So the Blades travelled to Cardiff yesterday and I don't think any of us really thought we would get anything, we were right. Cardiff have definitely got one of the best squads in this division (with help from Man City!) and their league position reflects that, in the same way our league position reflects our squad.
There isn't a major need to go into the details of this match, it's really the same old story for us this season. Cardiff were the better team, we couldn't take the few chances that we had. I don't think we can be too downhearted from this result though, as I said in my previous post the loss against Boro pretty much relegated us and this game was just a nail in the coffin which was always going to happen.
Personally I'm now looking forward to league one, with a squad like ours there is no way we can compete in the Championship, lets just hope that the board can back Adams to start rebuildin us from next year and stay optimistic that one day the Blades will return to this division.
Stay hopeful Blades fans, sometimes you have to take a step backwards in order to move forwards.
UTB!
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
At least we'll get our Steel City derbies back next season...
I think all Sheffield United fans knew going into this game that we can't afford to drop any more points against teams in the bottom half of the table. Middlesbrough were a team which we were capable of beating.
Both teams had their chances and credit to both goalkeepers, some outstanding saves were made. Because of those saves I can't really say that the Blades deserved to win, but how Henderson missed that header before they scored I don't think I will ever understand.
It's obvious that all season we've missed someone that can score goals at this level, Evans has done at Norwich, Henderson did last season and we all know how good Marcus Bent was for the Blades in his first spell with us all those yeard ago but none of them are cutting it at the moment.
For me this is down to one thing. We have no wingers. Yeates is a good player but when a team plays with only one man who is willing to run at defenders and not enough players in the box it makes it very easy for the defence to work out who they need to close down.
When we had Warnock as a manager we went through strikers like there was no tomorrow, and although they weren't all amazing they all picked up a goal here and there, simply because we had Ndlovu, Devlin, Tonge, Brown, Kazim-Richards and even Ifill who would run at defenders, creating space for our strikers to get the ball in the net.
I think we are all but down now and even my optimistic self cant see us getting the miracle we need to stay up. If we are serious about returning to this league sooner rather than later then the board has to back Mickey Adams and give him money to keep the core of the current squad together and get some young pacey wingers onto the pitch.
On a brighter note, as the title suggests, at least we'll get to play Wednesday again next season!
Both teams had their chances and credit to both goalkeepers, some outstanding saves were made. Because of those saves I can't really say that the Blades deserved to win, but how Henderson missed that header before they scored I don't think I will ever understand.
It's obvious that all season we've missed someone that can score goals at this level, Evans has done at Norwich, Henderson did last season and we all know how good Marcus Bent was for the Blades in his first spell with us all those yeard ago but none of them are cutting it at the moment.
For me this is down to one thing. We have no wingers. Yeates is a good player but when a team plays with only one man who is willing to run at defenders and not enough players in the box it makes it very easy for the defence to work out who they need to close down.
When we had Warnock as a manager we went through strikers like there was no tomorrow, and although they weren't all amazing they all picked up a goal here and there, simply because we had Ndlovu, Devlin, Tonge, Brown, Kazim-Richards and even Ifill who would run at defenders, creating space for our strikers to get the ball in the net.
I think we are all but down now and even my optimistic self cant see us getting the miracle we need to stay up. If we are serious about returning to this league sooner rather than later then the board has to back Mickey Adams and give him money to keep the core of the current squad together and get some young pacey wingers onto the pitch.
On a brighter note, as the title suggests, at least we'll get to play Wednesday again next season!
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
The last 10 seasons for the Blades
i've created a timeline showing what has happened in the last decade for the Blades. It shows how we rose slowly and then fell incredibly quickly!
Same old story
QPR 3 - 0 Sheffield United
I don't think that any Sheffield United fan reallistically expected us to win yesterday. After all QPR were 6 points clear at the top of the table going into the match so what chance did a team like us stand?
Well in all fairness we didn't do that badly. Before QPR scored their first goal we had had a good 5 minute spell and I was beginning to believe we could take the lead.
But then along comes Neil Collins, we all know that the Blade's defence is very poor but this lad really goes above and beyond that. He's meant to be a professional football player but cant hold a defensive line? Awful awful player.
Of course Nyron Nosworthy isn't much better, we all knew he was a donkey that tries too many tricks next to his own goal, and when it worked against Leeds it was great to watch. However yesterday we saw once again what happens when it doesn't work, okay there's an argument for the ball not going out of play for a corner, but if Nosworthy had dealt with the situation properly the ball would be nowhere near the line anyway!
Our problems don't just lie with the defence though. When Stephen Quinn went through on goal after their first goal I was sure he would score, it was actually inconceivable to me that he could miss the target completely but the lad managed just that!
Then Daniel Bogdanovitch missed a sitter right after half time, again when it was still one nil. Fair enough Quinny should have done better but he's a midfielder, Boggy is a striker! No striker should be missing the target from 5 yards away!
Apart from the few defensive errors that got punished and our lack of a finish the Blades did alright I thought. I definitely don't think that three nil is a fair reflection of how we played, but that's football for you and with 7 matches left to go and 7 points behind Palace I really can't see us performing a great escape.
I don't think that any Sheffield United fan reallistically expected us to win yesterday. After all QPR were 6 points clear at the top of the table going into the match so what chance did a team like us stand?
Well in all fairness we didn't do that badly. Before QPR scored their first goal we had had a good 5 minute spell and I was beginning to believe we could take the lead.
But then along comes Neil Collins, we all know that the Blade's defence is very poor but this lad really goes above and beyond that. He's meant to be a professional football player but cant hold a defensive line? Awful awful player.
Of course Nyron Nosworthy isn't much better, we all knew he was a donkey that tries too many tricks next to his own goal, and when it worked against Leeds it was great to watch. However yesterday we saw once again what happens when it doesn't work, okay there's an argument for the ball not going out of play for a corner, but if Nosworthy had dealt with the situation properly the ball would be nowhere near the line anyway!
Our problems don't just lie with the defence though. When Stephen Quinn went through on goal after their first goal I was sure he would score, it was actually inconceivable to me that he could miss the target completely but the lad managed just that!
Then Daniel Bogdanovitch missed a sitter right after half time, again when it was still one nil. Fair enough Quinny should have done better but he's a midfielder, Boggy is a striker! No striker should be missing the target from 5 yards away!
Apart from the few defensive errors that got punished and our lack of a finish the Blades did alright I thought. I definitely don't think that three nil is a fair reflection of how we played, but that's football for you and with 7 matches left to go and 7 points behind Palace I really can't see us performing a great escape.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Cheer up Blades
Morning Blades fans, I'm sure I'm not the only person to have felt a little bit depressed with our season so far. The main problem within our team is a distinct lack of quality, so I started thinking back to the real quality we've had at Bramall Lane in recent years.
Of course we have to think of Phil Jagielka - the goals against Leeds and Middlesbrough are still vivid in my mind and Michael Tonge - THAT freekick against Wednesday and the brilliant 1 man show against Liverpool.
But in terms of consistent attacking quality we can look no further than Michael Brown. The 2002/2003 season was one of the best times of my life as a young Blade. Ignoring Michael Brown's numerous goals we also had the beauty of beating Leeds, Sunderland and Liverpool on the way to the semi finals of both domestic cups. Not forgetting the memorable 2nd half fightback from 2-0 down against Forest in the playoff semi final.
In tribute to the Blades of that season, and because I needed cheering up and reminding of 'the good old days' I'm putting this video from Youtube up.
Enjoy it Blades fans, our time will come again!
Of course we have to think of Phil Jagielka - the goals against Leeds and Middlesbrough are still vivid in my mind and Michael Tonge - THAT freekick against Wednesday and the brilliant 1 man show against Liverpool.
But in terms of consistent attacking quality we can look no further than Michael Brown. The 2002/2003 season was one of the best times of my life as a young Blade. Ignoring Michael Brown's numerous goals we also had the beauty of beating Leeds, Sunderland and Liverpool on the way to the semi finals of both domestic cups. Not forgetting the memorable 2nd half fightback from 2-0 down against Forest in the playoff semi final.
In tribute to the Blades of that season, and because I needed cheering up and reminding of 'the good old days' I'm putting this video from Youtube up.
Enjoy it Blades fans, our time will come again!
Following your team is an expensive hobby with today's petrol prices...
Some Blades fans out there are truly dedicated and follow Sheffield United home and away. Credit to anybody that does it, especially in a season like this where most matches have ended in disapointment!
I've created a map of the away games we've had just this year. The total distance to travel ended up at 755.8 miles! Thats an incredible distance to follow a team you love.
View It's a long way to travel in a larger map
I've created a map of the away games we've had just this year. The total distance to travel ended up at 755.8 miles! Thats an incredible distance to follow a team you love.
View It's a long way to travel in a larger map
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
What a performance!
I'll be honest, going into Saturday's match against Leeds I was not hopeful at all. They had the best attack in the league and we had....well....Sheffield United's defence.
But our lads didn't half play well! Quality performances from Lowry and Lowton at the centre back spots and solid performances throughout the team. I think Nosworthy needs a quick mention as well, i'm not his biggest fan but he didn't half embarass that Leeds player by flicking the ball over his head!
Scunny lost as well which is a good sign but Palace keep picking up points. It isn't a lost cause yet though Blades, keep on with performances like that and then if we go down, at least we'll have gone down fighting!
UTB!
But our lads didn't half play well! Quality performances from Lowry and Lowton at the centre back spots and solid performances throughout the team. I think Nosworthy needs a quick mention as well, i'm not his biggest fan but he didn't half embarass that Leeds player by flicking the ball over his head!
Scunny lost as well which is a good sign but Palace keep picking up points. It isn't a lost cause yet though Blades, keep on with performances like that and then if we go down, at least we'll have gone down fighting!
UTB!
Saturday, 19 March 2011
What are the chances of staying up?
So today we play our Yorkshire rivals, Leeds United. Leeds are admittedly one of the most disliked teams in the football league due to their bullyboy tactics of the '70s and '80s, and being one of our big rivals it would be brilliant to get 3 points against them. Needless to say 3 points would help us massively in our fight for survival this season.
Before the match today I spoke to Sheffield United fan Daniel O'Brien and asked him his thoughts on our chances for survival. Here's what he had to say.
Before the match today I spoke to Sheffield United fan Daniel O'Brien and asked him his thoughts on our chances for survival. Here's what he had to say.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane
The home of football for all Blades fans!
I thought I'd take a picture of our great ground simply because I love it!
Random fact about Bramall Lane - It was the first ever football ground to host a floodlit match! So if that comes up in a pub quiz all Blades fans should be sorted!
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Optimism can be shortlived....
So after a brilliant win against Forest I'm sure many Blades, along with myself, felt that we could get some more points at a difficult trip to Watford.
I have to be honest I was quite excited to see Darius Henderson back in a red and white shirt, he's not the most skillful of players, but he at least gives us that strength up front to hold the ball up and hopefully get his head onto some crosses.
So at 3:10pm on Saturday all my newfound optimism had been replaced by the crushing disapointment that our beloved Blades were 'back to their best' defensively. Poor defending followed by our own centre back Neil Collins trying to stick it into our own net gifted an open net for Watford's Graham.
As has happened countless times this season, the Blades managed to press their self destruct button. Henderson returning from injury in style by getting sent off within 30 minutes, adding to his very impressive (for the wrong reasons!) disciplinary record.
Of course I could sit here and explain our shortfallings in this match but with another red card for our beloved Blades in the first half I think the 3 nil scoreline explains everything we need to know.
We're running out of time now for Mickey and the boys to turn things around. As a Blade I have no choice but to stay optimistic of survival until it is mathematically impossible, but even my 'glass is half full' approach has taken a serious beating this season!
I have to be honest I was quite excited to see Darius Henderson back in a red and white shirt, he's not the most skillful of players, but he at least gives us that strength up front to hold the ball up and hopefully get his head onto some crosses.
So at 3:10pm on Saturday all my newfound optimism had been replaced by the crushing disapointment that our beloved Blades were 'back to their best' defensively. Poor defending followed by our own centre back Neil Collins trying to stick it into our own net gifted an open net for Watford's Graham.
As has happened countless times this season, the Blades managed to press their self destruct button. Henderson returning from injury in style by getting sent off within 30 minutes, adding to his very impressive (for the wrong reasons!) disciplinary record.
Of course I could sit here and explain our shortfallings in this match but with another red card for our beloved Blades in the first half I think the 3 nil scoreline explains everything we need to know.
We're running out of time now for Mickey and the boys to turn things around. As a Blade I have no choice but to stay optimistic of survival until it is mathematically impossible, but even my 'glass is half full' approach has taken a serious beating this season!
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Watford today!
The team travel to Watford today with surely some confidence after pulling off a brilliant victory over Forest on Tuesday. Personally I would have bitten your hand off for a draw in that match so to get all 3 points is a great result, and what a time for Mickey Adams to get his first win with the Blades. Let us hope that this is a turning point!
On to Watford today, not an easy match by any means down at Carrow Road. Watford are unbeaten in the last 3 games and sit 11th in the Championship so I can see them making it difficult for us. One of their men that we really need to watch out for is Danny Graham who is 1 away from getting 20 league goals this season.
3 points today could be even more important than we realise. Our other relegation rivals all have arguably more difficult games than we do. Derby host Swansea and Scunthorpe host Leicester, but more importantly Crystal Palace have to travel away to the league leaders QPR. If Sheffield United are to have any chance of staying up we will need Palace to start losing some points.
Come on you red and white wizards!!!
On to Watford today, not an easy match by any means down at Carrow Road. Watford are unbeaten in the last 3 games and sit 11th in the Championship so I can see them making it difficult for us. One of their men that we really need to watch out for is Danny Graham who is 1 away from getting 20 league goals this season.
3 points today could be even more important than we realise. Our other relegation rivals all have arguably more difficult games than we do. Derby host Swansea and Scunthorpe host Leicester, but more importantly Crystal Palace have to travel away to the league leaders QPR. If Sheffield United are to have any chance of staying up we will need Palace to start losing some points.
Come on you red and white wizards!!!
Halfway down the road to league 1!
I'm very confident that at the beginning of this season no Sheffield United fan predicted we would be staring down the barrel of a relegation shotgun.
In August 2010 we were all complaining about a certain Kevin Blackwell and the awful excuse for football he was subjecting us to, even though we had been getting results in previous seasons. All we wanted was to see the ball played on the pitch instead of in the air above it. Bad results in the first 3 games caused the board to sack the manager and it's fair to say that pretty much every Sheffield United fan saw this as a turning point and though of Gary Speed as our saviour.
Whether or not Gary would have turned things around and become the manager we'd all hoped shall never be known, and I don't think anyone holds any bad feelings towards him for taking the Wales job.
So here we are now, after Jon Carver did his best as caretaker manager we have appointed Mickey Adams, a lifelong Blade fan with a good reputation in the lower leagues. He didn't have the best start with us but in complete fairness he has inherited a very poor squad of players.
UTB!
In August 2010 we were all complaining about a certain Kevin Blackwell and the awful excuse for football he was subjecting us to, even though we had been getting results in previous seasons. All we wanted was to see the ball played on the pitch instead of in the air above it. Bad results in the first 3 games caused the board to sack the manager and it's fair to say that pretty much every Sheffield United fan saw this as a turning point and though of Gary Speed as our saviour.
Whether or not Gary would have turned things around and become the manager we'd all hoped shall never be known, and I don't think anyone holds any bad feelings towards him for taking the Wales job.
So here we are now, after Jon Carver did his best as caretaker manager we have appointed Mickey Adams, a lifelong Blade fan with a good reputation in the lower leagues. He didn't have the best start with us but in complete fairness he has inherited a very poor squad of players.
UTB!
Blunt Blades and our season of despair
Howdy sports fans and welcome to the blog. I’ll be discussing various issues all surrounding the mighty Sheffield United FC.
The main issues will revolve around the current success, or lack of it, in the Championship this season. I’ll also be talking about transfers and other off the pitch activities that go on at ‘Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane’.
We’ll be speaking with fans and getting their views to see how optimistic we are for our chances of survival.
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