As Luke Prest messaged at the time, "Never that arsed with Billy being quiet, he often is before banging one in". Or in this case two. Unless injured or knackered, he is undroppable right now. And with McGoldrick playing so well, it's a nice problem to have.

Perspective: Following my piece on The Entitled Fans, it is worth reflecting on where we are now: 

• Joint top, third on goal difference.
• Coutts is back.
• We have seen more victories than fans of any other Championship club.
• Coutts is back.
• A point better off than at the same stage last season, when everyone said we had a great start.
• Coutts is back.
• We have a stronger matchday squad.
• Coutts is back.
• We've got Ollie Norwood....
• Coutts is back.

TalkSport Singles: The journey home was a time of warm reflection on a great away win that dissolved into hysterics, as we turned over the radio to Talksport and heard them trailing their dating site -Talksport Singles. 

Is it a same sex dating site? 

How do they recruit women from such a male oriented listenership? 

Surely, you wouldn’t find any women registering unless they are a Single White Female looking for Single White Van Man? 

And why, unlike everything else on Talksport, is it not sponsored by Screwfix, surely a missed opportunity there?

Just who would advertise themselves there?

"Barry from Willesden, Man United fan, likes shouting at passing cars and owning pitbulls"

"Nigel from Goole, Second Hand Car Salesman. Likes: His women like his cars, cheap reliable and fast"

"Karl, Postman from Kidderminster. Reads The Mail, Delivers the mail"

"Brian from Harlesden. Likes Spurs, Phil Collins and Steak and Chips"

"Tommy from Doncaster. Likes:  Benidorm - for holidays and the telly programme. Dislikes: No... proper hates Germans."

Game by Game - 14

Game 14 – Millwall (A), Championship – 2-3

So we welcome back Alan Pickard to A United View, his Bolton Game by Game report being one of the most read so far. 

An early train to The Smoke, crap beer all day, a good pinch of snuff and a fantastic Blades win are a heady mix. As I flicked between match feeds at home, the fancam view on Facebook was frequently blocked by the back of Alan's head and the match soundtracked by his increasingly hoarse voice telling Millwall that they aren't scary anymore.  So when his stream of consciousness (along with the thoughts of fell Blades in Coach C of the 18:34 out of St Pancras) landed in the AUV inbox on Saturday night I anticipated a bit of an editing job would be in order..... 

It's started well. Train to Donny and iPhone Dave has spotted fellow AUV corespondent Tyrone, who is sat behind us. Selfie secured (without Tyrone knowing, ahem....that's Dave - Ed) and Fosters in hand. (Again AUV cannot condone the drinking of Fosters at all, nevermind when Jaipur now comes in cans - Ed). The day is off. To. A. Flyer.

Milwall away, and thoughts are cast back to the Warnock era. "SERVES YOU RIGHT FOR FUCKING MUSCAT THAT". Seriously though, I've never seen us win here, not sure that will change today. Anyway, back on the train and Player of the Season so far is up for debate. Votes, from the committee go to....

McGoldrick x 5

Norwood x 2

Stevens x 1

Bash x 1

Hendo x 1

So there we are. That seems conclusive, the player that half the support turned to social media to bemoan when he joined is the man. (Although, his scoring record is under threat from our mate Ed). What we all agreed on is that Norwood coming in has improved us ten-fold.

So, onto the match. It started with United on the front foot, trying to force the issue, but with the all too familiar situation of when the Duff Man can't unlock the door, nobody else seems able to step up to the plate. Or at least step up and deliver with any conviction.

The pressure is rewarded with a corner. A short corner is played in and back out again, Oli Norwood, he's fucking reyt good, puts one in the box son. And its a penalty. Phil reckons it was crossed by Stevens (Phil had clearly been on stronger stuff than Fosters - Ed). Anyway, Billy missed. Well, Amos saved really, but didn't fancy his run up. Didn't look confident at all. Sake.

I've walked down the stairs to get a beer, and then hear a cheer. For fuck's sake we've scored. This happened last year too. I've missed it again. Get in Billy you beautiful beautiful man. I would have your babies....

Half time. 

Second half. The first ten minutes of the second half has been voted (by the committee) as:

Stressful.

Shit.

Atrocious.

Wank.

Abysmal. 

Anyway, somehow we're 2 - 1 down and I'm not really sure how. I really can't wait to type this next bit.

Once things settled down, we got into a rhythm. Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on down, it's McGoldrick time.

Intricate passing between our midfield maestros, leads to a push on the Duff man. And it's another penalty. That man McGoldrick has big balls. Steps up. 2-2. G'wan babbi. The steward, who is an Arsenal fan, appreciated my turbo snuff post celebration.

There's only going to be one winner now. A one two on the right hand side is cut across the box by the main man Mark Duffy, straight into the path of that man again. McGoldrick slots home and 1,400 Blades are delirious, maybe nearly as much as Hendo at the other end of the pitch. We've deserved that. Final whistle and chants of Oohhh David McGoldrick ring around Bermondsey. Off home we go. iPhone Dave has purchased half of M&S and were all happy. UTB!

Four final thoughts from Coach C: 

Kirsti - Deserved victory but we made hard work of it and didn't start second half well. (Can always rely on Kirsti to list two negatives out of three points on a 3-2 away win! - Ed)

Paul - McGoldrick is proving a very good purchase. (He cost £19.99 less than this - Ed)

JB - It is really refreshing for United to dig themselves out of a hole. Holes that more often than not last season we were unable to get out of. And we've now done that twice in the last week. 

AP - Were winning games we'd have lost last season. Keep the faith. 

Photo - Copyright David Kirkham

Game by Game - 13

Game 13 – Preston North End (H), Championship – 3-2

So we missed a couple of games in Game by Game - whilst our correspondents were at both Bristol City on Saturday and the Lane on Tuesday, time and other priorities have limited their writing opportunities. 

And so on the back of two results that can be described as disappointing for different reasons, the Blades went into a game that, based on the season to date form of both sides, looked imminently winnable. History tells us that is never the case when we face Preston, either home or away. This was a team that showed more hunger and fight when the two teams met at the end of last season in a must win game and their matchday squad was largely unchanged with 14 players named who were included back in April. Perhaps the biggest losses were the injured Maguire and Bodin, limiting their attacking options.

Chris Wilder made five changes midweek, perhaps too many and the disruption caused maybe contributed to so many of the team having a stinker on the same night. He then made four more changes on Saturday, but few would argue with re-instating the two wing backs and restoring Sharp and McGoldrick to frontline duties. The starting XI picks itself at present, assuming all are fit and able.

In front of a relatively sparse looking crowd, the ground slowly filling up as the traffic chaos around the city impacted so many journeys to the Lane, United started on the front foot. Plenty of possession but initially lacking that impetus in the final third, with O'Connell crossing over everyone's heads and Stevens and Freeman both wasting great crossing opportunities bursting to the sidelines. McGoldrick had a goal-bound header, cleared away by a Preston forehead, but for those who had witnessed the Birmingham game there were similar features. Preston were sat deep and rarely threatened.

We needed to find a way through and needed that bit of inventiveness that had been lacking for a couple of games. Each attack seemed to end with a groan from the crowd and sat on the Kop there was a sense of agitation rather than anticipation building. This cannot help the players. When on top like this the crowd needs to get behind the team and be the 12th man forcing the ball home, not sat waiting and then grumbling when it doesn't happen.

The goal, when it came arose from end to end football and one perfectly delivered pass. After a spell of prolonged United possession Basham tried turning in a tight spot on the right edge of the opposition penalty area. Robbing the ball from Basham, Preston broke at pace and United were on the back foot. But a superbly timed challenge, I think from Egan, saw the ball fall into the path of Freeman who advanced and hit a deliciously weighted through ball into the path of McGoldrick down the right channel. McGoldrick's cross shot could only be parried by Maxwell and, after what felt like an age, Sharp reached the ball to tap into the empty net. No more than United deserved.  

Shortly after McGoldrick stretched for a Stevens cross, but could only head wide. Just before the half time whistle, Preston had a rare break stretching the Blades back line and O’Connell and Egan made excellent blocks at crucial moments. Rarely had we been under pressure, but when we had been we felt a little panicky.

  

Bizarrely Preston didn't start the second half with any greater ambition and it felt like one way traffic with all the play coming towards the Kop. United won a free kick on the right-hand side and Norwood drove a hard, curling ball that only needed a diversion from the head of Basham to send it into the top corner. I thought no one could top the accuracy and quality of my childhood performance at Paperboy on the Spectrum, but Norwood's delivery is the best I have seen for a long time.

  

United were coasting and had a great chance to kill the game off, McGoldrick dragging it wide from the right side of goal with only the keeper to beat. This seemed to trigger Preston into action and the introduction of the tricky Daniel Johnson, just after the hour mark, and Barker ten minutes later really added some thrust to their attack, but for a lot of effort and possession the final ball was lacking. United were solid enough but without ever looking wholly comfortable, mainly due to not retaining possession for any decent period. Wilder changed formation, Marvin Johnson for Sharp and we switched to a 4-1-4-1 that also allowed us to go to 4-3-3 when attacking with Johnson and Duffy either side of McGoldrick, but nothing was sticking when the Blades were in possession. It felt like wave after wave of Preston pressure and when the goal came, you could sense the ground as one seemed to mutter, "Well that's been coming".

  

It was a completely preventable goal; as Barker advanced O'Connell stayed on his heels, Stevens went to close him down leaving Barker to slip in Fisher overlapping on the right. He laid the perfect ball across to Robinson who had dropped a couple of yards off Egan, who ended up slipping to a heap on the floor as the ball was knocked home. Preston now had belief and their second came down the opposite side. Freeman sucked inside leaving Hughes alone on the left and his cross was met by the lunging Johnson, whose shot was probably heading wide until it cannoned off O'Connell and wrong-footed Henderson. With 8 minutes to go, there was a sense a draw might be a good result right now as United had offered little for 20 minutes and Preston's dander was up.

Then out of nothing United had a third. Johnson, who up to that point had struggled to get into the game, linked up wonderfully with Stevens. The full back surging to the by-line, leaving a couple of defenders flat footed, before a perfect pull back that McGoldrick was never going to spurn. From dejection to joy in minutes and a goal celebration that further secures Dean Henderson’s place in the hearts of Blades fans. It reminded me of Simon Tracey’s celebrations against Wednesday.

There followed a ridiculous 6 minutes of stoppage time that became even longer with Stearman coming on to shore things up at the back. Given Maxwell had wasted time from minute one, it was odd that Scott Duncan loaded the stoppage time to the second half, but thankfully the Blades saw it out.

  

Three final thoughts:

PNEgative - There was an interesting tweet from Blades' fan and AUV contributor Phil Ridley post match.

It was a bizarre tactic from Alex Neill. For large parts of the first half they were under the cosh and had eleven men behind the ball, but having said that they rarely broke with any real threat or numbers, despite the impressive Callum Robinson working hard.

  

McGoldrick's missed one on one chance to make it 3-0 seemed to spur them into life and the period that followed was largely one way traffic. We seemed to panic under pressure, there was no outlet and as quick as the ball was cleared, Preston were back on the front foot. We were rocking. When the first goal came you felt that they could get another and even the most hopeful Blade must have feared a PNE winner after the equaliser, we were reeling. Daniel Johnson, a player who impressed in his Oldham days when we played them in League One, added some real impetus to their play and although Wilder's subs made sense to try and stabilise defensively and offer an alternative outlet wide in the pace of Marvin Johnson, we seemed to retreat further.

  

Would Preston have stood a better chance starting like this? That is hard to say, as the shift in gear when we were on top seemed to catch us out. Doing it from the off and maintaining it is a different issue. We may well have exploited the space created instead of playing the football equivalent of Arkanoid against a yellow wall for an hour. Clearly Neill has concerns about them defensively and their zero away goals before Saturday suggest that the tactics aren’t allowing their attacking talent to flourish, but neither is it working defensively. Give me The Wilder Way anytime.

  

A soft underbelly? - The one concern coming out of Saturday is that we are still susceptible to sloppy play defensively and when we don't get the goals to kill teams off we have a tendency to panic and concede possession too easily. The goals conceded were not great goals from an attacking perspective, more the result of continually knocking on the door until a hinge comes loose. In this case in both full back positions, although you could argue O'Connell being decisive and going to meet Barker, would have left Enda less exposed. We were nearly undone by Birmingham in similar fashion midweek and I am sure it is something the management team will look to address.

First choice striker - Probably lacking the goals his performances deserve David McGoldrick has to be topping the strikers’ pecking order right now. Tireless work rate, good link play and eventually got the goal on Saturday. A little more consistency in his finishing and staying injury free could see him up the top end of the Championship Top Scorers list.

Game by Game - 10

With the A United View Editor sunning himself overseas, 26,030 fans basked in the sunshine at BDTBL and a majority of those in attendance basked in the glory and unbridled joy of what many have described as the best 45 minutes of football they have seen from a Blades team. Amongst them was Tyrone Hoyland, who we welcome to AUV with his take on yesterday's game.

Game 10 - Aston Villa (H), Championship - 4-1

After three successive victories against Steve ‘The Fraud’ McLaren’s QPR, perennial shithouses Norwich City, and hoofball’s finest - Bolton Wanderers, I expected a much tougher test against last season’s Play-Off runners-up, and current under-achievers Aston Villa. 

A small sense of revenge was in the air too. Last season’s 94th minute winner by Robert Snodgrass ensured United tasted defeat in a home game they really ought to have won. Having thankfully returned back to his parent club this season, there’d hopefully be no repeat of that drama today. 

United made one change to the starting eleven that had given Bolton a proper footballing lesson last week and the return of Paul Coutts, albeit named on the bench, was a welcome sight. Villa lined up without Bolasie, Abdomah and loan deadline day signing Tammy Abraham, but despite those three absences Steve Bruce named a team loaded with talent. 

Kick-off came and for the second time in a week, United were ahead within the first five minutes. An outstanding ball from Oli Norwood met by the head of Jack O’Connell. For a bloke used to heading bricks left and right, it was a fine finish.

Norwood could, and should have made it 2-0 five minutes later, hitting the inside of the post after some lovely inter-play between him, Fleck and Duffy. Incredibly, it was 2-0 within half an hour. In a game dominated by the Blades, the bounce-killer himself Duffy hit a sweet shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner of the goal. What a start.

The referee, not to be outdone, soon decided he needed to be the centre of attention for a while, dishing out a few bizarre decisions both ways, including waving away the assistant’s flag for a foul on McGoldrick that could have ended up being a red card for Villa.

I’m struggling to remember the last time we went into half time 3-0 up (Bradford City at home in the title winning season - Ed), but we soon were. That man Norwood again involved, but this time on the scoresheet himself. I’m still not quite sure what happened. Another perfect delivery from United’s number 16 somehow nestled in at the near post. Jubilation. Dean Henderson almost in the Kop with us. Chants of “Easy! Easy! Easy!” ringing out from three corners of the ground. Unreal.

The remaining minutes of the half took a bit of a backseat as the Villa fans in the away end decided to make themselves the centre of attention this time; by knocking seven shades of shit out of each other. It seemed everyone wanted to take the attention away from just how good we’d been. In truth, it had been a first-half masterclass from United. 

An early second-half goal for Villa would’ve made things slightly interesting, but it was game over just minutes after the restart. Fantastic work again for United’s fourth, with star man Norwood winning the ball back brilliantly in the Villa half, giving it to Freeman who slid the ball into Sharp. A smart turn and finish in the area ensured the Blades hero’s fourth goal of the season.

United were largely in control for the rest of the match, and we could have, and probably should’ve had a couple more in truth. A consolation goal after an hour for El Ghazi took the gloss off the scoreline a bit, and the relentless baiting by United fans of pantomime villain Jack Grealish was fun to watch, but how Villa fans put up with his antics every week is beyond me. Such a talented player wasting his time falling over and generally making himself look a bit of a tit.

4-1. Full time, happy faces and beers all round.

United. Outstanding. The first half blitz of goals was enough. Sweeping aside a fancied Villa team as easy as we did today surely bodes well for the remainder of our season. So much for quietly going about our business. 

A final word on Aston Villa. Too early to tell if there’s a touch of second-season syndrome about them yet, but they looked a shadow of the team I saw twice last season. Steve ‘Spendalot’ Bruce should be worried. 

MOTM: Norwood, obviously. The next time the wife goes bargain hunting she’s taking Chris Wilder with her.

Three final thoughts:

Where on my body should I get the tattoo of Oliver Norwood?

How big should the statue of Wilder at the Lane be?

Is Jack Grealish on medication for the Vertigo he currently suffers with? 

Game by Game - 8

SkyBet Championship, Norwich (H), 2-1

After the recriminations and frustrations of last season's encounter at the Lane, the visit of Norwich (just like Mel B's dresses) holds a little more spice than it used to.

The Canaries' time wasting last season was unlike anything I have seen from an opposition side in years and whilst Saturday's game didn't quite reach those levels, it wasn't far off at times. The fact that Darren Bond (whose one-way decision making made me question if he was related to John) only added 3 minutes on as the clock reached 90 astounded many in the ground. The fact that it was sufficient time for United to finally make Norwich pay, meant any of those grumbles and frustrations could be forgotten about.

After last week's win at QPR and an improved performance midweek, let down yet again by spurned chances, there was cautious optimism, if a little surprise, at the omission of Stearman in what looked a very positive and attacking Blades line up.

From the off Norwood was busy, wanting the ball, dictating play and his link up with Fleck was reminiscent of the Coutts/Fleck partnership, with each taking responsibility in turn and prompting, driving United forward. Norwood's set pieces were a joy all game. When Egan met his right wing corner (which Norwood had also won) at the far post his powerful header looked to be cleared off the line from the Kop, but the Blades players were claiming goal and a couple of seconds later the referee got the call and signalled goal. The Lane was rocking and "Take your time, take you time Sheffield United, playing football the Norwich way" rang out.

For the next 20 minutes United were on top and you thought they were most likely to score, but they suffered a real sucker punch. Basham failed to deal with Hernandez on the left side of the box, being rolled far too easily, and the winger put it on a plate for Wednesday loanee Jordan Rhodes, who doesn't miss a chance like that.......unless he is in a shirt with Chansiri written on it.  His celebration right in front of the Kop stirred anger and abuse, but that quickly subsided and the ground felt deflated as the game, from a United view, fizzled out to half time. Despite this I felt optimistic, telling friends at half time we will win this 2-1.

The second half saw United start the better side. Several crosses into the box came to nothing, Egan saw a hooked effort well saved by Krul on the post and two great Norwood corners ended with Leonard heading over and a late surging Egan could only direct  his header inches past the post. Norwich had opportunities too, spurning a great chance from a couple of yards out after the ball came back off the bar. Leitner then received the ball after a deflection off a team mate at least 8 yards offside. With no flag and two team mates in support he hared down on Henderson, only for the keeper to stand tall and make a superb stop. 

The three minutes injury time were going down as quickly as Alex Tettey with "cramp" and even I was doubting my half time optimism, when Basham played a Norwood-esque ball into McGoldrick's path on the left side of the box. He hooked his foot around it, dragging it across goal, where Sharp forced it home. Delirium. Wilder was down one touchline, Henderson ran the length of the other to join in celebrations. A deserved win and whilst there is still work to be done, both defensively and on delivering a full ninety minute performance, there was much to feel optimistic about.  

Three final thoughts:

Jordan's assets - Canaries fans could have been excused for looking like their most famous celebrity Alan Partridge at full time. After a salutary wave to the away end, off Rhodes skulked towards the tunnel, without going over to the fans. You can imagine the plaintive cries of "JorDAN, JorDAN! JorDAN! JorDAN........JorDAAAAAN...........JorDAN!..... oh he's not seen us" coming from the away end. After his goal celebration in front of the Kop was rendered meaningless he clearly didn't want to be on that pitch any longer. Having said all that, Rhodes would be an absolute dream to have at the Lane. With the way we play and the types of goals he scores, he would finish off plenty of those crosses that pass through the box without that final touch and would be a great target for Norwood at set pieces. In fact, there is a good chance he would have walked off that pitch with the match ball on Saturday if he had worn a red and white shirt.

"Comes to something" - My Dad mutters the same thing every week. In fact he has uttered the six words for the last twenty odd years. As the Kop rises to its feet in anticipation as the ball is placed for a corner to be taken, he is in no rush to get up. Partly down to his advancing years and difficulty in getting up too quickly, but also due to his long held belief that "We never bloody score from corners". Sod's Law he wasn't there with me on Saturday, but I think it will be rare that he mutters that phrase whilst ever Oliver Norwood is a Blade. 


The @S24SU twitter feed will also have to change as Foxy and Linz have to get used to not clicking in drafts and selecting the  "Comes to nothing"  after every "Corner to the Blades" tweet. We have a player who can not only dictate play in the middle of the park, wanting the ball, making himself available and then picking a pass, we have a dead ball specialist. From the corner met by Egan and for the 81 minutes that followed, each corner or free kick was met with a deep breath and a degree of anticipation from the crowd. There was good variation; short, long and out to the edge of the penalty area, and each time you felt something could happen here. Whilst overseas midweek, I caught up with the Hull Cup game via twitter and saw plenty of mention of Norwood and his corners, with his performance on Saturday it genuinely excited me…….long may it continue.

Leon's not lazy - One grumble from Saturday is directed at a section of our support that seem hell bent on making Leon Clarke the latest target for their frustrations. At times in the first half it felt much bigger than just a small section of fans and it seemed like half the Kop sighed "OhhhhhLeon" as he didn't quite react in time to cut out a loose ball. We are a fan base that likes to see effort and a trier and often in the past that has more than made up for any technical limitation a player might have, making certain players heroes over more skilful team mates who perhaps lacked application. Leon works hard for the team, but he also uses judgement about when to close down play, when to challenge for a header, when to stand off play and wait for the break down. A great example was when two Norwich defenders went up to win the same header. Fans around me clearly felt Leon should go up in a 2 v 1 challenge, instead he just pulled into the space left by the defenders, ready to exploit the gaping hole if the second ball was collected.

His work rate certainly upped a notch second half and he never gave Hanley or Krul a moment to dwell on the ball. At 33, Leon is often the striker that lasts 90 minutes and to do that you need to use your experience and know when to chase and when not to. Unfortunately for some, that is seemingly a sign of laziness. He is just missing a goal and if he had turned in the chance first half with a  crisper finish then who knows what it will do to his confidence.  

Game by Game - 7

SkyBet Championship, QPR (A), 1-2

 

We welcome Jon Bradley back to A United View, for his take on an away day in West London, having taken a slightly different route there than most Blades And a slightly drier one.

 

A London away day so early in the season was an unexpected bonus when the fixtures were released. 

 

Trains were booked, pubs were identified and the inevitable 'my train is earlier than your train' jibes between the drinkers amongst us were exchanged.  Not for me though as I was up at 5:00am to drive from St. Ives, following a family holiday, to Bristol where I would get the train in to meet up with my mates in the capital.  The train journey was smooth as were the 180 miles from Cornwall to Bristol, the bump in the road arrived when I decided to order some beer on the train.

 

“What beers do you have?” I eagerly asked the kind lady pushing the trolley.  This was greeted with a sharp draw of breath and a quite abrupt “what would you like? I don’t like to encourage it usually, at this time of the day." It was 10:10am, yes a little early, however, I had every faith my friends from Sheffield had been sipping the amber nectar at much more of a witching hour!  “Any lager” was my response, “I will fetch them you soon.”  40 minutes later and my day had really kicked into second gear when 2 cans of Kronenberg turned up.  Viva la France.

 

Once in Paddington, I made my way on the tube to Hammersmith and took up position with friends in Wetherspoons.  The app took a hammering as I made my way through some beers with mates before descending on Loftus Road.  A grand old stadium Loftus Road is and when United took to the field, after an unnecessary argument about someone being sat in my seat, I was genuinely pumped up.

 

The Blades started with a degree of energy which had been absent in the previous two outings.  Returns of three old favourites and Stearman made us instantly look like a Wilder side.  Freeman and Duffy particularly showing things which have been absent prior to this game.  Despite all the effort, United found themselves behind after some last-ditch defending. A prolonged spell of QPR dominance and the ball fell on the edge of the box to Eze who smashed it home past Henderson.

 

Groans and infighting filled the upper tier near where we were sat.  One gentleman in particular must have had a run in with Leon Clarke because the way he was going on anyone would have thought that poor Leon invaded Poland in 1939!  Nevertheless, United made the breakthrough when three of the returning players combined.  Duffy to Freeman to Sharp to 1-1.  Easy.

 

Despite the equaliser, I went down at halftime pretty angry at my fellow supporters.  You pay your money you can shout what you want, but I couldn't help but feel that the atmosphere in the stand was pretty toxic.  Considering what has happened in the last few years in and around the club it really shouldn't be.  As I exchanged pleasantries with Blades mates it became apparent they shared this view.  I mean there are two drivers here.

 

Firstly, the digital age allows us all to access information, statistics or footage to inform and base opinions on.  I mean I am sat here writing an article, as a fan, for a mate, for other fans to read.  Why?  Its a bit of fun and someone will enjoy it, I hope.  This era though also allows for nonsense throwaway comments to be tweeted or used as fact by fans.  My favourite last week was someone kicking off that we hadn't got a Man City striker on loan who had gone to Preston, I can't even remember the loanees' name.

 

Secondly, which is almost worse, is the "I am a bigger Blade than you" bollocks which goes on when things aren't going so well.  Which in its own twisted way is full of arrogance and entitlement which isn't necessary nor productive.  If you've been to every game for 20 years and seen the reserves away at Exeter on a Tuesday, stood on your own, in December, in the rain, then good for you. But it doesn't mean that you know more than @bladex4lyf4eva.

 

We are supporters and we all see the game differently.  We should, however, all be able to look at the game differently without throwing vitriolic negativity at our players, who for 24 months have made us as proud as any set fo supporter in the land.  Anyway, I had a cider, it was shite.

 

The second half started as both teams pressed to seek an advantage.  It was a nervy affair with a few good Henderson saves being the highlight from a Blades point of view.  Then, in the 65th minute, the substitute McGoldrick was flattened by two of the hosts and a penalty was awarded.  McGoldrick took it upon himself to rifle the ball home.

 

United introduced Leonard late on for McGoldrick who had a dead leg.  They managed to control the game to its conclusion by any means necessary.  Leonard went close late on, but the game finished 2-1.  Wilder led the players to the away end for an exchange of pleasantries.  Dean Henderson looked like a boy on Christmas morning as he joined in the singing with the away following.

 

Wilder pushed Sharp towards the away end for some personal recognition, something echoed in his post-match interview.  As we all made our way home, delighted that United had some points on the board, it's fair to say the gaffer was equally pleased.  Particularly me, who knew that I could have a beer on the way home without judgement and that sometimes just being a fan is pretty fun.

 

Three final thoughts:

 

Dean Henderson - the kid oozes quality and if he continues to behave like that when we win he will become a fan favourite in no time.

 

Cautious optimism - United beat a poor QPR team but a little confidence can go a long way with this bunch of players.

 

He's not the messiah... - Duffy did help United towards the victory, however, whether or not we need can pin our hope on him doing it in the remaining 42 games remains to be seen.  Along with Freeman and Sharp though on this occasion, they did make the difference.

 

Game by Game - 3

A balmy Friday night, lakeside in Doncaster is not on everyone's bucket list, but Jon Bradley was one of nearly 2,000 Blades fans to make the short trip to see the first team's pre-season schedule come to a close.  

Pre-Season Friendly: Doncaster Rovers (A), 0-2

Nothing quite like a local derby, in the loosest of terms, to end preseason in style.  As the Blades travelled to Doncaster, it was the supporters last opportunity to see their beloved Blades before the curtain goes up on the new season.  The pre-match chat was littered with suggestions of signings that people thought were the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Everyone from Josh Windass to Ben Woodburn were mentioned but, for me, it could be one from leftfield. We all know Wilder may well pull a proverbial rabbit out of the hat and surprise us all with who comes in before the window slams shut.

United lined up in usual fashion, but with a midfield of Lundstram, Duffy and Holmes it was always going to be an interesting game without our main man Fleck in the middle of the park. He had been the lynchpin and all that was good in our pre-season to date. The back three also saw a slight reshuffle, with Egan and O'Connell joined by Stearman, rather than Basham.  It was evident Wilder was giving everyone the chance to stake a claim for a place against Swansea next Saturday.

United stroked it around with purpose in the first half but, as we have become quite accustomed to seeing in some games in recent memory, we looked very laboured in the final third.  The most noteworthy chance came when O'Connell produced a crunching challenge on the halfway line which gave Duffy the opportunity to play in Clarke, which materialised in very little.  

The most noteworthy mention though has to go to Simon Moore.  Moore produced four outstanding saves in the half, including two in quick succession.  Proving that there is a lot more he can offer the club this season than the pleasant way he spoke about us, following the signing of his new contract on Thursday.

As the second half started Holmes looked full of energy and purpose yet went down too easily for my liking.  But it was the introduction of McGoldrick which proved to be the much-needed spark for United on the hour.  A neat move saw him jinx in the box before pulling his shot wide. This was followed by a perfect chance for him at the far post where he couldn't have hit it truer but, unfortunately for the Blades latest signing, it hit the side netting.

Moments later the Blades had the ball in the net as Norrington-Davies crossed for McGoldrick who slid in to poke the ball home.  At 1-0 Doncaster huffed and puffed, but to little avail.  This allowed McGoldrick and United to break quickly and the scorer turned provider as McGoldrick weighted a perfect pass for Sharp to do what he does best and double the Blades lead.  Lavery went close late on but proved what we all already know, that he just isn't quite good enough for where we are now as a club.

As the heavens opened United finished their preseason campaign undefeated and any Doncaster based Blades had some very tentative bragging rights to take to the pub or into work on Monday.

Three final thoughts:

Dean Henderson had better be ready to fight for the number 1 jersey as Moore certainly showed a desire to push the loanee all the way.

McGoldrick is a different striker to what we have had for a while. He has the ability to link the play and the thought of him and Duffy striking up a relationship gives me a very warm feeling inside.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes, the supporters played their part and at the end of the game made it clear to the new signings that there is nothing equivocal about the love between players and fans in this group.

Jon Bradley - Twitter (@curlywisejon)

Photo Copyright: Paul McDonald

What we became.......

It has been 17 months since the last A United View post and whilst this might not be the start of more regular posts, it seemed as good a time as any to reflect on what has been an interesting time to be a Blade and probably one of the (If not the) most enjoyable seasons in 40+ years of being a Blade.

The last post "What have we become?" was a paean to the songwriting skills of Paul Heaton and condemnation of what United had become under Nigel Adkins, a man whose appointment pleased many Blades fans, me included, at the time. Turgid football, lifeless performances, off field issues and the complete blind faith and positivity of a manager seemingly out of his depth and stuck in his ways.

I missed the final game of that season, Scunthorpe at home. I had entered the Leeds Half Marathon forgetting the final fixtures moved to a Sunday, but had few regrets. The purgatory of 13.1 miles, post illness, in unseasonably warm temperatures was in some ways a more enjoyable option. Defeat, an embarrassing lap of honour/thanks and Adkins tenure was seen off in a flurry of two finger salutes and a chorus of boos and abuse.

No holding back.....

The appointment of Chris Wilder seemed to get a mixed response. Those close to him had unshakeable faith in his ability to sort the mess out. Others, me included, were impressed with success against a backdrop of a boardroom shambles at Northampton,  but equally questioned the lack of success prior to that at Oxford and a lengthier spell in non-league.

Most agreed he would time to sort the mess out and the financial costs of settling contracts and getting players out would place further limitations on him. Outgoing Chairman Jim Phipps had even commented that it would need 2 or 3 transfer windows for the club to fully right itself following the profligacy of Clough and Adkins' reigns.

The early signs under Wilder raised further questions. Incoming signings struggled to find their feet. The team still looked lacklustre, lacking in confidence. Most agreed he needed time to work this through and jumping down his throat, as some did just four games in, was embarrassing. It just reflects the instantaneous demand for results and change from certain quarters fuelled by a media needing creative content and social media frenzy.

Admittedly things were not great. By all accounts unlucky to lose at Bolton on the opening day, a late equaliser rescued a point at home to Rochdale, and a heavy defeat at home to Southend and a limp extra time defeat to Crewe in the EFL Cup was hard to take. I will be honest,  at that cup game I did what I haven't done in my recent memory, I left before the end of the game. When Crewe scored I just didn't see us scoring again, we looked devoid of ideas and heart. But I did believe that Wilder needed the time to sort it out. As a Blade he would be hurting, he wouldn't try soft-soaping the fans like Adkins did.


The turning point of last season came four games in, after defeat at Millwall thanks to a last minute penalty. Sensing the players were down, after what he considered a positive performance, Wilder got the coach driver to pull over at an off licence, bought £100 of beer for the players and left it at the front for the players to come and take. Cue a few uplifting words from his skipper Billy Sharp and the players responded. An old school approach, but it showed it can still paid dividends in the modern game.

In an interview Wilder once referred to "not fannying around" and he lived up to these words. The formation was tweaked, players whose United careers looked limited came off the transfer list and into the squad. A couple of his summer signings were sidelined and were rarely seen again, the keeper was changed. A ballsy move, but one in keeping with Wilder's forthright and honest approach. The arrival of Simon Moore and Ethan Ebanks-Landell before the August window closed strengthened the spine of the team and, although blighted by injury and fitness issues, Caolan Lavery added pace and a directness we lacked up top.

A fifteen game unbeaten run in the league followed, but it wasn't just a change in results or style of play, it was a complete change in mentality. We looked like a team that was unwilling to lie down and roll over like we had too many times in the previous twelve months. Late winners and equalisers were frequent, a sign of a team with huge self belief and although we rode our luck defensively at times, few would claim we hadn't earned that luck. Bodies were put on the line, blocks were made and the timing of some last ditch tackling was to the millisecond perfect. 

Leaders came to the fore in Jake Wright, Chris Basham and Billy Sharp, others were displaying the ability Wilder had clearly identified when signing them; Fleck, O'Connell, Duffy. Whilst others being given a last chance grasped the opportunity and made themselves irreplaceable; Freeman and Coutts. 

As understanding between players developed in a settled line-up, confidence grew and the quality of football was high. In some cases the only fault that could be found was a tendency to over-play it around the box, or that after some wonderful build up play the final ball was lacking. 

The unity of the team was clear to see and a passion from the bench that warmed the heart. There was first pumping, clenched teeth and kissing and patting of the badge sat over the heart. But this wasn't the panto teasing of a Warnock playing to the cameras. This was a manager turning around a troubled club, his club and this is what it meant to him. He was, he is one of us.

Defeat at home to Walsall was seemingly just a blip with the team showing real mettle by responding with a six game unbeaten run in the league over Christmas and the New Year, before Walsall completed a three game sweep of league and cup victories over the Blades. This time there wasn't the immediate response with a home draw against Gillingham followed by the team being outplayed at home by an impressive Fleetwood team. The fans were nervous, having taken over at the top of the league at the start of the year a win would have left us comfortably clear, but now Bolton were seven points behind in 3rd and now with three games in hand.

Wilder recognised that it was not the disaster that the fans were perceiving it to be. He was confident that small changes were required. The focus was on cutting out the silly mistakes and being a bit cuter in advanced areas, but first he had to lift players he said were hurting and that he did. From a manager in Adkins who focused on the psychological aspects of man-management, we now had a manager who didn't constantly talk theory, he delivered positive results. He didn't gloss over the problems to focus on the positives, he recognised the problems ad we had a manager we could relate to on so many levels. From February on-wards we didn't lose another match.

The run in was superb and provided many iconic images and moments that will live long in the memory. For those who were not around in 1990 for promotion to Division 1, or in 1982 for the Division 4 title, they now have their Leicester, their Darlington moments, in fact several of them. 

The away day at Northampton will live long in the memory. The expectation, the tension, then the joyous, unbridled relief as the goals went in, particularly Fleck's late winner that seemed to take an age to roll into the empty net. The massed ranks of Blades fans teetering on the advertisement hoardings, nearly on the pitch before it crossed the white line. The outpouring of emotion at the final whistle as the realisation sunk in and we had finally escaped the purgatory of League One. Billy Sharp chaired off the pitch, head thrown back, arms aloft clutching a red and white scarf, with a grip so tight the whites of his knuckles glimmered in the sunshine. Fans wandering the pitch in a daze suffering a heady mix of sunshine, beer and promotion.

Back at the Lane many waited for the team coach to return with Wilder and Sharp conductors in chief, orchestrating proceedings and starting the songs with obligatory Peroni in hand, supplementing the more traditional fizz. Scenes to be repeated on the Town Hall balcony post-season end.

The away games that followed at Port Vale and MK were pure celebrations. Partying unburdened of expectation or worry over results, but it didn't matter, this team was relentless in their pursuit of success. 100 points was the aim and that was what was achieved. Taking apart a strong and play off bound Bradford when the title was assured showed both the quality of the squad and the winning mentality that had been engendered over the previous seven months.

Much of last season had a similar feel to the back to back promotions achieved by the Dave Bassett era Blades. A manager who numbered a young Chris Wilder amongst his squad. The team spirit, the relationship between players and fans, the spirit(s) and beer are all considered key facets in the success of that Bassett team; lifting players to over achieve and exceed expectations. With Wilder and Sharp conducting proceedings this has a similar feel, with Alan Knill providing the more level headed and grounded support like Geoff Taylor did for Bassett.

The celebrations post-Chesterfield game could have carried on forever. No-one wanted to leave the Lane. You would think there is a limit to how many times you can watch a player thrust a trophy joyously sky-wards, but there genuinely isn't.

What a difference a year makes....

Now Wilder faces a new challenge. Operating at a level he hasn't managed at before he is level headed enough to know tough tests await. A team not used to losing will have to get used to it happening more frequently. That is not negativity, just realism. Our spirit and momentum from last season will carry us so far and that is one of the first tasks for the management team. Pre-season would suggest that the signs are good.

Wilder has shown he is not afraid to make changes and admit he has got things wrong. Although on paper it looked hard to let players go after a title winning season, Wilder’s ruthless streak was straight to the fore. Several of the successful squad were made available for transfer including some of his signings from the previous summer who had not made the grade.

As Wilder himself has said “you don’t get medals for spunking money”.  Incoming the targets are talented players from the lower league, sometimes former Premier League academy products, but those with a point to prove. Whilst this approach disappoints some fans who want to see money splashed out on proven Championship players, Wilder’s approach has proved fruitful so far and not upsetting the collective spirit and close bond of the existing squad is key to his decision making on any signing. For me this is vital, we cannot risk breaking something that underpinned our whole success last season.

The fans have a huge role to play this season. Whilst crowds were impressive for League One, very few games saw significant away support and, celebrations aside we were often quiet. Now with success comes bigger home sides, opposition with larger away followings and a need to make the Lane that cauldron we know it can be. The noise and intimidation that many visiting managers have previously commented on needs to come to the fore, as does patience.

Is the squad we have now as strong as we want it to be? Honestly, no. 

Is this squad capable of staying up? Yes.

Do I think we will strengthen before the end of August? Yes.

If we surprise people and are close to the play offs in January will decent money be released by the board? I believe it will.

Whilst many clubs throw around silly money on players on their way down, or who have never quite established themselves at the top level, there is a lot be said for United's approach. Successes like Huddersfield's promotion last season are few and far between, but show what is possible. At this stage the most sensible ambition at Bramall Lane is consolidation and in doing that you incrementally build on what got you up there in the first place. Consolidation this season puts in place the foundations for progression and that is when the investment is best spent. 

We have a fanbase excited about the present and the future. We have a team that represents the best attributes of successful Blades teams of the past, a group of players that the fans can relate to. I think we have a level headed manager, with a great coaching team around him, who will see us safe into mid-table and if we defy expectations he might just take us that bit further. That's what we've become and few of us expected this 18 months ago. 

Up the Blades!