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 - 9

A United View welcomes fellow #runnerblade , director of Pickard Tours and all round bon vivant Alan Pickard to offer up his views on a trip to the Bolton Polytechnic Stadium. Surprisingly less hazy than I expected!

Game 9 - Bolton (A), Championship - 0-3

Bolton away. Bank Holiday Weekend. Super. That'll be fun then. I'm sure you all thought the same. Aside from the fact it's a ground that has slightly less character than Legoland, it's not even in Bolton. Imagine, building a new ground and forgetting where you're from? Anyway......I digress.

The trip started well. I forgot my beers. Sake. On the coach at 9 though with emergency Carling (AUV cannot condone drinking Carling, even in an emergency - Ed) purchased, spirits were high. As always when you travel with mates, talk turns to previous away days and mishaps. But I'd not brought my gloves today so enough of that. 

Let's head to a pub.
It opens at eleven doesn't it Paul?
Oh, turns out it doesn't.
Paul can't read.
Half eleven.
Maths was never his strong point. Luckily another a hundred yards up the road was open so let's have one there instead. Decent. Let's get merry.

Everyone back on the coach at 2 and we're off. Good job the driver knows which car park to go to. And we've not toured all the car parks before arriving at the away end! Been here so many times and it's soulless. One thought - let's have these today Blades. 

Team news filters through. Oooh! That midfield is getting uploaded to Pornhub.....and Coutts ain't back yet.

The game kicks off and United are instantly on the front foot. Get in!!! Or not. Off the bar from Fleck. We were on top here and had to make it count. Another corner cam in looking threatening but it came to nothing. Next attack saw a good little bit of play, the ball fell to Duffy and in it goes to the corner of the onion bag. The tone is set. "We're gonna hammer these". However...my first thought was lets keep a clean sheet. 

More good play followed. Flowing movement across the park, Norwood and Fleck making the Wanderers look like non-league players at times. Duffy popping up in more places than Peter Sutcliffe. The difference in quality is vast and United are hammering the point home. Bolton have a 5 minute spell. Ameeeobbeee looks like the only half decent player for Bolton but, to be fair, he needs a mate.

Blades attack. Ball into Freeman 15 yard out, right of goal. A 10 yard ball into Leon's feet who has the vision of Zidane to leave it and let it roll in the corner of the net. Suprise and delirium take over the away end. WE'RE ON THE MARCH WITH WILDERS ARRR-MY.

Half time. Two nowt. Well on top. Tidy in possession and playing with the kind of thrust that creates WhatsApp groups.

Downstairs for a pint and I missed about 8 minutes of the second half due to Ed not being able to navigate a queue properly. Anyway, I've been informed by my footy mum Bridgette that McGoldrick smashed one top bins only for the keeper to rise like Conor Sammon's more agile brother and tip it over.

Much more flowing football followed. We were very good today and it's such a shame that the following wasn't more, but those in attendance made good noise.

After a slight lull we did our best Barcelona impression. Wonderful build up from the back. The ball broke on the left to Stevens who's delightful delivery caused pandemonium in the box, Bolton nowhere to be seen, Fleck sweeps home. Be seeing you. Is this a fire drill? 

Beyond that, we were in even more control. We could and should have been 4 or 5 up really. Much singing followed and I've got to be honest here, I'm glad it wasn't. Let's not draw attention to how good we can be as early as we did last season. Three nowt. Full time. Off home we go delighted with the performance and result.

Stopping off on the way home we bump into Gary Madine in the services. He seemed happy to see us.

Up the Blades. 

Three final thoughts:

Egan. 4 million. Bargain.

Norwood. 2 million. Steal.

Billy Sharp is as good now as he was in his mid twenties. Captain Marvel.

He's One Of Our Own - The story behind the book

Blades fans have been lucky in recent years, with several books being published with either a strong Blades flavour, or focusing on a former Blades player. Autobiographies of Alan Hodgkinson, Keith Edwards, Tony Kenworthy and  Bob Booker look firmly to the past (and in most cases to a fondly remembered time). The latest Blades related book has a much more current focus, but the time it covers will still be looked on with great happiness for many years to come.

 

Danny Hall, journalist at The Star, has written He's One Of Our Own : The Story of Chris Wilder's Blades Revolution and he too time out to tell A United View about it.

 

 

On the book's website you say;  "I’ve always had an ambition to write a book, ever since I picked up a copy of The Star as a kid and realised that being paid to write about sport was an actual thing."

Is it the case that the Wilder story presented a nice opportunity to achieve that ambition? Have you had any other opportunities previously?

 

I pitched one book before this one, but they weren't picked up because they had broad appeal. This one was a little different, but it wasn't a case of being desperate to write a book. It's always been something in the back of my mind, because I enjoy the longer-form of journalism that there isn't always time and space for, but it wasn't like I was throwing out pitches left, right and centre. So I thought a book, over 60-90,000 words, would give me the chance to get my teeth into something. I pitched it to the publisher who called me immediately and said he wanted it, so the journey began there really.

With newspapers focusing online, increasing numbers of alternative online news outlets and traditional print media supposedly under threat, is it tough pitching an idea to publishers, or was this story an easy sell?

 

As touched on previously, a fairly easy sell. Newspapers are focusing increasingly online and on social media, but I still believe there is room for a long read.

 

As a Blades fan and journalist what are your favourite memories pre-Wilder? 

 

Pre-Wilder, there wasn't a great deal! One of my earliest memories was watching Vas Borbokis v Sunderland... I loved him from that moment, and got his name on my replica away shirt. It had to curve around the No.2 because the shirt was so small, and cost more for the printing than the top! Obviously the highlight was the Warnock promotion season and then the Premier League campaign, which ended in the most Sheffield United way possible. The FA Cup semi-final against Hull at Wembley was also brilliant, if not for the sensation of finally scoring a goal there but for the spontaneous round of applause that filtered around Wembley after Hull's fifth goal went in.

 

What are the challenges of writing a book alongside the day job?

 

It's tough. A lot of people have assumed that writing the book is a bit of a busman's holiday, as it fits quite tightly with the day job, but it couldn't be further from the truth! And coming home at night after a day of writing, to write another 4-5,000 words, or taking a week off to write was difficult. I reckon over the five-month period of the book from idea to completion, I had a week off from it - and that was spent on holiday, reading over the proofs! 

 

I think many fans might assume that for a man whose job is writing that writing and publishing a book is dead easy, but how long did it take from the first formulation of an idea to getting a physical copy of the book in your hand? 

 

The physical copy was delivered today, August 22, and the idea was formed in the week leading up to the Leicester FA Cup tie in February.

I imagine the players and management were more than happy to contribute to the book, how hard was it to edit down their input?

 

They were, and it was fairly straightforward. I wanted to get a flavour of the Wilder years from the perspective of the players, but also their careers - so Jake Wright's time in the Conference, Mark Duffy almost giving up football, Paul Coutts' difficult times under Adkins... they all spoke really well, fortunately for me, and I think the end product works quite well.

 

 

Were there any stories that you couldn't commit to print?

 

There were - invariably, in this job, there are! 

 

Fans contributions add colour and putting the Wilder era into context against the Adkins regime that preceded it must have made for some challenging edits with emotions still running strong over his reign?

 

There were, but I was careful to not censor them too much. It was an emotive time - football's an emotive game - and the biggest challenge was editing down a superb piece from one fan, Dan Atkin, who wrote brilliantly about the effect that season had on him - a few thousand words too long! So wittling that down, and still keeping the flavour, was a challenge, but one I enjoyed. What came across was that the players had similar frustrations to the fans, albeit probably not as strongly. It was a season we'd probably all rather forget, but one that I felt was so important to the Wilder story that it had to be included in full, to understand the task that faced Wilder when he took over.

 

 

With contributions from many sources how hard was it to turn it into a cohesive story?

 

Not particularly - although anyone who reads it may not agree! The book follows a linear format loosely, although some chapters do jump forwards and backwards slightly. 

 

From talking to the players, what do you think is different about this group and the way they were managed that led to United finally escaping League 1 and establishing themselves in the Championship? Are there aspects of their personalities, attitudes etc. that are different from previous squads?

 

The main difference that I picked up on was 'real world' experience - many of the players who form Wilder's side have experienced rejection or disappointment, which I touch on in the book. As I say Wright played in the Conference and Mark Duffy gave up football entirely for a period... Coutts worked on an oil rig in Scotland, Chris Basham worked in McDonald's. It's also a cliche, but the team spirit up at Shirecliffe is really good. You can see that the players are teammates and friends too, which perhaps hasn't been true in the past.

 

The biggest reason, though, is undoubtedly Wilder. He has a unique ability of being close to the players one minute, making them feel a million dollars, and the next totally distancing himself and working them to within an inch of their lives. I lost count the amount of times I have sat at Shirecliffe listening to Wilder speak and thought, 'I'd love to work under him'. And that, in any job, can't be underestimated.

As a journalist you have had a level of access to the club and events that fans can only dream of. What are your top 3 moments of the Wilder reign so far for you personally?

 

September 24, 2017. To turn the game around like that, in those circumstances, with Hillsborough bouncing was unbelievable. Afterwards, we spoke to Mark Duffy in a small room just off the Hillsborough tunnel and I don't think he could believe it himself. It was the day he wrote his name in United folklore forever, and he had no idea what he'd just done.

The open top bus. We were invited on, taking turns to go on the top deck as the bus worked its way around Sheffield town centre. Inside the Town Hall, the walls reverberated to the sounds of the Jack O'Connell song and to see so many Blades gathered from the balcony was incredible.

Not a top moment per se, but Millwall away in Wilder's first season. Afterwards a Sky journalist asked him if he feared for his job, and he wasn't too happy. Getting the beers on the bus on the way back was credited with the turnaround, but no-one could ever imagine what would follow in the coming months.

 

Everybody wants things in small, easy to read form now. Twitter also provides a great platform for promoting writing in all its forms. If you could sum up the book in 140 characters what would you say?

 

Tough one! The story of how one man picked up a club on the floor, told by those involved. This is how Chris Wilder made Sheffield United united again.

 

Any further plans for books, United based or otherwise?

 

Not just yet! It was an enjoyable experience, but not one I'd rush into repeating. I owe my fiance more than a bit of my time first, I think!

Thanks to Danny for his time in answering the questions. I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of the book (you can get your copy here ) and we will post a review of it on here in due course.

Countdown to Kick Off

Had Meet Her at the Love Parade in my head all week.  To most people who know me that aren't Blades fans and know my taste in music, the fact I have a 20 year old electro house track in my head might come as a surprise. But for me the tune can only mean one thing......countdown to kick off.

There's a sense of anticipation and excitement building, excitement that the extra 145 minutes we have to wait from 3pm might just be able to contain. There is a sense of positivity and confidence about the season ahead. There's a fine line that is often straddled to over confidence, we only have to cast eyes across the city to see past evidence of that. 

I've answered questions for When Saturday Comes and World Soccer's Football 2019 season preview magazines. For the former I had to put all 24 Championship teams in the position I thought they would end up in. I went for 10th, where we ended up last season.

For me, we have a much stronger squad than 12 months ago. There is competition for places in most positions and the depth of the squad is much better, despite the loss of the most prodigious talent I've seen at the Lane in my lifetime. And we still haven't touched his sale proceeds.

With Coutts to come back into the reckoning and Leonard only having played a limited role pre-season the selection  decisions are only going to get harder as the season progresses. Wilder makes great play on the unity of the squad and management. His recruitment decisions focusing on maintaining that happy equilibrium as much as the player's talents and financial cost. He is also quick to move players on that don't feature or don't work out, ensuring group spirit isn't affected negatively. 

In fact the only negative relates to issues a level above. The boardroom shenanigans are well documented. The only reassuring aspects being that Wilder felt confident in the assurances he received to sign the contract extension and that's evidenced in the quality of transfer dealings to date. In addition, we have garnered a reputation for development of young players that means players like Kean Bryan see us as a club of choice and Mourinho and Klopp trust us to help their best young talent flourish.

Maybe my mood is enhanced by events across the city. Having had their snipes for several years, you'd have thought last season would have been a timely reminder for them  of how quickly the balance shifts in the city of football. I'm too conservative and cautious to get over excited, as I know it can just as easily swing back, often when everything else that's happening suggests otherwise.

Chris Wilder, in an interview with James Shield of The Star said; 

"We're not a boom and bust club. We just want to keep improving and keep knocking on the door. I know our fans don't see it as being 'this is our year or we're doomed.' The big thing is the club keeps developing and that we don't put ourselves in the situation some clubs do. We just want to keep developing."

These words strike a chord. We feel like a progressive club, boardroom disagreements aside. So why am I not predicting a higher finish than last season, when I see us as progressive and stronger and with the best manager in the division and our best manager since Dave Bassett? 

One, it feels a tougher division, based on the clubs coming down and a couple of those stepping up. Things can still change and as transfers and loans continue for another week there could be further departures at some of the relegated clubs, but sometimes you have to step up your levels just to maintain a status quo and that is how it feels at present and it is only going to get more difficult with the riches of the Premier League and parachute payments.

Secondly, I think we are probably a striker short. The contribution of Clarke and Sharp was probably beyond expectations and although the latter ranked high in the leading goalscorer rankings, his goals were in fits and starts and only scored 5 from early December onwards. They're a year older and although David McGoldrick has contributed well in pre-season, we still lack an alternative, sharper option. We know Wilder is trying to address this, with reported interest in Waghorn, but if that falls through you wouldn't put it past him to pull off a surprise coup.

Get that recruitment right and it could be the difference between a mid-table/top half finish and a push for a play off spot. And if we got there......well our luck is going to have to change at some point.....isn't it?

I have also answered questions on the season ahead for a Championship preview for Brentford site Beesotted. You can read it here.

Remember, if you are otherwise indisposed on a matchday (working, on holiday, ill, or just have a stadium ban), our short Game by Game reports will follow most games. Factual, some opinion and a bit of fun.

The Sheffield Derby - All about not losing

I don't like Derby Days. There, I have said it. A massive game, the biggest crowd of the season, a raucous, sometimes volatile atmosphere and I don't enjoy it one little bit.

For me Sheffield United v "the team from S6"  turns me into an anti-football fan. Derby Day for me is not necessarily all about winning, although clearly that is what I really want. The important thing for me is not losing. As long as "they" don't have the upper hand, the bragging rights, I don't care. The imperative following the match, is to focus on finishing above them in the league table.

Don't get me wrong, Sheffield Derby days are special occasions, something perhaps never properly recognised by the national media; although Sky Sports seem to be building the hype this time. Maybe as much to do with the scoreline and ebb and flow of the game at Hillsborough earlier this season as the occasion itself. The intensity of noise and the atmosphere generated within Bramall Lane (or even dare I admit, the other place)  could easily be compared with the other derby matches traditionally viewed as the standard bearers; Merseyside, Manchester, Glasgow. In fact the intensity is probably up a notch from Manchester and Merseyside.

The build-up leaves you twitchy, distracted, running over scenarios in your head, imagining the joy of victory, fearing the heartache of defeat. You look forward with a mix of trepidation and excitement that leaves you nauseous. You cling to the clips of past successes, reliving the joy and the moment, thinking back to wherever you were watching from at the time. The people you hugged the life out of, the people you fell over, the smell of the beer that went flying through the air and soaked into your top. You hope that recent success and league position count for something, but then the gnawing doubt kicks in and you remember that this is more of a cup game and it is all up for grabs on the night.

You admire how a fellow fan and now manager has channelled that adrenaline, that excitement, into something positive with your team. You hope that they respond in the same way again and thrive in a more positive, but no less hostile atmosphere at home. With these special occasions being of such rarefied intensity, just what is my problem?

My negative feelings arise for three reasons. My formative football watching years saw "them" generally have the upper hand in terms of league standing. I grew up in an era where United and "the other lot" were in different divisions, derby games were reserved for a pre-season friendly, the County Cup, a testimonial match or a Zenith Data Systems Cup game. Rarely did we win, or so it felt.

Most of my friends were not United fans, they knew how to gloat, they knew how to belittle. Even then delusions of grandeur were visible; the first signs of the self-belief that have led to the proclamations of how massive they are today. But bigger, older, better can just as easily be read as bloated, decrepit and under-performing. In those days I didn't want to play "them", I just wanted "them" to fail. I wanted them to swap divisions with us. To fall away into a long decline.

The second reason comes from an earlier stages of my life and my first real Sheffield Derby memory. I was 4, but I wasn't at a match. United, ahead in the Division 3 table, lost 4-0 at the other place on Boxing Day 1979. I remember the anguish of my father and grandfather as they arrived home to continue a family Christmas marred by events on the football pitch. All that frustration was kept for posterity on an audio cassette by my mum. The click of play/and record as the front door clicks open and then bangs to. My running footsteps out of the lounge into the hallway; "4-0 Grandad!" I say in surprise and slight indignation. "I know….they were rubbish…." he mutters forlornly. Voices then tail off as both my father and grandfather head into the kitchen to vent their frustrations, out of view and out of earshot of the children.

By the time we looked to gain revenge at Bramall Lane in April, we had fallen away from the top end of the table, whilst they were heading for an inevitable promotion. A 1-1 draw was played out, remembered more for Terry Curran's goal for them, rather than anything the Blades achieved. I think I was there, I can't say I remember. As a 5 year old, the games I attended blurred into one a little, even those with 42,000 in the ground.

These initial memories of Sheffield Derby games can scar a young child; seeing the effect it had on my Grandad, a man not afraid to let his passions and his hurt show where football was concerned. Defeats like Boxing Day were taken like a personal affront to his support. The subsequent relegation to the Fourth Division was something he never really got over, he passed away a week or so after that game against Walsall.

The next time we were to play a league derby was some 11 years later. For one season prior we had swapped divisions, but they had come straight back up to the top division. As a 16 year old I understood more about football then. I was passionate about football then.  That first league derby in 11 years was, thanks to police advice, played on a misty November Sunday at Bramall Lane. The other lot were flying on their return to the top flight and expecting a comfortable win.

I remember the early tension vividly and then the outpouring of sheer joy of watching young Blades midfielder Dane Whitehouse breaking forward, bearing down on goal and slotting home the first goal. Then in the second half, Brian Deane squeezed the ball between Chris Woods' legs to send Blades fans into ecstasy and leave Woods facing months of mocking for his bow-legged keeping.  His situation not helped by United winning the return match across the city 3-1, although he was less culpable that night.

Much happier times indeed, although I think I enjoyed post-match celebrations as much as the day itself.  In the time since we have enjoyed what feels like a slight upper hand in Steel City encounters. Despite that, I cannot say I have enjoyed the matches per se.

Even being 3-0 up at half time, as it was in 2009 at Bramall Lane, you can never sit comfortably and enjoy the rest of the game. On that occasion the Blades were pegged back to 3-2 and clung on. I was the sole football fan in a Greek hotel bar that night, a long standing fortnight of family holiday coinciding with just one home game being played when the fixtures were announced. Yet those who joined me found it hard to sit with a man who was on holiday to relax and have fun, yet appeared to be displaying all the signs of a man on the edge of a nervous breakdown until he exploded in hysteria at the final whistle.

That really highlights my  final reason; that even when you are in front, the 90 minutes are defined by a feeling that can only be described as someone grasping hold of your guts and twisting them into a tight ball. You stand there, in a pose resembling Edvard Munch's The Scream. Your legs shake violently, banging against the people in the adjacent seats. You lean forward, twitching, before launching out of your seat to roar out your support for your team or hurl spittle laden invective at the opposition players and the their fans, amongst whom are many of your friends.

By the end, if you have won, something Blades fans have experienced more than Owls over the years, you celebrate. Well you try to. Hoarse from exhortations, legs drained of nervous energy you try to jump up and down and shout, but it doesn't quite happen. No matter what it looks and sounds like, it is the fact you are attempting to do it that matters.

I don't really enjoy experiencing such extreme behaviour and emotion. Not because of being a killjoy, not because I have a lack of passion, nor from any attempt to keep up appearances, but from seeing the effect of letting a game consume you and your health as it did my Grandad. Not letting things go, letting results rule your moods and your life.

We have been fortunate that for most of the last 20 years we have been above our city rivals; for 12 years we held the upper hand in terms of final league position until that switch 5 years ago. Despite all the incredible highs and gut wrenching lows of these matches, I am much happier to define our success over Wednesday based on the league tables. Give me a season where we are sat in a division above Wednesday, rather than playing them twice a season.

But if we have to play them, as long as we don't lose that is all that matters….and then let's set about ensuring we finish above them in the league, wherever that takes us this season. 

Up the Blades!

Seizing the Moment

When I last wrote on A United View I looked forward to the season with a degree of optimism. Optimism that, as things stand, seems well placed, notwithstanding the recent run of results.

The football, the odd game aside, remains as expansive and as exciting as that which saw us soar to the League One title. Memorable away victories at Leeds and Hillsborough, an amazing comeback at home to Hull and the bizarrely topsy-turvy defeat to Fulham, each showcase what Wilder's Blades are all about.

The injuries to key players, something we were lucky with last season, and suspensions have hit hard. Yet within that 5 game run without a win, you could argue we were worthy of 3 points against both Birmingham and Bristol City and a point against Fulham. In some ways Wilder's pursuit of 3 points at the expense of 1 has gone against us, but the positives of his approach can be seen in the league table where the other lot across town have lost fewer games than us but still find themselves 10 points behind in the table.

The challenge of losing key players in Coutts and Fleck has yet to be overcome and replacements have either not grabbed their opportunity, or do not fit the system that the Coutts, Fleck, Duffy triumvirate excel in. Yet still we sit 6th. Our start giving us a tremendous platform to push on for a chance at promotion that few people would have thought possible back in early August.

Back at that time I posed the question, if we find ourselves in the Top 6 come January will the board invest? I said yes I believed they would. Opportunities for promotion are not guaranteed in this division. A strong finishing position one season does not necessarily lead to a similar outcome the next. Ask Reading, Derby, Middlesbrough, Norwich or Brentford in recent years, or look across the city this season. Therefore when you are up there with a platform to progress why wouldn't you take that gamble? Who knows when that opportunity presents itself again? When you have caught the division cold, playing with confidence and a successful system, seeing little to fear in the opposition we have faced, it is surely the right time to back the manager with the funds he believes necessary to compete for a Top 6 place to the end of the season.  

The owners' stated aim is Premier League football. That is the only realistic way the McCabe family achieves any sort of recompense for the millions invested and loans written off over a number of years. For the Prince, his money has been thrown at a football club with no real assets and whose losses he is propping up each season. Top tier football offers his only realistic means of financial return.

That's not to say that I am advocating spending big. When I suggested on Twitter that this is the time for the board to step up, some responses suggested that we couldn't go spending £10m on a player and that such statements are easy when it's not your money. The latter is correct, but if you don't give the manager the tools now, when will you? In 2 or 3 years after consolidation, but when the financial trickle-down from the Premier League means the sums required are even more inflated than they are now?

I certainly don't advocate spending silly sums on individual players. Our success is built on a team spirit and work ethic that I have not seen at the club since the back to back promotions under Dave Bassett in the late 80's. Wilder finding players with the hunger to grab the opportunity we have presented them with. The lower league talent needing a bigger platform, or those not gambled on by their clubs after injury or loss of form. The Premier League loanees whose clubs see a way to build their experience playing football the right way in front of a large and demanding fanbase. Why upset the wage structure? Why fracture a whole that is arguably greater than the sum of its parts?

Instead, give the manager enough money to make the signings he wants to make. Signings that enhance the starting XI, provide alternative options from the bench, but also fit a style of play that has been hugely successful but is perhaps lacking the zip of the last 12 months. Whilst there is an argument that you don’t get best value in January, August means starting again. It means hoping we get to December with 35/40 points, it means hoping summer signings gel. Bringing in the players now, gives both impetus to the current season’s objectives and beds those players into the squad to push again next season, if we were to fall short this.

Much is made of Chris Wilder being a Blade. That is great, many fans would love their manager to have the connection with the fans that we enjoy. Yet he is human and will surely be ambitious. Clubs will see his success and he moves on to radars that he was off twelve months ago. If they offer him resources to achieve further success, resources that don't exist at Bramall Lane, then I think it is fair to assume that his Blades bonds aren't unbreakable. Everyone looks for an opportunity to shine; to do the job to the best of their ability at as high a level as is attainable. If there was a time to back Wilder it is now.

The question is, will he be backed? When Simon and Scott McCabe resigned from both the SUFC board and the Blades Leisure board (the entity in which the football club is held) in September, it was said that they were busy and had their families to focus on, alongside which Prince Abdullah wanted to be more involved. This followed the appointment of the Prnce to the board of directors on the 4th August along with Yusuf Giansiracusa, who replaced Selahattin Baki as one of two representatives of the Prince on the board.

In October, Tareq Hawasli (the other representative of Prince Abdullah) appeared on Alan Biggs’ Sheffield Live show and stated that they “wanted to make a strong push to make the Premier League and that’s the direction we are heading towards”. He then stressed the importance of supporting the development of the academy products, securing the star players in the squad at that “Coach Chris is supported in anything he needs, as long as we can”. Then re-affirming that the board is active and very supportive of “Coach Chris”.

This collegiate working and leadership sounds great and would be happily accepted, but for an unusual amount of activity on both the SUFC and the Blades Leisure boards over the last 4 months. Since the 8^th August there have been 6 terminations and 7 appointments to the SUFC Limited board, but this masks multiple ins and outs.

Following their departure on  7^th September, Simon and Scott McCabe were re-appointed on 13^th December. Football club Chief Executive Stephen Bettis has been doing the hokey-cokey; standing down as a director on 4^th August, re-appointed on 9^th September only to stand down again as the McCabe’s returned on the 13^th December. In addition Jeremy Tutton was appointed a director in this period and Martin Green was in, then out, then back in again. Whilst this might seem like corporate manoeuvring detached from the football club, it seems to conflict with the words used elsewhere. 

What has changed such that Scott and Simon McCabe need to be back on the board and what has happened to the trust Kevin McCabe placed in Martin Green, Stephen Bettis and Jeremy Tutton just three months previously.

“They will be dependable representatives for the McCabe Family as Directors liaising with our now more active partner and his nominated colleagues in order to ensure the Club continues to progress in a stable manner.”

At the recent AGM Kevin McCabe said the intention was for the Prince to play a bigger role at United and that he had more time now he was free of government responsibilities. Yet at the same time he only thought the prince was okay as he hadn’t seen him for two months. To a fan listening in this is concerning and there is little evidence to reassure that things are as rosy as was painted just three months ago.

Nobody really expected us to be where we are and we should absolutely enjoy the ride we have been on in the last fifteen months. To paraphrase what fellow blade @ScholarRob on Twitter said, whatever the result at Villa, celebrate all we have seen, enjoyed and loved following the Blades in 2017.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't expect more and it doesn't mean we should settle for consolidation when a much bigger prize is potentially within our reach. If we were mid-table then this clamour would not be there. Even in the position we are in some may say it is a gamble, but if the board don’t seize the moment now, when will they? We can keep holding on for tomorrow, but what if tomorrow never comes?

Up the Blades!

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!