What do we want? We don't know! When do we want it? NOW! (WWOG Challenge)

Gricehead · January 25, 2006

Warnock had failed. The fans had finally got to him. Despite a play-off final and cup runs galore, he hadn't managed to return his Blades to the promised land of the Premiership. Strikers, so many strikers, had come and gone, but Neil had stayed. But last season was too much. Nothing to show from it but a few more wrinkles and a growing hole in the clubs finances.

"We were once great!" ranted a (probably delusional) Blades fan on Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven phone in, "and now we're in the same division as them Wendy b*stards again. It's time Warnock walked!" Not unusual in itself, as this could be heard week in, week out on South Yorkshire's finest broadcast medium.

The fans had clearly had enough, and this time Neil had too. He had cleared his desk, and left knowing that he'd tried his best. But he left with a wry smile; if the fans were angry now, they'd be livid in the morning.

This is the story of what happens when a Football Club gives the fans exactly what they ask for, even when they don't know what they want, and it starts on that very next morning...

Gricehead · January 25, 2006

Warnock had failed. The fans had finally got to him. Despite a play-off final and cup runs galore, he hadn't managed to return his Blades to the promised land of the Premiership. Strikers, so many strikers, had come and gone, but Neil had stayed. But last season was too much. Nothing to show from it but a few more wrinkles and a growing hole in the clubs finances.

"We were once great!" ranted a (probably delusional) Blades fan on Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven phone in, "and now we're in the same division as them Wendy b*stards again. It's time Warnock walked!" Not unusual in itself, as this could be heard week in, week out on South Yorkshire's finest broadcast medium.

The fans had clearly had enough, and this time Neil had too. He had cleared his desk, and left knowing that he'd tried his best. But he left with a wry smile; if the fans were angry now, they'd be livid in the morning.

This is the story of what happens when a Football Club gives the fans exactly what they ask for, even when they don't know what they want, and it starts on that very next morning...

Gricehead · January 25, 2006

That very next morning:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Breaking news on BBC Radio Sheffield. Let's go over to Bramall Lane, where Paul Walker has just been at a press conference."

"Thanks. I'm stood outside the main entrance here at Bramall Lane, and I feel as though I'm in a dream world. I've just witnessed the most surreal press conference ever. Derek Dooley, Chairman of Sheffield United PLC, walked into the room, read out a statement and then walked out again. No questions, no pleasantries, just the statement. This is what he said."

"Good morning gents. All of us here at Sheffield United Football Club and the PLC would like to thank Neil Warnock for the great work he has done at the club. We support Neil's difficult decision not to renew his contract, and in the light of our respect for him, we did not put him under any pressure either way. The fans, the lifeblood of this club, have made it clear that they felt it was time for a change. We respect that, and now that we have the opportunity for change we are going to give them what they want. Three major criticisms were often unfairly levelled at Neil by the fans. Firstly, his love for Sheffield United blinded him to decisions that needed to be made. Secondly, that his well-publicised poor relationships with many other prominent footballing figures were harming the reputation of the club. Thirdly, his tactical decisions were stale and predictable. Let me say right now that we refute all these criticisms one hundred percent. However, as I said earlier, we will give the fans what they want. That is why we have appointed, this morning, Colin Jordan as manager of Sheffield United for the duration of the forthcoming season. Colin is young, and will bring a fresh viewpoint into this club. He has no bones to pick with any footballing bigwigs, and he isn't a lifelong fan of Sheffield United. Something else which should endear him to those fans: He has a strong dislike for our neighbours in S6! We hope we can continue to give the fans exactly what they want throughout this season. Thank you. No questions please."

"And that was it. Absolutely unprecedented! So, what do we know about the new Blades manager? Not a lot apart from what you just heard. We hope to arrange an interview for Football Heaven in the next few days, but in the meantime if you out there know anything, don't forget to give us a call tonight, or email us via the website..." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gricehead · January 25, 2006

After an announcement like that, pre-season at Sheffield's bigger club was going to be, well, rather interesting. The fans were incensed and flooded Radio Sheffield at every opportunity, and when a pause appeared in the flow of abuse, up would pop a Wednesday fan to take the p*ss. Things weren't exactly helped when an anonymous tip-off revealed the new manager to be a big Rotherham United fan. Internet messageboards were full of keyboard warriors suggesting pickets and boycotts, and a handful of season tickets arrived back at the club in various torn up/burnt states. According to phone ins, these had been sent in by apporximately 200 fans.

But gradually, as July progressed, the storm seemed to ease. The club still had a good back room structure, the fans told themselves and each other, and so far none of the coaching team had upped and left. The team for the following season had already been built, thanks to Â£1.3m investment in Paul Ifill and Danny Webber, as well as some eminently sensible free signings of experienced players such as Leicester's Nalis and Gillespie, Neil Shipperley of Palace and David Unsworth of Portsmouth. Even Craig Short, one of Warnock's oldest chums in the game, and signed just a week before the shenanigans began, was still around. So it didn't really matter that the new manager wasn't out splashing the cash in the transfer market. Although, of course, a new striker wouldn't hurt.

Plus, it always helps when results go well, even if it is only meaningless pre-season. The first time the Blades fans saw their new manager in the dugout was against Liverpool Reserves, and although Stuart McCall was doing a lot of the arm-waving, Jordan surely couldn't be criticised too much for walking out with a 3-1 victory? Perhaps even more promising was a televised 0-0 draw against a strong Juventus side. Bury were seen off by the reserves, and run of the mill victories away from home at MK Dons and Brentford closed out the friendly programme.

By the first week of August, fans had forgotten about the management situation, and were purring at every opportunity over the attacking style the team were adopting. Going forward, especially down the right through either Ifill or Gillespie, was bringing rich reward. Kabba was on fire, and the defence looked solid seemingly regardless of whether Bromby, Kozluk, Short, Jagielka, Unsworth, Morgan or Geary were playing. There were some questions about the left side of midfield, though, and typically the fans concentrated on this in their more depressive moments.

A handful of youngsters snuck out of the club on 6 month loans, Ian Ross to Bury, Evan Horwood to Southport and Simon Francis to Oldham. Now it was time to get on with the real stuff. Sky had decided to televise the first match of the season, against Ipswich, on Saturday evening, so at least the fans would get to see what everyone else in the division was capable of first. An away tie at Macclesfield in the first round of the Carling Cup didn't even raise a mention. Taken for granted, as they say.

Gricehead · January 25, 2006

So how would the Blades fair in the 2nd flight of English football with a novice in charge. There was an upbeat atmosphere at Bramall Lane as the Blades faced Ipswich live on TV. The match itself petered out into a drab 0-0 draw, the sending off of Richard Naylor for the Tractor Boys coming too late for United to take advantage. Not unusual for a first game of the season, though. Three days later, another draw came at Millwall, but this one gave the fans a bit more to worry about. Two up entering the last ten minutes through goals from the on-fire Kabba and the soon-to-be-on-fire Webber, only for Don Hutchison to get a brace on his home debut. Fortunately not many fans travelled, but that didn't stop them making their feelings known:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Alan Wright just isn't up to it at this level. Why is he playing when we've got Unsworth and Armstrong in the squad" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Tonguey is not a left winger, and Forte isn't good enough. We need a new left winger" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This last point, at least, was conceded by the manager. Attempts were made to lure away at least three players away from Premiership sides, but all approaches were rebuffed. So the side travelled to Coventry, and boy did that get the fans' attention. A 4-0 stuffing, and the loss of Steve Kabba to an Ankle injury which would keep him out for over a month, certainly made the phones hot on Praise or Grumble, and with a full week until the next game the grumbles rumbled on each night. The Owls fans joined in, relatively happy with their 0-0 draw against Millwall, and more than happy to stick the knife in on their city rivals.

Nowhere to hide for the new manager, and no bolstering of the squad either, as despite interest in Shaw from Forest and Wright from Cardiff, deals to bring in replacements couldn't be struck so nothing happened. Rumours are that the players being chased were Kris Commons and Alan Lee, the latter adding the wrath of Rotherham fans to the general phone-in banter. Stephen Quinn headed off to Accrington until Christmas, and Kyle Nix did likewise to York. Danny Webber scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at home to Luton, which saw Shipperley helped off in the last minute with what was later confirmed as a broken arm. The striking problems were certainly mounting up for the Blades boss!

United progressed through to the 2nd round of the Carling Cup thanks to a Danny Webber hattrick, as the manager put out a strong side against League 2 Macclesfield. But it wasn't as simple as it sounded. 2-0 up, United again conceded two late goals, and had to rely on the winner coming in extra time. The August Bank Holiday saw two games in three days, and, sadly, as many defeats, but not before Manager Jordan made his first signing - Gavin McCann from Southampton for Â£150k. "Not the ultimate solution to the left wing problem, but also adds depth up front, which we desparately need." was the slightly nervous statement from a manager still learning his trade. So, those defeats. Cardiff, at Ninian Park, with their aging forward line of ex Blade Brian Deane and Dean Windass, didn't look to be any trouble as United cruised through the game thanks to another Webber goal. Once again two late goals killed them off, and Webber reported a knock at the end of the game, but at least Brian Deane didn't score. Wednesday were winning their first game of the season at the same time. That made everyone sooo much happier.

The makeshift forward line of McCann and Ifill started against QPR, and Gillespie's first goal for the club gave the Blades the lead. They still went in 2-1 down though. Things seemed to be looking up when QPR had a man sent off straight after half time, and when Jagielka forced an equaliser with just under quarter of an hour to spare things looked even better. Somehow, these hapless Blades still contrived to lose. So they ended August in 22nd place on 3 points.

Not the best month.

mavericktango · January 25, 2006

KUTGW

Gricehead · January 26, 2006

thanks, mavericktango.

September 2005

Clearly, September would have to be an improvement. The fans were starting to lose patience again. Preseason was a distant memory, replaced by a series of humiliating results. With an International weekend to start the month, there was plenty of time for discussions to turn to the subject of what was wrong. Three main points were being made by most callers to Football Heaven:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"The players aren't fit enough. We're constantly conceding in the last few minutes of games, and it's costing us dear. The fitness coach needs sacking pretty damn quick" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Jordan's tactics don't suit the players Warnock brought in. He's not playing to their strengths. If it weren't for Webber we'd be screwed" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"It takes time for this many new players to gel. Things will get better next month" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Of course, the negative comments outweighed the optimistic by about ten to one, as you would expect of football fans up and down the country. But there were some shreds of truth in the cynicism that the rookie manager could take away, and over the next week or so changes were noticed on the training ground by those hardy (sad) souls who went to watch. Sure, the staff were the same, but they seemed to have different roles and responsibilities.

There wasn't much of an improvement in levels of optimism as the Blades fans travelled south to Derby, although reports suggested Webber and Shaw would return, meaning there would something approaching a sensible attacking line on display. Badness arose when Derby took the lead early on, and worse followed. Webber was struggling with a knock, and when Shaw went down and was unable to continue, the manager pulled them both off. It was back to Ifill and McCann up front. All was not lost, however, as a man of the match performance from Leigh Bromby, and goals from Ifill and Gillespie both of which were set up by Quinn claimed United's first three points of the season. At last the fans had something to cheer about.

Danny Webber made it back to fitness in time to pop up with a last minute winner at home to Hull three days later, a match which saw United's incredibly bad luck with injuries continue as they lost Gillespie inside the first quarter of an hour. The day was significant to Blades around the world as this win, combined with a 2-1 defeat for the Owls at Burnley, moved them back to their rightful place above their Sheffield rivals, even if it was only to 16th. Youngster Dominic Roma departed for a 3 month stint at Darlington in the week, before the Blades made it three from three at Preston, thanks to another brace from the flying Danny Webber. The 2-1 victory, in which Leigh Bromby was again voted man of the match, moved the Blades up to 13th, but saw Paul Ifill pick up an injury which would keep him out for the rest of the month.

The manager rang the changes for the Carling Cup local derby against Chesterfield, but the Blades still ran out 2-0 winners, and it was still thanks to two Danny Webber goals. The game saw home debuts for 20 year olds Korean striker Lee San, and home-born midfielder Colin Marrison. The draw gave United a home tie against Liverpool, and that definitely got the fans excited.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Excellent! Bring on the Scousers! I think we can do 'em at the Lane, we're playing some good stuff at the moment." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Some good performances. Bromby is a star, I never thought I'd hear misen say that! We're still too reliant on Webber's goals though. The manager needs to bring in a new Striker. Shipperley is crocked, Shaw never seems to do owt when he's given the chance, and as for McCann, well he tries hard but he's not a Blade through and through is he? Good news that Kabba is back in training. Get him paired up with Webber and we'll rip the Wendy apart next month. COME ON YOU RED AN' WHITE WIZARRRRDDS!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And after all that, a 1-0 defeat at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium was a bit of an anti-climax. It could have been worse, as the Saints' new signing Pascal Cygan saw his penalty well saved by Kenny. Kabba's substitute appearance with half an hour to go was fairly uneventful. Returning home, the Blades faced Yorkshire rivals Leeds three days later. This was always one of Warnock's biggest battles, against his former assistant Kevin Blackwell, and at least United still had a local manager to maintain the intensity of the clash. More than 30000 packed into Bramall Lane, easily the biggest crowd of the season, and they watched as Webber gave the Blades the lead just before half time. McCann was replaced by Kabba on the hour, and within 5 minutes this gave the crowd what they wanted - a Steve Kabba goal, created by Webber. Nalis made it three as the game wound down, coming off the bench to replace Quinn, and the fans had their bragging rights over one of their Yorkshire neighbours. of course, they'd swap it straight away for a similar result in Octobers Steel City Derby.

Inevitably there was trouble in the streets around Bramall Lane after the match, and just as inevitably the Blades fans were crowing on Praise and Grumble, as Wednesday had lost 3-2 at Plymouth and were flirting dangerously with the drop zone. Bromby picked up another Man of the Match award, and made himself the undisputed player of the month, with the new gaffer getting an honourable mention in the manager of the month rundown.

Even Shipperley resumed training at the end of the month. Things were looking up.

Gricehead · January 26, 2006

Editorial comment: For those of you who were wondering, or who care, the McCann signed from Southampton was, of course, Neil McCann, not Gavin McCann.

Running England only on 6.0.2 (Conf N/S and above)

Gricehead · January 26, 2006

October 2006

It seemed like the new manager was getting the hang of this. The months started with yet another United win / Wednesday lose scenario. With one difference - Webber didn't get on the scoresheet. Quinn and Geary got the goals that beat Brighton 2-0, and moved the Blades up to 11th. Meanwhile, the Owls were losing 4-0 at Stoke. Shame. Bad news invariably follows good, however. Just as he was getting back to full fitness, and after another promising substitute appearance, Steve Kabba pulled up in training with what would turn out to be a torn groin muscle. At least two months out for the clubs unluckiest player.

The unbeaten run was extended to three games with a drab 0-0 draw at Carrow Road, where attention seemed to have drifted from the matter at hand. Kenny took the Man of the Match, saying a lot, and Webber and McCann both suffered knocks - for a change. Only Webber had to come off though. The sounds of the final whistle blowing were still echoing through the night air when the war of words started ahead of the Steel City derby. Sturrock started it, at least publically. In an interview for Radio Sheffield, he said:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"We can have no sympathy for a new manager. We'll be going all out for victory. There is nothing more satisfactory than getting a good result over your rivals" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

United's new manager couldn't let that lie. Although he probably let his obvious hatred for all things blue and white show a little too much.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Nothing would please me more than beating Wednesday. In fact I hope we move them closed to relegation. I hope they are unsuccessful in every competition they enter this season. Seeing them fail makes me happy and makes the Sheffield United fans happy" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So, there was a few days of all out warfare on the airwaves in Sheffield whilst, mercifully, both managers retreated to consider their team selection. Jordan elected to bring back Shipperley to play alongside Webber, and this turned out to be the masterstroke that gave him the upper hand over his rival Sturrock. Shipperley headed home his first ever goal for the Blades with 20 minutes gone. More tactically mastery followed, as Nalis was brought off the bench at the interval and scored (at the second attempt) less than ten minutes into the second half. Jagielka won the Man of the Match, whilst Jordan finally secured the adoration of the United fans - until the next game at least.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"We'll forgive him the appalling first month. For me, anyone who gets us outplaying that sorry lot from S6 can keep the job for life!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Sheffield Wednesday fans were remarkably quiet, as was Sturrock.

Jordan had 4 days to feel the love from the United faithful. Then he saw his team lose 1-0 to bottom club Watford at home. Ouch.

Faith was about to be restored. Liverpool were coming to town. There was a crisis in the striking department at Bramall Lane, though, with Webber out. The Blades manager turned to 35 year old player/coach Hao Haidong to partner hero Shipperley. Could the 31 year old striker do the business twice in a row? You bet he could. He fired United in to an unexpected lead, assisted by Haidong, only to see Luis GarcÃa equalise on the stroke of halftime. The second half passed with no more goals, but continuing pressure from the European Champions. Paddy Kenny was mostly responsible for United having the chance to play extra time. The first period passed without incident, the difference between the teams diminishing as fatigue took hold. The turning point seemed to have come when HyppiÃ¤ had to leave the field injured, taking subbed-out Liverpool down to ten men just before the end change. Straight from the restart, up popped Nick Montgomery to slot home his 1st goal of the season at the near post. The Blades tried to reorganise, take advantage of their substitutes, and defend the lead, but up popped Sinama Pongolle five minutes later to level things up again. It was going to be penalties!

Captain Unsworth took the first penalty for the home side, slotting it calmly in the bottom right hand corner. Up stepped Luis GarcÃa, but Kenny saves it! Shipperley, and scored past the keeper without hiim moving. Dietmar Hamman gave Liverpool hope, more so when Nalis had his attempt saved. Forward came extra time hero Sinama-Pongolle, and Kenny got his revenge! Ifill scored, as did Zenden, and it was down to Warnock's old pal Craig Short to take the decisive kick. He shot, scored, and that was that. Liverpool had been put to the sword. Was this to be another of United's famous cup runs?

Chances of further cup glory, lets say a tie against Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea, were dashed when United were rewarded with a trip to Preston. Smashing.

Webber returned for trip to leaders Wolves in a televised match. In a game remarkable for the contribution of Nick Montgomery, who was awarded the man of the match award, Webber scored two, separated by a first goal for Hao Haidong, as the Blades came from 1-0 down to knock the Wanderers off their perch. The Chinese international was only on the pitch after Shipperley departed with an injured heel.

So the Blades finished October in 9th place, the highest point of the season so far. Would they continue their rise to the top, or would they be made to pay for that poor start?

Terk · January 26, 2006

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gricehead:

Editorial comment: For those of you who were wondering, or who care, the McCann signed from Southampton was, of course, Neil McCann, not Gavin McCann.

Running England only on 6.0.2 (Conf N/S and above) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Figured you wouldn't be stupid enough to put Gav McCann up front

Good to see results picking up after a dreadful first month, less happy to see Liverpool dumped out of the cup

Gricehead · January 31, 2006

Awwww poor Liverpool

November 2005

With only four league games and a Carling Cup game on the calendar, November was not going to answer many of the questions posed by the season, but consolidation was the name of the game. Which is exactly what a tired looking Blades side didn't manage on the 1st of the month away at Leicester. An early dismisal of Jagielka wasn't punished until the last ten minutes. The result was one thing, but losing Jags for the visit of league leaders Crystal Palace was something else entirely.

News leaked out of Bramall Lane during the week that the new manager had again failed in his attempts to secure any loan signings to strenghten his squad. Not only that, but their had apparently been bids turned down by two League One clubs, one described as derisory. So there was more than one topic for the Blades faithful to discuss on the way to the ground: Who were these players that Jordan was trying to sign? Was the club showing the right amount of ambition by chasing lower league players? Was the lack of signings linked to the managers lack of reputation? It could prove an intersting phone-in after the game.

The performance on the pitch soon put most of those questions to the back of the fans minds though. Craig Short replaced Jags in defence, and captained the side to one of their best results of the season. Quick fire goals from Nalis and Hao Haidong midway through the half gave United a comfortable cushion, and the game was put beyond the visitors by a Webber penalty in the last minute of the half. Haidong added a 4th in the second half, and Bramall Lane was rocking. Odd choice for Man of the Match was Neil McCann, as most fans couldn't decide on a single hero.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Magnificent! We were superb right across the park today. Jordan has really got us playing, and if there's any Palace fans listening TOP OF THE LEAGUE YER AVIN A LAFF" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Another up on the rollercoaster of supporting the Blades. United win, and play some cracking football, and the Fowls lose by nearly the same scoreline. But it's all about consistency. Same old story, you never know which Sheffield United is going to turn up. I'll bet you a tenner it's a completely different performance next Saturday" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"There's a rumour that we've had a new bid accepted for Pawel Abbott. Have you heard anything? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Radio Sheffield hadn't heard anything at that point, but it was the breaking news story on Monday. Pawel Abbott to sign for the Blades in January for a fee that would eventually reach Â£725k.

The caller with that news wasn't the only one to have an insight into the future. The following Saturday the Blades travelled to Burnley and came away on the wrong side of a 5-1 defeat. Ade Akinbad-buy scored a hattrick. Any other player and the Blades wfans would have been on the backs of the club asking why they'd signed Abbott instead of the hattrick hero, but not Akinbiyi. No-one dared to tempt fate that much. Excuses? An injury to Bromby, a missed penalty and a mid-game injury for McCann.

Still, the last league game of the month was a great opportunity to demonstrate bouncebackability. At home to bottom of the table Crewe. Surely the strikers would gain some confidence from this? One did, but it wasn't until the 90th minute, By that time the tension levels inside Bramall Lane were pretty high, and the relief from the Shipperley header was all that saved the side from being booed off. Still, three points is three points, and the team would finish the month in 10th place. Not that business for the month was quite finished.

Preston, at Deepdale, for a place in the Carling Cup Quarter Final. After Liverpool, it should be a breeze. Shouldn't it? The Blades strongest side just weren't at the races, and were 2-0 down by half time. Danny Webber got one back, but then got himself injured before Preston topped off the 3-1 scoreline with a last minute penalty. Arse.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"It's a clichÃ©, but it's time to concentrate on the league. Get us up into the playoff positions and put some pressure on the top two." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Too right.

Gricehead · February 3, 2006

December 2005

November had ended with the fans pleading for the club to push on in the league, and head up into the playoffs. December started with them doing just that. United proved they travelled well, as they made the long journey down to Plymouth and came away with a 4-1 win. With Webber still missing, it was Shipperley and Ifill up front, with 2 goals for the big man, taking him to 5 for the season. Ifill added one for his contribution, and Tongey tucked away a penalty. The win moved United into 5th, but the injury woes continued as Ifill picked up a virus in midweek.

The FA Cup draw ensured that the Blades would have to make two trips to the inhospitable Kenilworth Road within two weeks. The first, the league encounter and undoutably the more important, on the 28th, and the third round of the cup on the 8th of January.

A half-fit Danny Webber was recalled to duty for the home fixture against Reading. To watch the team play, there was no evidence of an attacking crisis, as Webber scored first and Shipperley doubled the lead in the second half. Man of the match went to Phil Jagielka, with the Blades looking dominant and moving another place up the table. As usual, the fans went completely over the top.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Fabulous! We're looking unbeatable! In the playoffs, and there's no reason why we can't catch Norwich and Palace. COME ONE!!!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Pride before a fall. A bare bones United side, including 20 year old Colin Marrison on the bench, travelled to Stoke on Tuesday night. Stoke threw everything at them in the first 10 minutes, and scored the only goal of the game, whilst the combined might of the remaining Blades attack couldn't break them down. A 1-0 defeat, but perhaps nothing to be worried about.

On to Ipswich, and again the Blades conceded the lead. Shipps equalised though, and after half time they could have had the lead, but Tongey missed the penalty. Man of the Match Sam Parkin scored two in five minutes to give Ipswich a flattering 3-1 win. The Blades would spend Christmas back in tenth place. The fans were concerned.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Our away form is costing us badly. Only 3 points out of 18 on the road. 14 goals conceded in that time. Something needs to change!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"We've been so unlucky with injuries. Maybe Warnock put a curse on us when he left! I can't wait for January so we can finally put two strikers out again." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Those Blunts are on the slide, and Wednesday are on the up. It's going to be a Blue and White Christmas!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There were still two games in 2005 though. With sore heads from Christmas over indulgence, and no doubt from barrages of banter from their Wednesday rivals, Blades fans headed to Luton for the traditional Boxing Day game. Only to see their side, returned to some semblance of strength, perform poorly, as though they themselves had eaten too much turkey. Luton ran out 3-1 winners, a late consoloation for Webber the only positive note. Luton had played to their strengths, and the fans could only hope that the Blades backroom staff had learned enough from the encounter to avoid an early exit from the FA Cup. Wednesday won again as well.

United at least ended the month on a positive. It was scrappy, and by no means convincing, but a 1-0 win at home against Millwall was otherwise just what the doctor ordered. Webber got the winner, his 20th goal of the season, but only after Millwall had missed a 2nd minute penalty. So the Blades ended the month in 9th, pretty much where they started. Maybe the transfer window would make a difference?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Have you heard whether we're signing anyone else in the window? Another striker as back up would be good, especially with Shaw going." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nothing had been heard.

Ell and Back · February 4, 2006

Enjoying this Gricehead. I like the little fan quotes adds a nice dimension to the story.

Gricehead · February 5, 2006

Thanks "Ell and Back"!

January 2006

New Year, new striker. And with that, a new chance? The arrival of Pawel Abbott, and the departure of Paul Shaw, along with the departure fo young centre back Dominic Roma to Chester on loan, all happened whilst most Blades fans were still nursing hangovers. There seemed to be an air of resolution around Bramall Lane though, as two home wins followed in quick succession to move United up to 7th. The first, and most impressive, came against 4rd placed Cardiff, who were leading 1-0 at halftime. Cue the introduction of Abbott, and an equaliser within five minutes. The Blades gained a numerical advantage not long after, with the sending off of Darren Purse for the visitors. Monty eventually took advantage to make it 2-1, and then Jags was sent off to even the numbers up on the pitch at least. The Blades hung on, a battling performance from Craig Short earning him the Man of the Match bubbly.

Struggling Coventry offered less resistance. Abbott started, and scored in the second minute, before setting up Webber for the second as United eased towards the break. The former Huddersfield man added a 3rd in the second period, with Coventry allowed a consolation ten minutes from time. This was the Pawel Abbott show, have no doubt, and he took away his first bottle of bubbly as a Sheffield United player. No fan would deny it him.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"A great start to the new year. Abbott's brought that touch of class into the Championship that he showed for Huddersfield last season. Thanks for that Terriers!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Two good wins, but we need to push on now and make them count. Forget the cup, that doesn't matter this season. Let's just get into the playoffs and get promotion." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I just want to disagree with that last caller. How can he say forget about the cup? It's the biggest club competition in the world, and it if the worst happens and we're stuck in the Championship again next season, a good cup run could be the difference between having a million to spend, and having nothing to spend. Play our strongest team, and we should beat Luton, especially with Abbott and Webber in scoring form." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Abbott won't be playing in the cup, he's cup tied. He played for Huddersfield earlier." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

All arguments aside, the last caller at least was right. Abbott would have time to enjoy his Championship champagne - and get over the resulting hangover - as he was ineligible for the FA Cup tie at Kenilworth Road. Webber was also missing, so it was the makeshift partnership of Ifill and Shipperley, with the attacking option of young Korean Lee San on the bench. United's form continued, and Luton were blown away. A goal each for the strikers in the first half meant Luton had a difficult job on their hands. Shipps penalty early in the second ended their chances. They got one back, but Lee San, coming off the bench, got on the end of a cross from Geary and scored his first professional goal. No calls to the phone-in about forgetting the cup that night.

The Cup was back on the agenda for the first Football Heaven of the week on Monday night, as a result of the 4th round draw:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Old Trafford! Man United! That's the sort of game us Blades should be seeing week in week out! Let's go and give them a good game, and hopefully we can bring them back to Bramall Lane." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Sod bringing them back to the Lane. You only get one chance against big teams, so we've got to go all out to beat them at the first attempt. It would have been better to get them at home, like we did with the Scousers, but it'll be good for the bank balance whatever happens!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Once again, the Blades were probably guilty of letting cup speculation take their focus away from everything else. There was certainly little comment on the arrival of German Euguen Bopp from Forest for an initial fee just short of Â£100k. There was a little more consternation as the side almost no-showed for the important away tie at 5th placed QPR. Only a late strike from sub Shipperley made the 2-1 scoreline respectable, as Abbott in particular failed to show any form.

Faith was partially restored thanks to a tight 1-0 home victory over Derby County. Webber, again, scored the only goal of the game, which ensured that the Blades would travel to Old Trafford in the playoff places.

Loan activity hotted up as the fans queued for their tickets, scarves, wigs and hats for the biggest away day of the season. Evan Horwood headed south to Southend, whilst Ian Ross stayed a little closer to home at Stockport. There was incoming activity as well, with out of favour midfielder Gavin Williams arriving on loan from West Ham for the rest of the season.

The much-hyped Old Trafford trip was, perhaps unsurprisingly, an anti-climax. A strong Manchester United side picked off the Blades twice in the first half, and despite a ray of hope provided by Ifill shortly into the second, there were a further two goals for the Premiership side. More concerning for the manager than the scoreline must have been the state of Shipperley and Ifill when they came off the pitch, with an important League game to follow on Tuesday.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Disappointing, but not the end of the world. No excuses now, all the cups are out of the way. We're in the playoffs, and Jordan must keep us there." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What the fans wanted was clear: a positive reaction in the game against Hull. The Tigers had a different idea, and after taking the lead with an early strike, they shut up shop and didn't even allow the visitors - at full strength despite the worries on Saturday - a shot at goal. The performance was good enough to earn Jags the man of the match, but the champers tasted bitter as the league table showed United back in 9th again

Another month with no progress made.

Gricehead · February 6, 2006

February 2006

Something had to happen in February. Only five games were scheduled, but they could very much shape the future of the season. The transfer window had slammed shut without any more big name signings appearing, and with memories of Old Trafford now fading, there wasn't much positivity around Bramall Lane. In particular, the visit of high flying Southampton wasn't anything to look forward to.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Saturday is such a big game. If we lose to the Saints, we could quite easily go all month without a win. We're crap away from home, and Preston and Norwich are both tough games. We need to hit Southampton hard and early, otherwise this season is a write off." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, it was Southampton doing the hitting, with a goal to silence the Blades faithful in the 3rd minute. It was only the return of Steve Kabba from the bench that really gave the crowd anything to sing about. Until stoppage time, when Paul Ifill rifled home a freekick for the equaliser. With fans, scoring a last minute equaliser sometimes feels as good as a win, so this was an unexpected escape for the management team.

Fortunately, not many fans would have travelled to the Withdean stadium. Those that did witnessed a mauling by one of the struggling teams in the division. Only Monty (who scored) and Geary (who battled) came out of the game with any respect as Brighton, and in particular Argentinian striker Federico Turienzo, ran the Blades ragged. It finished 4-1, but could have been much worse. Kabba started his first game since injury, playing alongside Abbott, but neither ever looked in any danger of scoring.

More travelled to Leeds, even though it was a Tuesday night, and those who hadn't witnessed the Brighton game first hand might have been of the opinion that everything was OK with the world when Shipperley gave them the lead. Sadly not, as Leeds scored four times before the Blades next troubled the scorer. Good news at least for Kabba, who came off the bench to score a consolation goal, before Leeds made it 5-2. The Blades dropped to 11th and the fans were still talking about it on Thursday.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Embarrasing. Jordan should just go now. If he can't motivate players for a big local derby like that, he's not the right man for the job. We've got the Wendies next month, and it doesn't bear thinking about" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I really don't understand what's going off down there. There's not alot different in that team from the one which was up in the playoff places. Very worrying." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Nothing different? Lets just look at the team from Tuesday night: Wright, too old and too slow. McCann, never been good enough. Not fit to wear the United shirt. Williams? Rubbish. Tell him to <bleep> off back to East London. If those are the sort of players Jordan has in mind for the future of this club, then he should just <bleep> off before he ruins us." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Ha ha, well what was that last guy on? I've been down to training today. The lads were all in early and did a double session, and in the practise game they looked to be trying something different. Maybe they've spotted the problem? We'll have to wait until Saturday I guess." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Saturday came, bringing Preston with it. Webber netted early on, and the Blades faithful held their breath to see what would happen next. The new tactics seemed to be taking the "confuse the opposition" approach, with the two wingers constantly swapping sides. Unfortunately, neither Tongey or Ifill are particularly both-footed, so not much progress was being made. Preston, though, fell on the sacrificial sword, getting a man sent off just before half time, and then letting Shipps add a second goal to kill off the game. Webber completed his hattrick before being subbed in the second half, and the only real sour notes were a knock for Kabba when he came on, and a consolation goal for the visitors. The Blades fans would take it, especially as it restored 9th place and winning ways.

There was shock and dismay during the week, as fans read in the Sheffield Star an interview with Webber, who said he wanted away to a bigger club where he could be more famous. The manager came out the same day and gave a statement to the radio, saying Webber would be better off staying with Sheffield United and helping him make the Blades a successful club. Fans doubted this, but appreciated the sentiment. They probably wouldn't forgive Webber as easily. Strange that, a manager leading them to mediocrity gets their support over a striker who has scored 20 goals.

Second placed Norwich came on the last Saturday of the month, and they went away dizzy and confused as well. Webber and Quinn got a goal each, which silenced the minority of fans who were booing the striker, and Paddy Kenny kept a clean sheet in a performance worthy of the Man of the Match award. The win made the fans happy, if a little concerned that Ifill, Abbott, Webber and McCann all took knocks. Once again, United finished the month in 9th, whilst unhappy youngster Colin Marrison finished it by agreeing a loan spell at Tamworth.

I don't know who was most pleased.

Gricehead · February 7, 2006

March 2006

Only 4 games scheduled in March, due to International commitments. They could still have a massive impact on the outcome of the season though. First up was the return of the Steel City Derby. If any game could spark a revival, this one could. The buildup was as heated as ever between the fans, although the two managers kept their cards close to their chests. United were coming off back to back convincing wins, with Wednesday's mixed form including a convincing away win and a narrow defeat. Wednesday had home advantage, though, and that often counted for much in these games.

As it happened, the match was a drab affair. For 80 minutes it had 0-0 written all over it, with the fans showing more interest in each other than the action on the pitch, but it all turned when Leigh Bromby was shown a second yellow card for tripping loanee Chris Brown. Five minutes later, in the last minute of normal time, Brown was back on his feet and chipping Paddy Kenny for the winning goal. Not the most popular of outcomes with the Blades faithful. Once the fisticuffs in the streets of Hillborough had quietend down, and everyone was safely back home, there was the radio to listen to.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"**** game, but we had most of the chances, and should have won it. A goal scored by a loanee, and the man of the match for a loanee keeper. Do the Wendy have any players of their own, are can't they afford them?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"You'd think they'd won the cup final. Messag for the piggies: You're still going, and you're still ****." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Leigh Bromby? F**k off! Once a piggy, always a f**king piggy! He did that deliberately and it's cost us the game. Send him back to f**king Hillsborough! And take that twat of a Rotherham fan so called manager with him." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It perhaps should be noted that Leigh Bromby was out of contract at the end of the season, and hadn't yet agreed a new one. Probably wouldn't bother now, if he'd been listening to that.

Having had a week to stew over the painful derby defeat, Blades fans turned up at Bramall Lane to see their side go behind in the first minute against rivals for the playoff places Leicester. Those that didn't immediately hang themselves or head for the pub would have seen a vintage United performance. Webber equalised within five minutes, and second half goals for Shipps, Webber again and Ifill in the 2nd half made it a rout. Didn't do much for the league position, though.

Coming away from Vicarage Road with a point was more of a relief to the fans than anything else, especially as they had seen their side concede a goal ten minutes from the end. The rarest of things - a Neil McCann goal - levelled it up, and the Blades climbed to 8th, other results having gone their way. Attention turned to the state of the squad for next season.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Has anything been said about contracts yet? I know Tongey hasn't signed yet." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I hope we keep Tonge. He's a class player at this level, and he could hack it in the Prem. We might lose him if we don't go up though." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"To answer that first callers question, Wright, Kozluk, Short, Bromby, and Kabba all have contracts running out at the end of the season. I hope we can keep Kabba and, much as it pains me to say it, Bromby is probably worth another shot even if he's a piggy reject. The others can go to release up some wages. Hopefully this new gaffer will be able to get some decent signings in over the summer. Especially in defence if all those leave." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Plenty of food for thought there, and on Saturday four of the out of contract players were in the squad to face Wolves at home. Despite having the best of the play, United were chasing the game from the 26th minute when Wolves took the lead. Twice United equalised, and twice Wolves regained the slender advantage. For 40 minutes the home fans urged their side on to find that elusive 3rd equaliser, but it never came.

And so the Blades ended March in, you've guessed it, 9th!

Educated Hick · February 7, 2006

Didn't you use this title in a story a couple of years ago?

Good start as usual

BobBev · February 7, 2006

Just caught up after my holiday break and enjoying this one Colin

Gricehead · February 7, 2006

Thanks guys.

The Run in.

Six Games. Six games that would, for many fans, decide whether this new manager on the block was a success of not. Simple equation: Finish in the playoffs, a success. Finish outside the playoffs? Not. Winning five of the games, statistically speaking, would be enough. And where better to start then almost-already-relegated Crewe? Just about anywhere, as it happens. A Blades side without a first choice right winger put up very little fight, and when Crewe scored with 15 minutes to go there was never going to be a way back, especially as the manager had no strikers on the bench either.

Just 5 wins from 5 required then.

Having lost at bottom side Crewe, the Blades headed to top side Crystal Palace - and won, of course. Palace new-boy Jean-Alain Boumsong contributed to the cause by getting himself sent off. Unsworth converted the resulting penalty, only to concede one at the other end himself later in the half. Parity lasted just two minutes, with a fit-again Ifill restoring the lead. Monty added a third late in the second half to give the scoreline a more flattering look. Not bad for a side that went into the game with the blunt looking attack of Abbott and Lee San. Man of the match for Michael Tonge, but end of the season for McCann as he tore a hamstring two minutes after coming on as a second half sub.

Other results went as well as could be expected, leaving the Blades in 7th place, 4 points outside the playoffs.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Excellent! Come on, we can do this! We've proved time and time again this season that we are better than those so-called Premiership teams in the top two. Four games, three at home, how hard can it be?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Good win. Pity we've already F**ked it up. What was Jordan thinking, picking that team for Crewe? Forte hadn't played a first team game for weeks, and McCann on the right? Please! And why no strikers on the bench? Come on! It's not rocket science." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Easter double-header was, fortunately, two home games. Burnley were no pushover though, and with the squad getting thin through injury it was going to be a tough ask. At least Webber and Shipps were back together, and it was the big man who got the first half goal against the Lancashire outfit. Backs to the wall after that, as Geary and Ifill both took knocks for the cause, and even the terminally useless Gavin Williams had to come on. But the Blades held out. To no avail, as it turned out, as results went against them and they remained 7th, 4 points adrift.

Paul Ifill played through the pain barrier as Plymouth came to the lane on Easter Monday. The midfielder had agreed to a course of painkilling injections that would allow him to at least start the game. Fortunately this was a much easier game. Plymouth clearly hadn't relished the long bank holiday trip, and goals either side of half time for Tonge and Jagielka meant that Ifill could be withdrawn with the game already won, and hopefully without causing himself too much long term damage. It was status quo in the league, however.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"So it's all down to Reading then. Anything less than a win there and it's all over. Some of the others have tough games, and if we get the points I think we're in with a shout against Stoke." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Reading had been disappointing. Many people's favourites for the playoffs at least, they were lying one place and two points behind the Blades. There season was already over, barring a miracle. Jordan would have loved to have gone hell-for-leather at this game, but with no Ifill or Gillespie, there was only Gavin Williams to attack the right wing. The premiership player had looked low on confidence for his entire loan period. In fact it wasn't really fair to call him a premiership player as he had only made ten starts for West Ham since his transfer from Yeovil. You could see why the fans didn't understand Jordan's decision to sign him.

Those fans making the journey to the Madejski, or listening to the build up on Radio Sheffield, probably groaned when they heard his name read out on the teamsheet. They definitely groaned when Leroy Lita fired the home side ahead after just twelve minutes. As the time ticked down, and first Tonge then Quinn departed with injuries, the Blades fans slunk silently out of the stadium, and made their way home in the sad knowledge that they would be facing life as a Championship team again next season.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Gutted. Absolutely gutted. What cost us? Well, today cost us, but that's not the most of it. So many times we've lost games we should have at least drawn, and probably won." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Yeah, got to agree with the last caller. It's going to be a long journey home, and we'll be playing every single game back over in our heads all the way. At the end of the day, it was that first couple of months which cost us. You always get that with a new manager. But we have to remember, Warnock did no better last year" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The fans could continue their dissection all summer if they wanted to, but there was still another game to play. Williams loan was cancelled the minute the final whistle went at Reading, so he headed off back to Upton Park. Jordan rung the changes, and brought the youngsters out to play. Dominic Roma made his debut in defence, and Kevan Hurst did similarly on the right wing. Forte was given the chance to prove his worth (again), and Kabba started what would turn out to be his last United game. Fittingly, he scored the first goal, before seeing Derek Geary getting sent off just before half time. The remaining ten were still strong enough, though, and Alan Quinn grabbed a second. The referee evened things up in the last minute by sending Stoke's Michael Duberry off.

Irritatingly, Sheffield United finished the season in 7th place, a single point outside the playoffs. Such is the narrow margin between success and failure. Wednesday finished 18th, which didn't help. Norwich and Crystal Palace returned whence they came, whilst Wolves eventually gained promotion through the playoffs. Three sides who were officially great again.

United? Well they were officially still "Once Great". Until next season.

Gricehead · February 8, 2006

The Summer of '06

The Sheffield United management team wasted no time in getting down to rebuilding the squad for the season ahead. Well, most of them were. Stuart McCall, however, had decided he'd had enough of this sh*t, and actually he had only stayed at the club because of Warnock. So, he buggered off, and Jordan had to work hard to persuade Kit Symons to come to the Lane as Assistant Manager. Kit quickly assessed the squad, and gave Jordan the benefit of his experience. It was clear there were a few areas where strengthening was needed. Unfortunately, budget might turn out to be a problem. Despite being awarded a new three year contract by the board, Jordan had been told he would have no more than Â£200,000 to spend - a pittance at the side of the million available last year.

It was a case of seeing who could be persuaded to stay, and then figuring out who to sign, without making it obvious you were struggling for cash. Luke Beckett was allowed to go to Gillingham for Â£85k, despite Oldham having a buyout clause in his loan contract. The only other cash sale was of wingback Chris Armstrong, also to Gillingham, for Â£26k. Alan Wright, Rob Kozluk and Craig Short were allowed to leave for free - to Derby, Northampton and Swansea respectively, whilst two players who Jordan did want to keep refused to sign contracts. Leigh Bromby, probably irritated by the abuse he received for being an ex Wednesday player, signed for Stoke. Steven Kabba went to Cardiff.

Despite failing in an audacious bid to re-sign Michael Brown from Tottenham (he went to Derby) Jordan still managed to get a decent crop of players in. 23 year old Joe Keenan, from Chelsea, and 28 year old Slovakian Vratislav Gresko, from Blackburn, both occupy similar positions, but could potentially form a great partnership on the left. David Thompson, also from Blackburn, would bring a touch of class to midfield. Grand total for that lot? Nada. Nothing. The signing most likely to make people say "Who?", though, was JosÃ© Luis Sierra, from Bolton. The 37 year old Chilean playmaker cost Â£3000. He didn't do much in his 6 months at the Premiership side, but Jordan saw something special.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"JosÃ© who? And why have we signed all midfielders? What about replacing Kabba, who should never have let go? What about central defence? Not much backup there now Shorty has gone is there?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's what pre-season would hopefully find out.

Terk · February 8, 2006

Shame about missing the play-offs, particularly by such a small margin. Best of luck in making the Blades great again in the coming season

sherm · February 8, 2006

unlucky abouth the playoffs gricehead, but maybe next season

KUTGW

Gricehead · March 3, 2006

Maybe next season indeed.

Pre-season 2006/07

Compared with the previous season, the calendar of friendlies this year was poor. Only one home game, against Newcastle, the week before the league kicked off. Away ties at Gateshead and Peterborough, and a quick trip to Lisburn to play Distillery were the other elements in the lightweight programme, although it was expected that their would be a charity game played at Bramall Lane between the first team and the reserves.

Bravely continuing on with the same playing style they ended last season, a strong side hit Gateshead for 6 in front of an unlikely 10000 plus crowd at the International Stadium. Six different goalscorers, including two from second half substitutes, ensured the action was spread around. The team - Kenny, Geary, Jags, Unsworth, Gresko, Thompson, Tonge, Sierra, Nalis, Webber and Shipperley - was generally thought to be pretty close to the strongest available. The remainder of the first team squad were sent to Peterborough to try their luck, along with a few youngsters, giving the manager a first chance to look at promising centre half Dominic Roma. Kevan Hurst, Lee San, Jonathan Forte and Adrian Harper also saw action from the bench. The game ended, disappointingly, 0-0.

Jags, Gresko and Sierra all shone in Northern Ireland, with a 4-1 win. Again, the goals all came from different scorers. Ifill got his first start of preseason, and the combination of Keenan and Gresko on the left was seen for the first time. Media speculation had it that these two could become the regular left back/left wing pairing, especially if Michael Tonge's poor form continued. The fans were divided, especially as many of them had not made the trip over the Irish Sea.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Tongey is United through and through. If you cut him in half, you'd see red and white blood, and SUFC down the middle. The manager needs to stick with him, and give him another chance." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I went to Lisburn yesterday, and I have to disagree. Gresko actually went past his man and got crosses in on several occasions. I can't remember the last time Tongey did that, he always cuts inside. Maybe we should look at playing him in the middle instead." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I hope the manager isn't paying too much attention to the previous callers. It's pre-season for God's sake! You can't make a decision based on one match. Let's see what he has in mind over the next two games, and who actually starts in the first league game." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Saturday before the season started; the last Saturday in July, saw the 1st and 2nd elevens come together for a game in aid of the Sheffield Children's Hospital. This was the penultimate chance for the first team to get match fitness, and Jordan lined up with Kenny, Francis, Morgan, Unsworth, Keenan, Gillespie, Gresko, Thompson, Nalis, Abbott and Shipperley. Kit Symons fielded a young eleven of Robbie Ward, Nicky Law, Ian Ross, Kyle McFadzean, Travis Binnion, Kevan Hurst, Kyle nix, James Ashmore, Adrian Harper, Lee San and Gary Mulligan. Despite the party atmosphere before the game and at half time, the first team showed their professionalism, and prevented the reserves from having a single attempt at goal. At the other end it was Pawel Abbott with a first half brace who stole the show. Subs Tonge, Ifill, Quinn, McCann and Barnes all got on the field, but none particularly impressed.

It all got decidedly more serious on Tuesday night, with Newcastle bringing a strong side to Bramall Lane. The likes of Given, Babayaro, Solano, Luque, Bowyer, Hugo Viana, Owen and Ameobi lined up for the black and whites, and Jordan fielded an eleven that once again was only a couple of players away from his strongest. To be fair, it wasn't really a representation of the sort of football either manager would want to see their side play during the main part of the season, but the Sheffield United boss would probably have come away happier. After conceding an early Owen goal, his side fought hard, securing an equaliser on the hour mark from Webber. The introduction at the break of Nalis and Bopp in midfield, and Keenan for the lacklustre Tonge, seemed to give the team more creative outlets and, yes, that pairing of Keenan and Gresko was working well again. Paddy Kenny still had the most work to do of the two keepers, though, as the game ended in a draw.

Not a lot could be drawn from that set of pre-season results, and anybody trying to do so would be inviting criticism of their views upon themselves. But football fans are football fans, and there would be enough for them to chew over in the pubs as the excitement of Saturday, and the real business of the season, approached.

mavericktango · March 3, 2006

Good luck this season !

Gricehead · March 3, 2006

Thanks mavericktango!

August 2006

The talking was over. Blades fans throughout the city had had their say. They'd analysed every possibility from every conceivable angle, and most of them had picked their own team. Some of the more anal ones had even written it down on a teamsheet. The first visitors of the season to Bramall Lane were Luton, and whilst they were by no means pushovers, it was (in the fans eyes) one of the easier ways to start. Other than the Fowls, of course. There was a huge cheer when Michael Tonge's name was read out, drowning out the shocked noises from those who had decided he would be left out in favour of the Gresko/Keenan partnership. Ifill had been chosen ahead of Thompson, and Morgan got the centreback spot alongside Jags. Shipps and Webber resumed their partnership up front, and it was the big striker who got the season underway with a goal on 20 minutes. The strike was enough to win him the Man of the Match, but not enough to win three points, as Luton equalised before the break with a screamer of a freekick. The fans got to see their left-of-field partnership for the last 25 minutes, but nothing became of it.

Thompson replaced Ifill for the second half of the home double-header; Ipswich on Tuesday night. The Tractor Boys came for a draw and got it, without getting a shot on target all night. Which, of course, meant that the Blades didn't score either. Jordan made the same substitutions, slightly earlier this time, but with no more effect than in the previous game. Which meant the Blades (minus Ian Ross, who was off to Darlington for 5 months) would head for freshly relegated Wigan still looking for their first win of the season.

Not the best of places to go in search of a result, as Wigan were favourites to go straight back up again. Geary came in for Francis, who had taken knocks in each of the first two games, and found the accumulation too much to go on with. The Blades kept the home side at bay for the first half hour, but Wigan were 2 goals to the good by half time, and there looked no way back. Gillespie replaced Thompson at halftime, with Quinn and Abbott coming on for Sierra and Shipps ten minutes later. Of course, this meant that Tonge would have to stay on the pitch for the whole game. So who should score in the last minute? Michael Tonge. It wasn't enough, though, and the Blades returned east with nil points.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Here we go again! What a shocking start to the season. It cost us last year, and whilst I don't want to be unnecessarily pessimistic, it will cost us again this year unless we do something quickly. Jordan has to get it right, or go!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Where to start? I can't pick out individual bad performances, we just look off the pace. Always a yard behind. The only player who has put on a quality display was Tongey in the Wigan match, and half the fans want him out. And guess what? We need another striker!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Time for Jordan to shape up or ship out. He's brought in players that aren't performing, and let others go who we should have been going all out to keep. I understand we're way over wage budget, and have practically no money left to spend on transfers. It's <bleep> or bust time!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Four things worthy of note happened in the week leading up to the next game at Preston. Stephen Quinn departed on loan to Shrewsbury until Christmas was probably the least of note. Noteworthy for the right reasons was the arrival on a three month loan deal of Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, the 20 year old Dutch striker, from Arsenal. Noteworthy for the wrong reasons (from the fans perspective at least) was the signing of 24 year old defender Danny Coles from Hull City. Albeit just for a minimal fee, but the arrival of a reserve player from a club who are struggling in the same division never goes down well. Coles' arrival did hint at something else though - the fourth thing. Jordan announced a team hinting at a complete change of not only tactics, but formation. Depending on how you looked at it, the Blades were going either 5-3-2 or 5-2-1-2. Kenny in goal; a back three of Jags, Morgan and Unsworth; wingbacks Geary and Gresko; Monty, Nalis and Sierra the trio in midfield; Abeyie and Webber up front.

Within 5 minutes of the game of the kick off at Deepdale, it was clear that Sierra was being a free role in the attacking midfield slot. Within 6 minutes, he'd scored - a great freekick. Preston equalised, with an almost identical freekick, as many minutes after half time. A tetchy second half followed, until Sierra got onto the end of a great build up, and beat the keeper from a narrow angle. A minute later he had his first Blades hattrick and Sheffield United were home and dry for their first win of the season.

Kevan Hurst joined the list of departing loanees, as he elected to visit Oxford for the remainder of the year. He needn't have worried about missing out on first team experience in the League Cup, as the manager elected to field an experienced side, despite a number of changes. Coles, Ifill, Keenan, Thompson, Quinn, Abbott and Lee San came in, Morgan, Unsworth and Tonge retaining there places for the visit of Bury. A brace from Tonge and one for Quinn ensured comfortable progression to the second round. Our reward? A trip to Colchester, which could be tricky as they've been strengthening this season.

Could the team, reverted back to that from the Preston match except for Webber and Nalis being replaced by Shipps and Tongey, carry the form forward to Burnley? First half goals from Sierra, who was on fire, and Abeyie, his first, certainly set things up nicely. Until Ade Akinbiyi scored just before the break. The inevitable happened. Akinbiyi got a second, and four minutes later Burnley took the lead - and they would hold on to it for the rest of the game. A harsh defeat, in reality. The Blades had been without a first team keeper on the bench, because Phil Barnes had eventually had enough and requested a transfer. Leeds had wasted no time in placing a Â£100k offer, and Barnes was allowed to leave. 18 year old Jamie Annerson was recruited from the youth team, as a temporary measure. Evan Horwood had again gone on loan, this time to York.

The last events of an unconvincing August took place at Bramall Lane. Millwall were the opponents for a third home game, and a third attempt to find a win. Keenan and Abbott came in for Shipps and Gresko. 35 minutes of nervy deadlock followed, until Abeyie eventually broke through. Millwall won a penalty just before the break, and Hayles converted it. Once again, it seemed like the Blades had handed the impetus to the opponent and made the half time team talk a lot easier for the opposing manager. Millwall couldn't make it stick, though, and allowed Abbott to score just after the break. Unsworth added a penalty, and Thompson made it four all before the hour mark. Abbott's second completed the rout, although the cockneys were allowed a final bite of the cherry to make it 5-2. Pawel Abbott, in his first league start of the season, claimed the man of the match award.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie claimed runner up in the first Young Player of the Month award of the season. Which was nice, but of scant consolation to the fans.

Gricehead · March 4, 2006

September 2006

The first weekend of the month was a break for the International games, which gave the Blades manager a better chance to examine the teams tactics. Evidence from observed training sessions tended to suggest that the experiment with 5 in defence was over, and that more emphasis was being placed on pace in attack, playing to Webber and Abeyie's strengths. Somewhat ironic, then, that by the time the visit to Stoke came around, the Arsenal striker was out with an injured elbow. Shipps stepped into the breach. First half goals from Monty and Webber tied this one up, a very solid away performance and a man of the match for the unsung Derek Geary.

Having proved the new formation worked away from home, Jordan switched back to 5-3-2 for the home fixture against Cardiff. It was Steve Kabba's return to Bramall Lane, and the crowd weren't best pleased to see him. United had their own striking issues: Shipps wasn't fit enough, so Abbott started. Coles made his debut in defence. The Blades fought hard, and should have been in the lead by the break, but the visitors kept it level, and then came out all guns blazing. Two goals in the second half did for United, and they left the field to boos at the final whistle. Would this be the death knell for 5-3-2?

Gresko returned for the local derby at Doncaster, but Tonge kept his place with Keenan dropping to the bench. The Blades annihilated their rivals, with goals from Thompson and Abbott in the first half. Donny conceded a penalty and a man advantage just before half time, and captain Unsworth sent his side into half time with an unassailable 3-0 lead. Quinn replaced Sierra and got his goal to make it four. Rovers got a consolation ten from the end, but the result was still comprehensive. It went down well with the fans as well, many of whom had watched on telly:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Brilliant! Put those jumped up gyppos right in their place! They're not going to get anything in this league. Back down to League One you go!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Pawel Abbott deserves some credit. He's putting a lot of effort in, and at last he's getting a few goals. If he carries on like this we might not need another striker." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Not many Donny fans on here tonight are there? I still think we need another striker. Webber's not looking as hot this season is he? We haven't seen much of this lad from Arsenal yet, but I don't think he's the answer." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Carling Cup meant change, in this round at least, but not to the extent of some of the big clubs. McCann, Nalis, Bopp, Gillespie, Morgan and Francis all started, along with Lee San and, debutant keeper Jamie Annerson. On his way back to fitness, and on the bench, was Abeyie. The first half performance was pretty dismal. The lower league opposition tried to help out by getting a man sent off as early as the 7th minute. An injury to Keenan just before the break left the Championship side facing the second half without a left back, and youngster Dominic Roma had to fill in out of position. Also off the bench at the break came Abeyie, and he put a Neil McCann cross away ten minutes later. Looking more comfortable, the manager brought on Iranian youngster Sharu Naraji, and he immediately made a smart move down the right, putting the ball into the path of Abeyie who slotted in at the far post. Up for his hattrick, the young Arsenal striker took charge of an 85th minute penalty, but the keeper was equal to it. No hattrick then, but a place in the next round. More difficult than it should have been, though. QPR in the next round for the trouble.

Back at home, and the manager finally played 4-4-2. Sadly, it resulted in nothing better than a 0-0 draw against Hull in front of the TV cameras. David Thompson broke a wrist in the 7th minute, and Abeyie proved that he still wasn't up to the pace of Championship football, lasting 70 minutes before being replaced by Shipps. Sierra took a knock towards the end of the second half, making him a doubt for the visit to Bristol City.

Gillespie and Quinn came in for the Bristol trip. No-one expected the team to miss the Chilean quite this much, as United took a 3-0 beating. Rank poor performances throughout the team, and not the sort of thing the fans really wanted to see.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Ye Gods, that was awful! What has happened to Alan Quinn? He was practically invisible in midfield. He's got ten years on Sierra, and yet players run rings around him. We're going nowhere this season if we keep this up." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I couldn't go this afternoon, cos I was working, but anyone can see that it's not happening. Jordan needs to go, and pretty quickly, otherwise it's another season of midtable obscurity, and we don't want that" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was that fan "working" the following Saturday? If so, it was a shame. He would have missed a much more convincing performance, not just from Quinn, but from the whole side. Ifill was in for Gillespie and Abott for Webber, with QPR the visitors at Bramall Lane. Abeyie, seemingly more on the pace now, opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a 25 yard shot into the far bottom corner. The keeper had no chance, and the roof almost came off the kop at the sight of such a fine strike. The Blades fans were in good voice for ten minutes or so until QPR worked a neat equaliser straight through the middle. And that was it for the first half. Ten minutes into the second, though, Alan Quinn scored a goal of the season contender. Another 25 yarder, but this time curling in the air and beating the keeper at the near post after initially looking to be going well wide. A fine way to take the lead again. Abeyie's second, United's third, wasn't exactly a tap in either. The fourth - officially an own goal - came when Quinn's strike took a shocking deflection goalbound. And to top it off, Abeyie span in the box and forced home for his hattrick two minutes into stoppage time. The result was harsh on the visitors, but showed what this Sheffield United team is capable of on a good day.

Not really a good day for Jags, though, as he took a knock which could keep him out for a while. The maturing league table saw United in, believe it or not, 9th. Dominic Roma should have been going to Grimsby for a few months on loan, but the Codmen loaned someone else at the last minute, and in the awards Quincy Owusu Abeyie deservedly got the Young Player of the Month this time.

Alan Quinn's "goal of the season contender" turned out only to be good enough for third place this month. Must be some fine goals around.

Gricehead · March 10, 2006

October 2006

With matches against two of the relegated premiership clubs scheduled for October, there wasn't a lot of optimism around Sheffield 2. Still, at least the club were still in the Carling Cup, and there was the Steel City derby scheduled for the 21st. That was a guaranteed three points, surely, not to mention the opportunity to restore the bragging rights after the unfortunate events at Hillsborough last season.

Sheffield United fans again found themselves with a whole fortnight to ponder such thoughts. The International weekend came and went, and the only news coming out of the club was that Dominic Roma had been lucky at the second time of asking, and had agreed a loan deal with Huddersfield. By the time the trip to 6th placed Leicester came around, everyone concerned was itching to get back into action. The only change to the side which had annihilated QPR was Shipperley coming in for Abbott, so this would be a breeze, right? Wrong. Two first half goals for Leicester, and no reply until the 82nd minute when Abeyie got on the scoresheet. Leicester even went down to ten men for the last six minutes when Stephen Hughes was crocked and they'd made all three substitutions, but to no avail. The travelling supporters wailed their derision at the final whistle. Little did they know this was the last time they'd taste defeat in the league for some time.

The league leaders Bolton visited Bramall Lane on Tuesday night. They dominated the game, but only went away with a point from a 0-0 draw. That's all there is to say about it really. Yes, it was that boring. Still, most of the the fans would have been talking about the derby anyway.

The buildup to the Steel City derby started almost as soon as the final whistle had blown. Radio Sheffield, as usual, made a complete meal out of it. Wednesday were already struggling down in 18th, looking forward to another season of trying to avoid relegation. This was one weekend where the Blades fans could forget about their own (relatively speaking) mediocre league position. Danny Webber returned to the side for the special occasion, and in front of the cameras, the two sides kicked off on Saturday evening. For half an hour the game was a typical derby affair; scrappy with the odd niggle. The Owls' star striker Geoff Horsfield left the field injured after 25 minutes. Sheffield's bragging rights were settled in a crazy 5 minute spell just after the half hour mark. A long cross from Gresko was headed home by Webber, beating two markers to the ball. Less than five minutes later, Webber turned provider, squaring the ball for Abeyie to score a typical near post goal. Straight from the kickoff, Abeyie robbed Kirilov (whose poor clearance had led to the 2nd goal) and stormed away from the stranded Wednesday defence and slotted past the keeper again. A great period of United play, with Abeyie reaching the 10 goal landmark. The fact that Wednesday, through Steve MacLean, got one back in the second half, was largely irrelevant to the home supporters, who were too busy partying in the stands.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"<bleep>ing brilliant! We tanned their piggy arses! They've gone back to Hillsbrough with their curly tails between their legs. Whatever happens to United, the Wednesday are going down" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Quincy Owusu Abeyie, you are a Sheffield United legend. Even if you never score again in your stay at Bramall Lane, you'll always be a hero. I'm off to get pished!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"It's been a poor start to the season, but spanking Washday, well you can forgive a lot for that. Come on United" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Perpetual loanee Colin Marrison missed out on all the celebration, as he had already departed to spend three months at Burton. Not that he seemed to care much anymore, being one of a small group of younger reserve team players who wanted away from the club. With the derby victory putting the club back into 10th place, they needed to make the most of the euphoria and push on in the next game. Unfortunately, sods law insisted that they play a Carling Cup game first...

Just under 10500 turned up to watch a Blades second string play out a dull-as-ditchwater 0-0 draw against QPR. No debuts in the starting eleven, but Gary Mulligan and Adrian Harper both got their first taste of first team action in the second half. QPR eventually lost the tie thanks to probably their worst ever penalty shootout, which saw young Jamie Annerson save all three penalty attempts. Shipperley, Thompson and Mulligan all scored, and no further kicks were necessary. The fourth round of the Carling Cup awaited, and Premiership opponents, in the form of Manchester City, would be the visitors to Bramall Lane.

So, back to the question of carrying forward the league form. Well, a trip to 3rd placed Fulham produced an impressive 2-2 draw, another epic game that had everything. Abeyie scored a brace, one from the spot, Sierra departed injured and Fulham scored in the aftermath, Thompson handled for a Fulham penalty so they could equalise, and Abbott missed a sitter to win the game. Phew. A hard earned point, the benefits of which looked to have been thrown away for most of the game against next to bottom Watford in the last game of the month. Once the Hornets took the lead on the half hour mark, the Blades never looked at the races, but a goal for sub Alan Quinn 5 minutes from time made sure of a point.

Despite losing just one game all month, the Blades ended October in 11th. "Could try harder" in school report language.

Gricehead · March 16, 2006

November 2006

After a frenetic last month, November would bring just three games, due once again to international fixtures, but it wasn't the calendar that was causing most concern at the club. Abeyie's loan deal was due to be up after the Southampton game, and Arsenal were playing hard to get. It wasn't the sort of thing the fans wanted to hear at the moment, but despite all attempts to keep the situation under wraps, news still leaked out that the Southampton game could be the prolific strikers last. Chris Morgan made a return to the side to replace Danny Coles, who had played poorly in the last couple of games.

The Saints took an early, expected lead, and looked comfortable for most of the first half, but they self-destructed just before the break when Cygan was sent off for a foul in the box. Webber comnverted the resulting penalty, and United went in to half time level. Luckily so. The dominance of the eleven men told eventually, as not for the first time Alan Quinn popped up in the last minute to score a vital goal. Other results went United's way, and they climbed to 7th.

Quincy Owusu Abeyie left the field to a standing ovation.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"It'll be a real shame if that's the last we see of the young lad from Arsenal. Let's hope we can come to some arrangement, as he's not going to get a game there." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I've heard from a reliable source that Arsenal are holding out for us to pay more of the lads wages. That's disgusting if it's true. A massive club like Arsenal holding us to random for a few hundred quid a month! Disgraceful! No wonder football is going to the dogs." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Look, either we get Abeyie back or we don't. If we don't, we'll have to get on without him. I want to talk about something else. I think Alan Quinn deserves a start. He's been putting in some excellent performances from the bench, and has scored some vital goals. Jordan should give him a chance." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The International break at least gave some time for a deal to be thrashed out with Arsenal. Eventually, and at a reasonable cost to the club, Abeyie rejoined for a second three month spell. His first job was to rescue a point with yet another last minute equaliser down at Plymouth. The Pilgrims, who were holding on to the last playoff place, had taken the lead on the stroke of half time. Quinn and Sierra had partenered each other in an attacking midfield, and the Irishman had claimed the man of the match in what, retrospectively, was probably a good result.

Fourth placed Reading visited Bramall Lane for the last game in November. The United manager shuffled his midfield, moving Thompson into the middle and bringing Ifill in. Sierra was the player missing, with an injury keeping him right out of contention. Tonge scored a rare goal to give United an early lead, but then they conceded a penalty and looked like going into halftime level. Danny Webber had other ideas, and ensured that the Blades' lead was restored. And thus it stayed until 10 minutes from time, when Reading fashioned a scarcely deserved second equaliser.

Unbeaten throughout the month. It sounded good enough. But on paper, the two draws had impeded upwards progress. Sheffield United would enter December in that old favourite, 9th place.

Gricehead · March 17, 2006

December 2006

The Blades entered the seasonal month of December in what on paper looked like top form, unbeaten in seven league games, and still in the Carling Cup. Yet the league table told a different tale, that of a team still hovering in midtable and not yet having broken into the playoff zone. Still, having played a number of higher placed clubs in the last two months, December looked easier on paper. It would be tiring, though, with eight games already scheduled.

The first of those games was a trip to struggling Swindon Town. Unsworth joined Jagielka in central defence, with the manager continuing to use an attacking midfield pairing. Early goals from Quinn and Webber gave United a distinct advantage, and the game should have been over, but Swindon fought back well, getting a goal back and being unlucky not to snatch an equaliser. Jordan acknowledged Swindon's comeback, but put it down to the players taking it easy to save themselves for Wednesday night.

The Carling Cup threw up it's usual dilemma: strongest eleven vs giving the squad players a run out. With Premiership opposition "there to be shot at" according to the fans, it was important that the manager got it right. He chose to rest just two first teamers; Quinn and Jagielka; and brought in Sierra and Danny Coles. A man of the match performance from the former Tigers defender certainly won both the player and the manager plaudits from the fans, but it wouldn't have mattered one bit without the happenings at the other end of the pitch. The Blades took an early lead against their top flight opponents, pushing forward with support from the partisan home crowd, and letting Abeyie do the damage. Much of the rest of the game for the red and whites involved defending, and defending well - hence Coles' award, and as City came forward, thus they exposed themselves at the back. Late goals from Webber and substitute Abbott made the scoreline flattering, not that the fans would worry about that!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"So that's Premiership quality is it? If that's all we've got to face when we get out of this division, it shouldn't be a problem!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Big up to the manager, who got it spot on tonight. Coles was rock solid. Bit of a surprise, 'cos he was shocking the last couple of time he played. Gives us a well needed option at the back." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"That should be a massive, massive confidence booster for all involved. Now if we can turn these draws into wins in the league we can be playing the likes of Man City every week. Come on!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Good win, great performance by all three strikers involved. Time to concentrate on getting some more league wins, but it would be nice to get Man Utd in the next round, or another shot at Liverpool!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There would be no such luck. A trip to Aston Villa would await later in the month, whilst Burnley would be the destination in the FA Cup. There were also comings and goings at Bramall Lane, with Travis Binnion off to Oxford for three months and, with all due credit to Stuart Pearce for his grace after their defeat, David Sommeil coming in from Man City for the same period. Sommeil would be straight in the squad for the televised derby against Derby(!)

Sommeil replaced Coles, with Jagielka and Quinn continuing to sit on the sidelines, but United reverted to their old ways. Derby finished a poor first half with a goal three minutes before the break, and it took a last minute penalty from captain Unsworth to clinch a home point. An inexpicably average performance ahead of another tricky derby at Elland Road. Tonge and Ifill both missed out through knocks, meaning Keenan at left back, Gresko left wing and Gillespie in the side for a rare start on the right. Sierra was dropped to the bench after a particularly poor Derby performance. If the fans thought the Derby game was a tight local encounter, then the term was about to be redefined. No goals, and very few chances, in 93 and a half minutes of play, and then up popped Vratislav Gresko on the back post to head home his first Sheffield United goal. The travelling fans went crazy, as this ensured they would have a great night celebrating in the West Yorkshire city, once they'd escaped the wrath of the local lunatics. There was the small matter of 6th place to celebrate as well.

The only issue coming out of the game was a knock to Danny Webber, but he quickly recovered in time for the second televised game of the month, at Portman Road. With only eight days before Christmas, many Blades fans would relish the opportunity to watch the game at home, or down the local, rather than making the 400 mile round trip to Ipswich. Others, of course, would do anything to escape from the shopping. The squad would be bolstered as well, with the addition of two radically differing defensive loan signings from Sunderland. Alan Stubbs brought years of experience to the squad, whilst Stephen Caldwell had Premiership quality, but had struggled to break in to the Black Cats side, and was therefore distinctly lacking fitness. Stubbs would be on the bench at Ipswich.

Ifill returned to an otherwise unchanged side. United were one down as early as the third minute, and stayed that way for over an hour. Eventually Abeyie equalised, before a match changing double substitution brought on Sierra and Abbott. Each scored a goal inside ten minutes, and the home side were left with just a consolation goal in stoppage time to cheer about. The win just maintained the sides 6th place, anything less and it would have been a very brief trip to the playoff zone.

Despite the now eleven games unbeaten league run, United's Carling Cup escapades were to come to a messy end at the quarter final stage, 5 days before Christmas. Villa Park was a sell-out, with a full contingent of away supporters making the trip. For the first time in the competition, the manager fielded an unchanged side from the previous league game. They lost 3-0, and never looked in with a sniff. Webber took another knock, and would be doubtful for Saturday's game against Preston.

Sierra replaced Quinn, and Webber recovered, but only long enough to last 25 minutes before going off with a much more serious looking injury. Not for the first time this season, the Blades relied on an Unsworth penalty to earn them a home point, although this time all the action took place in the first half. It was enough to ensure Christmas in the playoffs.

With the turkey out of the way, Pawel Abbott joined the Sheffield United first eleven to welcome 2nd placed Wigan Athletic to Bramall Lane. In true festive spirit, United conceded a penalty to give Wigan the lead. Not wanting to seem unfriendly, Wigan scored an own goal to equalise. The farce continued into the second half, with David Sommeil conceding another penalty and receiving a red card. 2-1 to the high flying visitors, with United down to ten men. Not a promising situation. It got worse, as Wigan made it 3-1 on 64 minutes. Some United fans were already heading for the exits, composing their rants for Praise and Grumble as they went. They would regret it. Unlike the Ipswich game, there was no inspiring tactical switch by the manager, but the players picked themselves up when Abeyie got a goal back with 20 minutes to go. Wigan didn't know what to do, and although they held on to the lead for nearly 15 minutes, they couldn't stop the revitalised United side. Abeyie equalised on 83, and Sierra put United into the lead 4 minutes later. Into stoppage time, and a long cross-ball into the area found the Wigan keeper flapping, and Ifill headed home from the tightest of angles to make it a comprehensive 5-3 victory. JosÃ© Luis Sierra took man of the match in one of the best games ever seen at Bramall Lane, well for the neutral anyway. The result also gave United a single point breathing space in 6th place.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Been down today. To all those people who left early in the second half: It serves you right. Get behind the team until the end, or get lost. You missed the best comeback I've seen for a long time today, and with ten men as well! I can't see how we can get a better result than that this season. Things are definitely on the up!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"A five goal haul against one of the top teams, and bottom of the table Luton up next. I'm hoping for a cricket score!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Alan Stubbs made his first start in place of the suspended Sommeil, as United looked to build on the magnificent second half performance against Wigan. Three goals in the first half for Abeyie, Thompson and Abeyie again put the result more or less beyond doubt, and when Luton coneded a penalty midway through the second, it definitely was all over. Unsworth saw the spotkick saved, but was on hand to put home the rebound, and Luton's late consolation really didn't matter much.

A fine end to the month, stretching the unbeaten run to thirteen games, and lifting the Blades to 5th place. Now thoughts would turn to the transfer window, and a double header against Burnley in league and cup. The monthly awards saw another 3rd place for Quincy Owusu Abeyie in the young player of the month category, and a runner up in the Manager of the Month for Sheffield United boss Colin Jordan.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Thoroughly deserved." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gricehead · March 17, 2006

January 2007

Would 2007 be the big year for Sheffield United? January is typically a time for optimism, and there seemed to be plenty to be optimistic about for Blades fans. Still unbeaten in the league since 17th October, a striker at the top of the goalscoring charts, and rumours of more signings in the transfer window. There was a tricky double header against Burnley to negotiate, a club which United had a poor record against. The fans knew what they'd prefer to see from these games.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I'd take a win in the league game over the cup game any day. Get the points in the bag and give the reserves a run out on Saturday." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Obviously, a cup run would be a bonus, so I wouldn't go as far as the last caller. He's right in prinicple though; we have to have league points as our main concern. I wouldn't be happy seeing anyone rested for the league game." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No-one was rested for the league game, which would make that fan happy as long as he wasn't too hungover. Jagielka returned to the defence in place of Stubbs. Both sides elected to play the game in a manner which would avoid exacerbating their respective fans' hangovers, and thus a 0-0 scoreline was fairly inevitable. Neither keeper had a great deal of work to do, and the only talking point was an injury to Derek Geary which would certainly make him miss a couple of games. United remained 5th...

...and wouldn't have to worry about a cup run either. Francis replaced the injured Geary for the Turf Moor return match, and although Abeyie reached a milestone with his 20th of the season to open the scoring, Ade Akinbiyi continued to be a thorn in the United defence, scoring a brace to send United packing. Disappointing at first glance, but probably irrelevant if they could keep the league form rolling.

Injuries to Paddy Kenny and Paul Ifill meant enforced changes for the trip to Millwall, but at least Danny Webber was fit again. Annerson and Eugen Bopp came in, and Sommeil returned to defence having completed his suspension. The Cockneys were struggling in 20th. It soon became apparent why. Twice in the first half Millwall players made long back passes under pressure to their keeper David Preece. Both times Preece miscontrolled the ball, and the pace of the United attackers meant he was disposessed. First Webber, then Abeyie had easy shots into open goals, whilst the Millwall keeper watched on helplessly. The third goal, in the second half, was a much more conventional affair, with good link up play, and a header from Webber against the bar. Abeyie was there to tidy up and claim another brace from the game. It was voted a man of the match performance from Annerson, bizarrely as he actually had very little to do! United moved 2 points clear in 5th place.

There was three out and one in at Bramall Lane, as the manager manipulated the loan market before the Stoke game. Youngsters Ian Ross, Nicky Law and Nick Travis departed on three month deals to Hartlepool, Darlington and Rochdale respectively. Inbound was another Premiership striker in the shape of Neil Mellor from Newcastle, on loan until the end of the season. Mellor was clearly lacking fitness, so would take a seat on the bench to start with. It was an unchanged side that faced the midtable side from the Potteries at home. Inevitably, United eventually came unstuck from their good run of form, and conceded a goal in each half to a Stoke team with a very clear game plan. The visiting side, including former Blade Leigh Bromby, outplayed their hosts, especially in defence, and a last minute Unsworth penalty this time counted for nothing. Neil Mellor made his debut from the bench at half time, but didn't really add anything to the proceedings. Too early for the fans to judge, though.

Cruelly, this first defeat in 17 games sent United crashing down to 8th place, a point outside the playoffs. The next game would be a tough trip to 7th placed Cardiff, but that wasn't for nine days. First was FA Cup fourth round weekend, not featuring United. Jordan took the opportunity to sort out some more deals. Colin Marrison departed to Gravesend for another 3 month loan spell, whilst the manager's first signing for the club was turned into a sale as Neil McCann departed to Brighton for a nominal Â£10k fee.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Rumour has it that McCann has been let go because Jordan has another target he wants to bring in. Anyone know who it is?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Well, as long as it's not that bloke from West Ham we got about this time last year. Hopefully it's a left sided player." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"The official website says they've had discussions with a player who has Premiership experience and can play anywhere in midfield. That narrows it down then." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"So it could be whatsisface from West Ham then!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I doubt it, as it also says he has international experience." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The club had actually completed a deal to bring a player in, and it wasn't Gavin Williams. It was Josip Skoko, the Australian international, from Wigan. There were work permit issues, however, so no formal announcements were going to be made until that problem was sorted.

Kenny and Ifill were back in the side for the Cardiff game, and Jordan handed a start to Alan Quinn in place of the injured David Thompson. This was the sort of game United had to win to separate themselves from the other playoff hopefuls. Sadly, it was just the sort of performance that wasn't going to achieve that. With remarkable similarities to the Stoke game, Cardiff stuck to their game plan and outplayed the Blades. Even with ten men they were the better side, and a two goal lead was more than United could overhaul. A late goal for Quinn meant that even the scoreline was the same.

So the month of traditional optimism ended with pessimism all round. United in 8th, two defeats on the trot, and no deal for Skoko thanks to the Home Office refusing a work permit.

Gricehead · March 17, 2006

February 2007

Here came February. Rounding the corner into the home straight of another season. Five games, only one of them against teams in real contention for the playoffs, and starting with a local derby against Doncaster. There were a few bits of paperwork to resolve at the club first. First was a query to the Young Player of the Month award, to clarify that their decision to award Simon Francis third place in the January competition was correct. Francis had been involved in two consecutive defeats, whilst at the other end Abeyie had knocked three more goals in. Strange decisions.

Kevan Hurst departed for a three month loan spell at Oxford before the Doncaster game, and a deal was set up which would see Ben Starosta going to York for a couple of months after the weekend. None of this had any impact on the first team choices for the derby, but there were three changes to the starting eleven. Geary returned at right back, and Tonge was dropped in favour of Keenan and Gresko on the left. Eugen Bopp replaced Sierra alongside Alan Quinn in midfield. For once a derby went to form, and United ran out comfortable winners. Solid performances right through the team, with Abeyie grabbing a hattrick to move himself onto 25 for the season, United back up to 6th, and put the Donny boys further into real relegation trouble.

The same team went to QPR the following week, and had to perform a major escape act. Despite bossing the first half, they conceded disappointingly from a set piece just before the break. Another one went in for the cockneys after half time, but Quinn and Abeyie pulled United level. The Blades had a late winner ruled out for offside, but the draw was enough to keep United in 6th, albeit a false position with Preston and Southampton having had no game.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I know all these rumours end up being total crap, but I've heard that Tuesday will be the Arsenal lad's last game for us. Apparently he doesn't want another loan extension." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was there any truth in it? The club weren't saying. Abeyie was in the side for the Tuesday night trip to the KC Stadium, alongside Mellor who's first start was the only change. Ifill opened the scoring against the side currently occupying 17th position, and within three minutes Unsworth had made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Abeyie didn't help end any speculation by waving and blowing kisses to the travelling Blades at the final whistle. Paddy Kenny took a deserved man of the match award for keeping a determined Hull City attack at bay in the second half. United were 6th, and 4 points clear of game-in-hand Southampton.

Talk for the rest of the week was not of the solid performance at Hull, nor of the impending crucial game against hapless Bristol City, but of the young Dutch striker with 26 Sheffield United goals to his name.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"It's true! Abeyie's gone back to Arsenal! My mate at work is a big gunners fan and he says Abeyie was training with them today. What's going on?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Why aren't the club saying anything if this is true? There's nothing on the website. Are they looking for another signing? Who's going to play at the weekend?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Well done Sheffield United. If this is true you've just thrown away our best chance of promotion. We should be selling our collective grannies to keep Abeyie at this club." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Whatever the story was, Abeyie wasn't on the team sheet to face Bristol City. Neil Mellor lined up alongside Danny Webber, whilst another change in defence saw Unsworth move across to left back to replace Keenan, and Caldwell come into central defence. Joe Keenan had come out of the Hull game with what looked like a minor knock, but hadn't recovered as quickly as expected.

United raced into an expected 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks to goals from Webber and Quinn, but the defending after the break was awful and the visitors got one back straight away. Despite going down to ten men, they got an equaliser in the last ten minutes. Numerous misses from Neil Mellor, who was still struggling to find form and confidence, could prove costly by the end of the season. United? 5th. Southampton? 2 behind. Fans? Furious.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"OK, we're at panic stations now! Mellor is useless. He's got no confidence, and whilst that's not his fault we simpy haven't got time to sit around and wait for him to get matches under his belt." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Drop Mellor now! In fact send him back to Newcastle! Abbott, even Shipperley, must be better than that. Even Ifill, when we were playing him up top last season was a better finisher! There are eleven games left this season, and we need to be taking every chance we get." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Morale amongst the supporters wasn't helped by Southampton's demolition of Swindon in their game in hand. United were back to 6th and teetering on the edge of the playoff zone.

Having let the fans stew for most of the week, the club released a statement on the Friday before the Leicester game:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">From: Sheffield United Football Club

Embargoed until 17:00, 23rd February 2007

Striker to return

Sheffield United Football Club can today announce the re-signing on loan of Quincy Owusu Abeyie from Arsenal Football Club. The Club would like to apologise to the fans for any undue stress caused by the process of arranging this transfer. Signing Mr Abeyie now means that the player will be available for selection for the Playoff Final on May 20th, should we be successful in reaching that stage. If the signing had been completed at the end of his previous loan spell, Mr Abeyie would have been forced to return to Arsenal on May 15th, missing the Playoff Final.

All of us at the Club have every confidence in our manager's ability to get us to the Playoff Final, and we wanted to make sure we did our bit to maximize our chances of success. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lost in the furore caused by this news was the cancellation of Alan Stubbs loan. The veteran returned to Sunderland on Friday night. Also of little relevance was the departure of Jordan Robertson for Cambridge United on a months loan deal. Perhaps of more relevance, and hinting that just maybe the club weren't being entirely honest about the Abeyie situation, was the unexpected arrival of another loan striker, Robert Colautti. The 24 year old would see the season out at Bramall Lane, joining teammate Neil Mellor in the United first team squad.

Finally, once the dust settled, United got back down to playing football. Sierra was picked in the squad to face Leicester, in place of Bopp, and proceeded to score an excellent freekick, the only goal of the game. The victory moved United back up to 5th place, safe by two points, thanks to a defeat for Southampton. The only player in Sheffield 2 who wasn't happy was Chris Morgan, who picked now to whinge publicly about not getting first team football. A scathing response in the media from the manager made it clear what the situation was, and Morgan backed down. Sensible chap.

Some month! Unbeaten again, and looking pretty good odds for a playoff place. Fans of Sheffield United were happy. Stressed out, but happy.

Gricehead · March 17, 2006

March 2007

March would be make or break for Sheffield United's promotion ambitions. Everyone knew that. What they didn't know was that Sheffield United fans were about to get a March that they would never, ever forget, regardless of the eventual outcome of the season. They would have to wait, though, as the best would most definitely be saved for last.

The month started in disappointing fashion, with a narrow and undeserved defeat at third placed Bolton. An unchanged side battled hard all game, but the former Premiership side were equal to everything that United threw at them, and eventually they nicked it with a near post header in the 76th minute. Fans trooped back across the pannines inconsolable at the thought that they were now back on the brink of not making the playoffs, in 6th place, level on points with Burnley who had a game in hand.

There was an immediate bounce back for the same team on Tuesday night against Watford. Webber and Quinn, with his tenth of the season, scored in the first half, and the former Watford man got his own tenth of the season in the second. Monty came on as a second half substitute, but picked up a nock which would make him a doubt for the next game. A comprehensive 3-0 victory though, that, combined with a defeat for Burnley, made the situation slightly healthier. 6th place, two points clear of Preston in 7th and 3 points clear of Burnley in 8th.

Good and bad news during the rest of the week. In the bad camp came new that Paddy Kenny would miss about 5 weeks after straining a thigh muscle in training. Also bad, David Sommeil's loan spell was due to end, and the battle to sign him on a permanent contract for next season was won by Leeds rather than the Blades. Therefore he wouldn't be allowed to renew his loan contract. To balance things out a little, Burnley lost their game in hand against Hull, giving United breathing space in 6th place.

Little did the United fans realise just how close to disaster they were. On Saturday 10th March, Fulham came to Bramall Lane. If ever a team completely outplayed United, it was in this game. Only Caldwell (in for Sommeil) and Webber could take anything positive from the match, with Geary, Unsworth, Tonge, Quinn and Abeyie being particularly poor, and Ifill having a stinker. Fulham started slowly, going 1-0 up after quarter of an hour. United continued playing their own style of football, but Fulham scored a couple of quickfire goals around the half hour mark. A goal for Webber on half time gave hope for a comeback, but the fourth goal with twenty minutes to go sealed United's coffin, and as heads dropped Fulham hit two in two minutes at the end. 6-1, a stuffing. All advantage now gone, United were back to goal difference keeping them in 6th, and only just at that.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Can someone tell me what just happened? I didn't think we played that bad in the first half, but the lads just seemed to give up in the second! Poor Jamie (Annerson)'s confidence must be shot to pieces after a defensive performance like that. Let's just hope it was a one-off." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Quite the most appalling display I've seen for some time at Bramall Lane. I don't ever want to see it again. Please tell me this isn't what life will be like in the Premiership" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Down to Southampton for the televised game the following Sunday. Jagielka joined Quinn in midfield, replacing Thompson. Southampton took the lead in the first half, and the Blades fans sat and waited for their side to fight back. Half time came and went, and twenty minutes into the second half the Saints won a penalty to make it 2-0. Thompson had replaced Ifill at half time, and Mellor came on to replace Webber for the final 25 minutes. For the first time in a Blades shirt, Mellor clicked. Thompson soon got one back from a freekick, and five minutes later Neil Mellor finally opened his United account with the equaliser. But that wasn't enough of a comeback for the Blades. Gresko's cross was put away by Abeyie for a third with four minutes to go, and thanks to more hard work by Mellor, the dutchman got a second a minute later. The comeback was complete, and if ever there was an important three points, this was it. Abeyie took the man of the match, and United rose to 4th, above Southampton in the table.

With six games to go, the table looked a bit like:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Wigan 82

Bolton 82

----------

Fulham 80

Sheff U 67

So'ton 66

Reading 65

----------

Burnley 64

Derby 64

Preston 62</pre>

What better way to build up to the Steel City derby at Hillsborough? The fans would have a fortnight to exchange banter, with the international break intervening.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I'm worried about the derby match on Saturday. Don't get me wrong, I don't think Washday are suddenly a better side than us, but I worry about which Blades side is going to turn up. We'll have no problem if it's the side from the second half at Southampton, but if it's the side from the second half of the Fulham game, or the first half against Southampton we've got problems." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"The lads shouldn't need firing up for this game. If they do, then they shouldn't be United players. Simple as. They have to realise how much it means to us fans to win this game. I mean, if we do go up this year, it might be a long time before we play them again! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Team selection for the derby didn't seem particularly difficult for the Blades boss. Thompson replaced Ifill on the right, but otherwise the side was the same as the Southampton game. In front of nearly 40000 fans, the two teams kicked off. United were on top straight away, with the pace of Webber and Abeyie a problem as ever, but the Owls kept them out for over quarter of an hour. On 18 minutes, a long ball down the right by Geary found Thompson. Already clear of the defence, the former Blackburn winger pushed forward before crossing deep for his left wing counterpart Michael Tonge. Tongey simply laid the ball back across goal into the path of Abeyie, who tapped in from close range. More chances for the United strikers followed, and an excellent opportunity for Jagielka, breaking from midfield, foiled by the keeper. It wasn't until 40 minutes in that the next goal went in. A long ball from Annerson found Tonge on the wing, midway in the Owls half. He slipped the ball inside to Quinn, who laid a perfect ball into the path of Webber, releasing the striker from the Wednesday defence. Webber rounded the keeper and slotted home at the near post for 2-0. Three minutes later, Abeyie made it 3-0, after Jags and Webber had combined well in midfield. 30 goals for the season from the loanee, and the Blades would go into half time with the game already won. Unless Wednesday could fashion some sort of comeback.

Jordan made changes at half time, bringing on Coles and Mellor for Unsworth and Webber, with one eye on forthcoming fixtures. It was a slow start to the second half, with no real action for the first quarter of an hour, at which point Burton O'Brien hacked down Abeyie in the area as he closed in on goal. He had to go, which is just what Wednesday didn't need. Abeyie wasn't going to let anyone else have the ball, and he completed his hattrick to make it 4-0. Five minutes later, Simek tripped Mellor less than ten yards from the left wing corner flag. Thompson curled in the freekick, and Jags' header beat the keeper and both men on the line to make it a fabulous five. Credit to Wednesday, their heads didn't drop. In fact, at 5-0 down, they had their best pressure of the game. Brunt had a freekick tipped round the post by Annerson. But it didn't last long. By the last ten minutes, United had them on the rack again. Things were about to get farcical for the blue and whites, however. With the ball out of play for a throw in on 83 minutes, Sturrock finally lost patience and substituted his keeper Djukic, replacing him with David Lucas. As the keepers changed position, Glenn Whelan kicked out at David Thompson. The ref saw it, and yet again had no choice but to send the Wednesday player off. Sturrock was furious on the touchline, but there was nothing he could do about it. It took just five minute for United to take advantage of the shambles, Thompson once again getting to the touchline and crossing, for Jagielka to divert a header into the far bottom corner. Smashing Six to United! It wasn't quite over yet. Two minutes into stoppage time, United broke from a Wednesday corner. Mellor found himself on the edge of the area, surrounded by two defenders, but still managed to find the bottom corner of the net. A stupendous seven goals, and a memorable victory.

A perfect performance from the United team. Abeyie got the nod for man of the match, but Thompson and Jags were equally worthy, and the rest weren't far behind. The fans, not surprisingly, went absolutely crazy. It was days before the first Wednesday fan dared to air their voice on Football Heaven, although there were a significant number of emails to the show suggesting that Sturrock should do the honourable thing and quit. The United boss didn't waste any time in making his own thoughts about his Wednesday counterpart clear, with some snide remarks to the media in his post-match comments.

Phil Jagielka picked up the player of the month, with Caldwell third and Abeyie the young player of the month. Nothing else needs to be said about March. Let the fans take it away...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Wooooooooooooohooooooo! United are Seven-up! Don't care where we are in the league, I'll just sit at home and watch that on video for the rest of the season. Message to the Blue and White *****? We'll never let you forget this, just like you always harp on about bloody boxing day!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Not looking good for the piggies is it? Ha ha ha. Lets hear what Sturrock uses as an excuse for this one. Going down where you belong, you shower of incompetence!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Mr Jordan, you are an absolute legend. You've made many, many people very, very happy today. I thank you from the bottom of my heart." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gricehead · March 20, 2006

April 2007

Whatever happened in April, it would be an anti-climax. With the fans going ballistic at any given opportunity, the manager of Sheffield United had a real challenge on to bring the players back down to earth and focus their concentration on the next game. There would be no Gresko for the Plymouth game, in fact the Slovakian was set to miss the whole month after suffering a back strain in training. Keenan came into the side as a direct replacement. Plymouth themselves were comfortably midtable, with not a lot to play for at this stage of the season. Which might explain why they seemed not to turn up.

Webber opened the scoring on the quarter hour mark, and a freekick from Thompson made it 2-0 ten minutes later with an excellent freekick. 5 for the season from the much-improved midfielder. By the half hour mark United had another three points securely in the bag, thanks to a second of the game for Danny Webber. United eased back, doing just enough to keep the visitors at bay for the rest of the first half and most of the second. Then Plymouth had Aliou CissÃ© sent off, and things got exciting again. A breakaway goal for Abeyie on 79 and then an absolute screamer from 25 yards for Derek Geary four minutes later. Not a bad way to score your first goal of the season. Unsworth finished the game off, typically, with a last minute penalty, and the Blades had six of the best again.

Other results meant that United's slim chances of an automatic promotion spot were over. It would be the playoffs, or bust. They were 4th in the table, with a massive +36 goal difference, three points clear of Southampton and Derby, and four clear of 7th placed Reading, who were next up on Easter Monday.

The boys from the Madjeski stadium were the single biggest threat to United's playoff ambition. Playing them at such a late stage of the season meant the result was critical. Playing them on an Easter Monday meanth the players were jaded, but at least that applied to both sides. United were unchanged, unsurprisingly given recent results, but Reading started the more lively side. They bossed the game for the first half, and went in one goal to the good. They could have had more, but didn't spend long worrying about it as they added a second just after the break. Paul Ifill's introduction at half time seemed to wake United up, though. He got a goal back on the hour, and Webber nicked an equaliser with ten minutes left. No doubt who had the momentum now, and who would back against United in this situation? David Unsworth, perhaps, as he contrived to get himself sent off with just four minutes to go. Or maybe Jo Keenan, who deflected a Reading shot into his own net in the last minute. A painful defeat for the Blades.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Arrrrrgh. What a nightmare! Such a cruel way to lose it, but what was Unsworth playing at? I feel so sorry for Kennan, because he's hardly put a foot wrong since he signed for us. But with Derby and Southampton both winning, it's squeaky bottom time now, isn't it?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

United really needed a win now. Fortunately, their next visitors were Swindon, who had already found themselves relegated. Sometimes, sides find relegation a new lease of life, and perform above expectations for the rest of the season. Not Swindon. Jags dropped into defence to replace Unsworth, which gave Sierra a chance to start in midfield, and the match also marked Kenny's return between the sticks. In Swindon's midfield, Frederik SvanbÃ¤ck was about to have a day to forget. His own goal put the Blades ahead withing ten minutes, and with United still struggling to find form he decided to make things easier by getting sent off ten minutes before half time. Against ten fairly incompetent men, United finally got their game together. Abeyie netted before the break, and Sierra afterwards to claim a comfortable 3-0 victory, and reduce sales of Andrex throughout Sheffield. Thompson took the man of the match award, in a strange decision by the committee, as he wasn't involved in any of the three goals.

Two games to go, then, and the pressure is back on Reading. They didn't play on Saturday, and so the standings are:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">4. Sheff Utd 76 (+38)

5. So'ton 76 (+19)

6. Derby 74 (+8)

------------------------

7. Reading 72 (+17) [from 43]</pre>

The red and white half of Sheffield gathered in their pubs and front rooms on Monday night, transformed temporarily into fans of the claret and blue of Burnley. There would have been some beer drunk and a few nursed hangovers, as Burnley banged in two goals without reply to seriously dent Reading's chances of a playoff spot. The fans knew that a win against Derby would guarantee that playoff place.

Jordan moved Jags back into midfield, as Unsworth returned to defence, for a game which had far too much at stake for both sides to be a decent spectacle. The whole of Pride Park increasingly held their breaths as the match gradually progressed without goalscoring incident. Derby probably had the edge for most of the first half, but that was to end on the stroke of half time. In probably the most costly decision of the season for Rams fans, Nathan Doyle decided that the best way to stop Danny Webber scoring was to pull him back on the edge of the area. The ref judged him to be the last man, and sent him off. United still couldn't make the advantage pay, stumbling through the second half and looking more and more like the game was going to finish 0-0, or be decided by a mistake or a moment of brilliance. In the end, the only goal summed the game up perfectly. Two minutes into stoppage time, a cross from Thompson was blocked, but returned to the winger. At the second attempt he got it across, and Quinn's header had the United fans rising from their seats. Lee Camp was there, though, and blocked well, but the ball came to Webber on the back post. With his back to goal, the United striker still had a lot to do, but he turned well and fired a shot across the body of the keeper. The defender on the line couldn't get to it, and in the tightest of tight games, the Blades had come through to claim a vital victory. They would be in the playoffs, no matter what happened in the final game of the season.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Oh yes! the Red and White wizards are going up. Well done on the board for sticking with Jordan when it would have been easier to get rid last summer. Bring it on!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Just hold on a minute! It's all very well celebrating. Yes we're in the playoffs, but there are going to be some big teams in there. If we get to the final it's probably going to be Fulham, and look what they did to us last time! I think we can do it, but it's going to be hard work." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Just like to say well done to all the lads on confirming the playoffs. Big improvement on last season already, and it could still get better. Who would have thought a match against Leeds wouldn't be important, eh? But it looks like we'll finish 4th whatever happens, so Jordan really needs to make sure we get through the game with no big guns injured." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So, yes, the Leeds game was meaningless, but Jordan kept the same team regardless. No keeper on the bench, though, as Jamie Annerson suffered an injury in midweek training that would keep him out for however much of the season remained. Fittingly, Abeyie scored United's goal in the Sunday afternoon fixture, but Leeds rescued a point through a penalty midway through the second half. 33000 fans went home happy in one way or another. The Leeds fans content they'd got a point from a game they were second favourites for, and the Blades fans looking forward to a trip to St Mary's in six days time.

Gricehead · March 20, 2006

Watch this bugger up...

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | C | Bolton | | 46 | 30 | 5 | 11 | 90 | 39 | +51 | 95 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | P | Wigan | | 46 | 28 | 9 | 9 | 92 | 50 | +42 | 93 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | Pl | Fulham | | 46 | 26 | 12 | 8 | 87 | 53 | +34 | 90 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | Pl | Sheff Utd | | 46 | 22 | 14 | 10 | 95 | 56 | +39 | 80 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | Pl | Southampton | | 46 | 23 | 10 | 13 | 68 | 49 | +19 | 79 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | Pl | Reading | | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | 76 | 59 | +17 | 76 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Derby | | 46 | 21 | 12 | 13 | 66 | 59 | +7 | 75 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Burnley | | 46 | 22 | 8 | 16 | 57 | 49 | +8 | 74 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Hull | | 46 | 20 | 8 | 18 | 58 | 45 | +13 | 68 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Cardiff | | 46 | 20 | 8 | 18 | 66 | 65 | +1 | 68 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Preston | | 46 | 20 | 8 | 18 | 66 | 68 | -2 | 68 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Plymouth | | 46 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 53 | 54 | -1 | 64 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Q.P.R. | | 46 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 56 | 64 | -8 | 62 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Leicester | | 46 | 17 | 11 | 18 | 54 | 62 | -8 | 62 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Stoke | | 46 | 17 | 10 | 19 | 61 | 68 | -7 | 61 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Leeds | | 46 | 14 | 13 | 19 | 52 | 61 | -9 | 55 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Ipswich | | 46 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 48 | 56 | -8 | 54 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Sheff Wed | | 46 | 14 | 11 | 21 | 65 | 79 | -14 | 53 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Millwall | | 46 | 12 | 13 | 21 | 50 | 65 | -15 | 49 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Watford | | 46 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 59 | 70 | -11 | 45 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 21st | | Luton | | 46 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 39 | 74 | -35 | 45 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 22nd | R | Bristol City | | 46 | 10 | 14 | 22 | 51 | 66 | -15 | 44 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 23rd | R | Doncaster | | 46 | 7 | 12 | 27 | 45 | 87 | -42 | 33 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 24th | R | Swindon | | 46 | 6 | 9 | 31 | 36 | 92 | -56 | 27 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Gricehead · March 20, 2006

Coca Cola Championship

======================

Playoff Semi Final 1st Leg - 5th May 2007

=========================================

Southampton FC Sheffield United FC

============== ===================

* 1. Antti NIEMI * 1. Paddy KENNY

2. Carmelo CARIOTI * 2. Derek GEARY

* 3. Baris DENIZ * 3. David UNSWORTH

s 4. Stephen WRIGHT 4. Danny COLES

* 5. Pascal CYGAN 5. Chris MORGAN

* 6. Stephen MCPHAIL * 6. Phil JAGIELKA

7. David MCGOLDRICK s 7. Paul IFILL

8. Matthew OAKLEY 8. Pawel ABBOTT

* 9. Brett ORMEROD 9. Neil SHIPPERLEY

10. * 10. Danny WEBBER

* 11. Michael CHOPRA * 11. David THOMPSON

* 12. Nigel QUASHIE * 12. Alan QUINN

13. SANTI 13. Ian ROSS

s 14. Ricardo FULLER 14. Lilian NALIS

15. Matt JACKSON s 15. JosÃ© Luis SIERRA

16. David WRIGHT * 16. Stephen CALDWELL

17. Robbie FOWLER s 17. Nick MONTGOMERY

18. Rory DELAP * 18. Michael TONGE

* 19. Chris RIGGOTT 19. Keith GILLESPIE

20. David PRUTTON * 20. Joe KEENAN

* 21. Sam RICKETTS 21. Jonathan FORTE

22. Chris COHON s 22. Simon FRANCIS

23. 23. Eugen BOPP

* 24. Kamil KOSOWSKI 24. Vratislav GRESKO

s 25. Drew SURMAN * 25. Quincy Owusu ABEYIE

26. Amer SHAFIH 26. James ASHMORE

27. Matt HILL 27. Sharu NARAJI

28. 28. Adrian HARPER

29. 29.

30. s 30. Roberto COLAUTTI

* 31. Djamel BELMADI 31. Dominic ROMA

s Tom ROWE 32. Kyle MCFADZEAN

s TOTTI 34. Gary MULLIGAN

35. Neil MELLOR

40. Jamie ANNERSON

41. Lee SAN</pre>

Jordan's by now familiar team ran out at St Mary's stadium with the hopes of a few thousand travelling supporters - and a great deal more back home in Yorkshire - firmly with them. After 46 games, they couldn't afford to make a mess of this at the first attempt. Southampton were thinking similar thoughts, and it was an untidy first half which the home side probably edged. Quashie was their main threat, with a couple of decent chances, whilst Antti Niemi was hardly troubled.

United started the second half brighter, a good effort from Quinn forcing Niemi into his first save of note not long after the break. Ormerod replied with a decent header across the face of goal which Kenny had to tip over the bar for safety's sake. Perhaps the first real miss of the game came on the hour mark, and Alan Quinn was the guilty party. Good build up down the right led to Thompson playing a pinpoint pass inside to Jags. Jags found Abeyie, who was practically one on one with the keeper, but he chose to square the ball for Quinn who shot disappointingly wide on the volley. Of the two managers, Jordan chose to make a move first, replacing star of the season Abeyie with so-far disappointing Roberto Colautti. The change paid dividends five minutes later, as Colautti, on the half way line, received clearance from a Southampton free kick. The deftest of touches released Thompson who was moving at pace down the right. The winger still had a lot to do, but he made a beeline for goal, and before the defence could get a tackle in, shot past Niemi at his near post. The travelling United contingent were in raptures! A vital goal, and with only twenty minutes to hold out to take a lead back to Bramall Lane!

Almost unnoticed amidst the celebrations, Southampton brought Stephen Wright on in place of Sam Ricketts. United also made a change, looking to tighten up the midfield by bringing Montgomery on for Quinn. They looked to be settling well, stifling Southampton in the middle of the park, and the south coast side looked increasingly desparate as, with ten minutes to go, they brought on Ricardo Fuller, another striker, to replace Kosowski. He had a major role in getting his side back on level terms on 83 minutes, with a rasping shot from outside the area that Kenny could only parry. Brett Ormerod was there to pick up the pieces, and the Blades fans fell silent whilst the Saints celebrated.

United still had a chance to win it as, with two minutes to go, Colautti (who was having by far his best game for the Blades) brought a fine finger tip save from Niemi. but it was to be 89th minute heartbreak for United, and all of their own doing. A harmless defensive free kick, 15 yards inside their own half, was played forward by Caldwell to Jags. The experienced midfielder, one of United's most consistent players throughout the season, dwelled too long on the ball, and was robbed by Quashie, who could only stab the ball forward. Oremerod raced free of the defence in the hopes of getting onto the loose ball, but Kenny - storming out of his area - was a clear favourite to get there first, wasn't he? The travelling support held their collective breaths, but could only look on as Ormerod injected some previously unseen pace, and beat the keeper to the ball. Realisation dawned, and by the time the Saints striker had side-footed the ball into the empty net, many fans had their heads in their hands.

There was no time for any more action. It would be a long way back, in more than one way.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Calling from the supporters coach. What a gut wrenching way to lose a game. I don't know how we raise ourselves from that. Hopefully Jags hasn't had too much confidence knocked out of him. he's been a rock all season, and has just been getting better and better. " </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Oh, United. You always manage to cause us pain. At 0-0, we looked comfortable. At 1-0 we looked comfortable. God knows what happened, I think they were on the coach to Wembley already. Still, got to pick ourselves up now. Let's get behind them at Bramall Lane. We can still do this!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"What the <bleep> was Jags doing? One minute left, just lump it into the area, you muppet. For goodness sake, what are we paying you for." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

mattie · March 21, 2006

Very good so far, looking forward to next update, one thing starting my game today, i was wondering when writing do you write are you play? or write it all up at once when your month has finished, and also do you write it somewhere first then paste to forum message, or type straight into forum message box.

Gricehead · March 21, 2006

Thanks Mattie! To answer your questions: I prefer to write as I play, but I do tend to get carried away, especially when on a winning run, so make pretty detailed notes. Sometimes I write from these notes, sometimes I load the game and go back and watch replays etc.

I always write up in a Text Editor (notepad would do) before posting, and then copy and paste into the forum box. Two benefits - I can expand my notes into the story, and I always have a copy in case the mods have another off day and purge the forum.

Gricehead · March 22, 2006

Coca Cola Championship

======================

Playoff Semi Final 2nd Leg - 8th May 2007

=========================================

Sheffield United FC Southampton FC

=================== ==============

* 1. Paddy KENNY 1. Antti NIEMI

* 2. Derek GEARY 2. Carmelo CARIOTI

* 3. David UNSWORTH * 3. Baris DENIZ

4. Danny COLES 4. Stephen WRIGHT

5. Chris MORGAN * 5. Pascal CYGAN

* 6. Phil JAGIELKA * 6. Stephen MCPHAIL

s 7. Paul IFILL 7. David MCGOLDRICK

s 8. Pawel ABBOTT s 8. Matthew OAKLEY

9. Neil SHIPPERLEY * 9. Brett ORMEROD

* 10. Danny WEBBER 10.

* 11. David THOMPSON * 11. Michael CHOPRA

* 12. Alan QUINN * 12. Nigel QUASHIE

13. Ian ROSS 13. SANTI

14. Lilian NALIS s 14. Ricardo FULLER

s 15. JosÃ© Luis SIERRA 15. Matt JACKSON

* 16. Stephen CALDWELL s 16. David WRIGHT

s 17. Nick MONTGOMERY 17. Robbie FOWLER

* 18. Michael TONGE 18. Rory DELAP

19. Keith GILLESPIE * 19. Chris RIGGOTT

* 20. Joe KEENAN * 20. David PRUTTON

21. Jonathan FORTE * 21. Sam RICKETTS

s 22. Simon FRANCIS 22. Chris COHON

23. Eugen BOPP 23.

24. Vratislav GRESKO * 24. Kamil KOSOWSKI

* 25. Quincy Owusu ABEYIE s 25. Drew SURMAN

26. James ASHMORE 26. Amer SHAFIH

27. Sharu NARAJI 27. Matt HILL

28. Adrian HARPER 28.

29. 29.

30. Roberto COLAUTTI 30.

31. Dominic ROMA 31. Djamel BELMADI

32. Kyle MCFADZEAN * 50. Tom ROWE

34. Gary MULLIGAN TOTTI

35. Neil MELLOR s Neil ARMSTRONG

40. Jamie ANNERSON

41. Lee SAN</pre>

Bramall Lane was packed to the rafters for the second leg of the Playoffs. Blind optimism combined with sheer hope to create a cacophony of noise. United fielded an unchanged side, manager Jordan clearly confident of his sides goalscoring prowess. Southampton made a couple of changes, notably replacing their injured keeper with an untried 16 year old. That was certainly a sight for sore eyes for the Blades fans.

A couple of early yellow cards were the only highlights of a dull first quarter of an hour, but it was Southampton who had the first chance as Brett Ormerod's low shot was tipped round the post by Kenny. From the resulting corner, United launched a trade-mark counter attack. Webber picked up Jags' headed clearance, and set Abeyie free with a lovely curled pass. Abeyie was left to round the keeper and tap the ball home in his own time, to take him to 35 goals for the season. United were back on terms, and Southampton's game plan was seriously altered. They came back hard, Chopra failing to take advantage of a couple of opportunities in the next five minutes. Just before the half hour, Jags should have done better as he was released by Webber on the edge of the area, but his shot was wayward and never worried the keeper.

Danny Webber was clearly on top of his game today, and when Abeyie played a simple ball into his path level with the last defender, he found a way past the keeper just inside the near post to make it 2-0 to United. Southampton now desparately needed to get one back before half time, and this time it was Quashie who was guilty of spurning a shooting chance. They would regret it before the break. The third goal came in the last minute of the half. Abeyie, on the half way line, laid the ball back to Jags who played a high ball releasing Webber at inside left. Webber cut in from the corner of the penalty area, and went wide to draw the keeper, before rolling the ball into the near corner. Fabulous goal, his 50th for Sheffield United, and sending his club into half time with a fairly solid looking lead.

Any carefully laid out plan that the Southampton manager had expanded on in his teamtalk was blown apart within a minute of the restart. United had replaced Abeyie and Jagielka with Abbott and Montgomery at the break, obviously thinking the game was won and looking to save legs for the final. Monty was involved in the buildup to a cracking fourth, which was hit by Quinn from 30 yards out, a fabulous curling shot which left the young keeper rooted to the spot. Southampton heads dropped. Webber could have had a hattrick almost immediately, but had to wait until the 67th minute when Sierra, who had just replaced Quinn a couple of minutes earlier, swung across a corner to the far post. Webber's excellent positioning gave him the perfect scoring opportunity, and he made no mistake in making it 5-0. A trio of Southampton substitutions, and a couple of meaningless yellow cards, added little to proceedings, and just for good measure Pawel Abbott completed the rout by heading a Tonge cross firmly into the bottom corner in stoppage time. 6-0, and all thoughts of those late goals at St. Mary's were abandoned. United were going to Wembley.

The fans had plenty to say. Far more than could possibly be included here, but some highlights:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Superb! The Blades are going to Wembley! Two years on since Warnock went, and the new man is gonna take us all the way to the promised land!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I can't believe it! To put on a performance like that in such a vital game! That was almost as good as thumping Wednesday. Almost. Webber? Magnificent. Jags, Monty, Quinny, all the midfield? Magic. We've got the momentum to roll over whoever it is we play." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I think I'd rather play Reading in the final. Memories of that thumping at the Lane by Fulham are still a bit fresh, and it would be gutting to go out like that. But we're going to have one hell of a party!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Hats off to the Jordan. I think it's fair to say that everyone doubted his ability when he came in, but he's shown us all what he can do. He's improved on Warnock's squad with some shrewd signings this year, both loans and permanent deals. A quick message for the lads if they're listening: We're behind you all the way. We'll be there at Wembley, singing our hearts out. You just go out there and get us that Premiership place. COME ON YOU RED AND WHITE WIZARDS!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fulham played their own comeback card, with an ominous 3-1 home victory over Reading, to turn round a 1-0 scoreline from the first leg.

Gricehead · March 28, 2006

Playoff Final 2007 buildup

Whilst the fans concentrated on queueing for tickets, and making sure their hotels were booked and their travel plans sorted, day to day business continued at Bramall Lane. Robert Colautti returned to Newcastle at the end of his loan spell. Not that anyone really cared. He was destined to become a quickly forgotten name as far as the Sheffield United fans were concerned. Travis Binnion and Jordan Robertson both agreed to sign for Torquay in the summer. Maybe they'd take up surfing whilst they were there? They certainly weren't good enough to play football for United, and most of the fans wouldn't miss them. There was reported unrest amongst some of the other reserves, but no solid news.

The club made a big deal out of appeasing Pawel Abbott's barely stated worries over getting a first team place. The Polish striker hadn't even directly mentioned that he was upset in the interview in question, yet United's official response made it sound like he'd threatened to storm out. There was a rat to be smelled here, but the supporters were so hyped up about Wembley that they didn't notice what was being covered up.

They'd notice on Sunday. Quincy Owusu Abeyie, top scorer with 31 goals, would not play for United in the Playoff final.

Gricehead · March 28, 2006

Coca Cola Championship

======================

Playoff Final, 20th May 2007, Wembley

=====================================

Fulham FC Sheffield United FC

========= ===================

1. * 1. Paddy KENNY

2. * 2. Derek GEARY

* 3. Carlos BOCANEGRA * 3. David UNSWORTH

4. 4. Danny COLES

* 5. Billy JONES 5. Chris MORGAN

* 6. Theo WALCOTT * 6. Phil JAGIELKA

7. Chris JAMES s 7. Paul IFILL

* 8. Claus JENSEN * 8. Pawel ABBOTT

9. Dexter BLACKSTOCK 9. Neil SHIPPERLEY

s 10. Saheed SANKOH * 10. Danny WEBBER

11. Fabrice FERNANDES * 11. David THOMPSON

12. Dalibor STEVANOVIC * 12. Alan QUINN

13. Callum LEGATE 13. Ian ROSS

14. Giorgos NTOVAS 14. Lilian NALIS

16. Nicky BUTT * 16. Stephen CALDWELL

* 17. Daniyel CIMEN s 17. Nick MONTGOMERY

* 18. JUNIOR * 18. Michael TONGE

19. Dominic PETIZ 19. Keith GILLESPIE

s 20. Zander DIAMOND * 20. Joe KEENAN

* 21. Zesh REHMAN 21. Jonathan FORTE

22. Matthew TAYLOR s 22. Simon FRANCIS

* 23. Alexander FRUTOS 23. Eugen BOPP

s 24. Gareth ROBERTS s 24. Vratislav GRESKO

* 25. Jaroslav DREBNY 25.

26. 26. James ASHMORE

s 27. Darren PRATLEY 27. Sharu NARAJI

28. 28. Adrian HARPER

29. 29.

30. 30.

31. Djamel BELMADI 31. Dominic ROMA

32. 32. Kyle MCFADZEAN

* 33. Niclas JENSEN 33.

s Corrin BROOKS-MEADE 34. Gary MULLIGAN

s 35. Neil MELLOR

40. Jamie ANNERSON

41. Lee SAN</pre>

The rumour that Abeyie was absent snowballed as kickoff approached and the fans made their progress down the M1. Was it an injury? Had he just disappeared? People reported seeing him checking out of his hotel, others said he had been seen in Hallamshire A&E department. One or two came out with even more unlikely stories. Their fears were confirmed when they got hold of the official matchday programme, minus Uniteds number 25's name. To find out that the apparently want-away Abbott was starting instead was enough to make a minority boo the decision.

On paper, this Fulham team was beatable. Their squad had been decimated since their fall from the top flight last season, and they were carrying injuries in what remained. By all accounts they liked to play a strange 4-1-2-2-1 formation, with an anchor man in midfield, two advancing wingers and a single striker. That striker was another dutchman with 30 goals for the season, Collins John. Or at least it was for the first nine minutes. At that point he had to leave the field through injury, but he had already had the ball in the back of the net, only to see it disallowed for offside. Fulham only attacking option was 19 year old Saheed Sankoh, but rather than adapt to a new formation, Chris Coleman chose to play the inexperienced youngster alone. United fans took heart from this, as with Keenan and Geary tightly marking the two wingers, it seemed to severely reduce Fulham's attacking threat.

Alexander Frutos had the only other Fulham chance of the opening 20 minutes, a long shot which was easily gathered by Kenny. At the other end, Quinn had a chance to score when in space on the edge of the area, but his shot was way off target. It was Fulham who opened the scoring when, despite the close attention of Keenan, Walcott drifted clear at the far post to hit home on the half volley. Jagielka could have lifted United heads straight away, when Thompson put him clear in the area, but again his shot was disappointing. Two minutes before the break, Paddy Kenny kept his side in the match, with a comfortable enough save from Junior. United broke straight down the other end, and won a corner, but couldn't make anything of it and the teams were soon back in the dressing room.

United had to find a goal in the second half. Oh, how they could do with Abeyie right now! It was started the second half on the attack, with young forward Sankoh denied by Kenny again, picking up a slight knock in the process. It was to be a rare attacking foray from the cockneys, as they looked to hold on to what they had and tighten up the game. Twenty minutes to go, and Coleman replaced Junior with Pratley, a like for like swap in midfield. Quinn finally forced a save from Drobny with 15 minutes to go. It was a fine curling shot, but the Fulham keeper was equal to it. Time for some changes from the United bench. Ifill replaced Thompson, and Mellor came on for Abbott. Time ticked away, and Fulham tried to waste a bit more of it by subbing the substitute Sankoh for left back Roberts, making their intentions clear. United fought their way through the last few minutes, looking for the breakthrough, but Fulham's now packed midfield repelled them back to Kenny at every opportunity. Inevitably, the final whistle came before a goal. The dream was over. It was to be another season in the Championship, a third for Jordan, and a 14th for the Blades. Would it be too much for the fans?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Oh, for God's sake. Here we go again. Gutted. Just failed to produce on the day. What else can I say? Gutted." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"United and playoff finals, eh? Palace in 97, Wolves in 2003, and now Fulham in 2007. Next season, if we're going to do it, let's do it the proper way, because I don't think we'll ever win one of those blasted finals." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Too many players not performing on the big stage. Time for Jordan to clear out those players who can't hack it on that level. They'd be no good in the Premiership anyway. It's not Jordan's fault, he's shown he can make the team play. Jags, Tonge, Kenny, that's twice they've capitulated. It's going to be a long summer for us United fans" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mark Snellink · March 28, 2006

*Gasp*

What happened?

BTW, good luck on the final. Come one!

Mark Snellink · March 28, 2006

ack, forgot to refresh

mavericktango · March 29, 2006

Tough luck Gricehead

Don't weaken now! You're inching closer

Gricehead · March 30, 2006

Thanks Mark and mt for your kind commiserations

Post Mortem

Not surprisingly, the real Post Mortem began within a couple of days. It didn't take long for the fans to grasp hold of the real problem:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Hold on a minute here, before we start laying into players who have given their all for the club for several season, there's one question that still hasn't been answered. Why wasn't Quincy Owusu-Abeyie out there in a United shirt on Sunday? The club told us that we had him until the end of the season, didn't they? I've heard all sorts of rumours; falling out with the manager, injury, fighting over team selection, but the truth still hasn't come out. We deserve to know!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"The last caller is right, of course. If Abeyie had been playing, the odds are we would have at least scored. Probably even won. His absence has cost us big-time, and whoever is responsible needs to be made to pay." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The debate went on for days, with more and more ridiculous reasons being bandied about as to why Abeyie didn't play. Many claimed to be from sources "close to the club", but one or two really were, and therefore the real reason was amongst those raised. Fortunately for the board and staff at the club, this was just one voice lost in the crowd. Eventually, the club felt compelled to make a statement.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">From: Sheffield United Football Club

Embargoed until 17:00, 27th May 2007

Statement on the situation regarding Quincy Owusu-Abeyie

Following much recent speculation and rumour-mongering, Sheffield United Football Club would today like to clarify the situation regarding the end of Quincy Owusu-Abeyie's loan contract at the club, and the reason he did not play in the Playoff final last Sunday. On Friday evening, 18th May 2007, the night before the team departed for Wembley, Sheffield United Football Club received a Fax from Arsenal Football Club requesting that the loan contract of Mr Abeyie be terminated with immediate effect. This was within their rights, under the FA rules pertaining to loans, as Mr Abeyie had already served more than one month of the loan contract. The club had no choice but to comply with this request. Non compliance would have led to invalidation of Mr Abeyie's registration to play, so the result would have been the same. Sheffield United Football Club do not wish to speculate on the reasoning behind this decision, indeed it is none of our business.

All of us at the Club would like to thank the manager and players for their efforts throughout the season. We hope that we can now put this matter behind us, and look forward to next season, where we are confident that the fans will get the success they desire. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Surely that would placate the fans? You think?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Those cockney <bleep>! Why did they need to recall Abeyie? Their season was over, they had no more games. What did they do it for? Spite? Did they think he might come and join us permanently if we got into the Premiership! <bleep>! We've got to do something, these big-money <bleep> can't treat us like this!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"I've written a letter to Arsenal, and one to the FA. I want answers. I suggest everyone else should do the same. They can't ignore us all!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not quite "putting the matter behind us", really. One letter writing campaign later, and Arsenal released their own press statement, which fell into the hands of those at Radio Sheffield:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">From: Arsenal FC

Embargoed until 11:00 31st May 2007

Statement regarding the loan contract between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United FC for Quincy Owusu Abeyie

Arsenal FC wish to clarify in the strongest terms that they did not prematurely terminate the loan contract of the player above. As per our normal operating procedures, the club Secretary sent a facsimile to Sheffield United, reminding them that the loan contract was expiring on the 19th May. We presume this is the facsimile that the Sheffield United board have misquoted in their press statement last week. Mr Abeyie returned to Arsenal on the 19th May, as per the terms of his loan agreement, and was unavailable for selection by Sheffield United from that point.

Once again, Mr Abeyie's loan contract ran it's full length, and was not terminated early by Arsenal Football Club. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons. Shortly afterwards, Sheffield United were forced to admit that an administrative cockup had led to the wording of the contract being "for three months" rather than being "until the end of the season." This wasn't expected to be a problem, and wasn't revealed to the fans, but someone had forgotten to take into account that the playoff final was played on Sunday 20th May, not Saturday 19th May...

Would there be ramifications?

Gricehead · March 30, 2006

Summer 2007

In amongst the general sniping and backstabbing surrounding the Abeyie incident, which was inflamed some more by the confirmation that the dutchman was the top scorer in the division with 31 goals, there were some notable headlines for the during the long football-free Summer months. Here are some, with a summary of the story:

Star Defender to become permanent? In which it was revealed that United had offered a contract to Steven Caldwell, although they weren't the only Championship club to do so.

Captain Morgan ship shape and Bristol fashion. which talked about a possible move away from the club for Chris Morgan to Bristol City. Morgan was eventually to move to Brighton for Â£50k.

Foreign Legion move in announced the signings of Brazilian midfielder Doriva from Crewe, and Spanish winger Juan JosÃ© Camcho from Zaragoza. Doriva, 35, was on the manager's shortlist last season, and signs a short term contract. Camcho, 29, is set to impress at Championship level, having been signed as a Premiership player.

International Striker signs! rather misleading informed fans that Venezuelan international Massimo Margiotta (29) would join the club on a free transfer from Piacenza, once his current commitments with the national side were completed. He would miss a large part of pre-season.

Youth clearout at Lane confirmed the departures of Binnion and Robertson, but added that 6 others would leave, Colin Marrison to Cheltenham, Kyle MacFadzean to Halifax and Evan Horwood, Ryan Gyaki and Dean Oliver released.

Party for duo reported on the retirement party held for coach Ron Reid and scout Barry Wilson who had both retired after long service at the club.

Nalis hangs up boots...Sierra follows suit! announced the decision to retire taken by the two midfielders. The story originally ran with "at the end of the season", but this was corrected to read that Nalis would retire at the end of his contract, and Sierra would stay on until the end of the year.

Rams raid mackem gave the news that Caldwell had done what Michael Brown decided to do last season - sign for Derby instead of United. The journalist in this case postulated at some length that the Blades would be seriously short of defenders as a result.

West Midlands shopping spree for Jordan! eased fans fears of defensive nightmares, with news of two signings. 31 year old Oliver TÃ©bily from Birmingham City, and 33 year old Tomasz Kos from Aston Villa. No shortage of experience there.

Then, eventually, it was time for preseason friendlies, and a chance to see how the new side would shape up against a variety of opposition of dubious quality.

Gricehead · March 30, 2006

Pre-season 2007/2008

Goals a plenty in this seasons friendlies, and only once did United fail to keep a clean sheet. With Margiotta away on international duty, only Webber and Abbott of the regular first team were available to play up front. Of the supporting youth side, only transfer listed Mulligan was available, with the promising Lee San also away on international duty. It was like being thrown back two seasons, as Shipperley had to step in and Ifill had to lend his support on occasions. It didn't stop United putting two past Dundee United at Bramall Lane, through Abbott and Ifill, and then another four past Port Vale, through Camacho, Monty, Webber and an own goal.

But then the rumours started. Rumours that Webber wanted to leave and, not only that, but there had been a cash offer made for the striker. With no regular phone-in on Radio Sheffield until the season started, these rumours rumbled under surface, with no obvious place to manifest themselves. Soon Tonge's name was being mentioned as leaving for cash. Webber, at least, was missing from the next couple of games, with United putting four past Gravesend (Abbott, Ian Ross, Ifill and Shipperley) before struggling to a 0-0 draw against Sutton United. Whether Webber's absence was as a result of his outburst and possibly impending transfer was cause for more speculation.

Massimo Margiotta returned from internation duty and, with minimal training, went straight into the side to play Blackpool in the next friendly. He scored twice, and Jags and Bopp added goals, but United were appalling in defence all game, and were lucky to only ship two on this occasion.

There was news of a loan signing ahead of the final friendly of the season, which would be a tricky tie against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Fans hopes were raised by mention of a Premiership striker signing for a full season, but subsequently dashed again when it turned out to be Neil Mellor, back from Newcastle, and not a certain Arsenal striker they had been hoping for. Mellor at least looked sharper than in the first games of his spell last season. He scored the opener, as the strikers had a field day against Forest. Abbott added a brace, and Margiotta finished the job off. The day after the game, Radio Sheffield scored a rare exclusive interview with Blades boss Colin Jordan.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Good evening, and welcome to Football Heaven, I'm Paul Walker, your host for the evening. I'm joined in the studio tonight by the Sheffield United manager Colin Jordan. Good evening Colin, and welcome to the show"

CJ: Good evening, Paul, it's a pleasure to be here.

PW: Straight into the questions then, and just a reminder that the text and email lines are open for you to send in your questions for Colin. Have the players been able to put the disappointment of last season behind them?

CJ: I think so, Paul. Obviously, they were very disappointed not to be able to lift the Playoff trophy, and even more disappointed not to be picking up Premiership wages as a result, but they've worked hard throughout the summer, and as a squad we're in better shape this year.

PW: What about you, are you ready?

CJ: Well, Paul, I'm still a relative newcomer in this trade. I'm still learning everyday, so I think I'm ready. I think I'm in a good position. Although my job will be on the line if we don't go that step further this season. This club can't afford by any reckoning to stay around in the Championship for ever. I wouldn't have it any other way for me, my job being on the line I mean. Pressure to perform is healthy.

PW: It's interesting what you say about affordability, Colin. As I'm sure you're aware, there have been a number of rumours of players leaving the club. Is your hand being forced?

CJ: Firstly, no. No-one is forcing me to sell any players at the moment. The board have given me their full support, and although that doesn't include a lot of cash for transfer, it's enough to work with. We are operating above budget on wages, though, so there will be cutbacks if we don't look like performing. Secondly, you and I both know, Paul, that there are always rumours in football.

PW: OK, I'll be a little more direct. Has there been an offer for any player, say Michael Tonge for example?

CJ: Yes, there was a cash offer made for Tongey, but it was rejected out of hand. We've heard nothing from the club concerned since.

PW: So he's staying at Bramall Lane then?

CJ: For the forseeable future, yes. But everyone has their price, Paul.

PW: And what's Tongey's price?

CJ: I'm not advertising, Paul, you should no better than that!

PW: What about Danny Webber? Is there any truth in the rumour that he has asked to leave?

CJ: Sadly, yes. We've granted Danny a transfer request. He came to me during pre-season, and reminded me of a conversation we had last season. The lad wants to play at the top level, and on his day he's definitely good enough. Last year I told him that staying at the Lane was the best way for him to achieve that. It wouldn't be right to tell him that again, even if it might still be true, and we don't want to stop him achieving his goals. Besides, he's out of contract in the summer and could go for nothing then, unless we get promoted and then he might sign a new deal, who knows?

PW: Indeed. Has there been any interest?

CJ: We received a derisory bid, but rejected it out of hand. It's been made clear that any club approaching Danny will have to meet our valuation.

PW: Can the club afford to lose Danny? You don't exactly have depth in strength up front anyway?

CJ: Danny is still a Sheffield United player at the moment. I've got every confidence that between him, Massimo and Pawel, there will be goals.

PW: But you've chosen to bring Neil Mellor back. That's surprised a few people.

CJ: Neil was unlucky last season. He's a confidence player, and he didn't have a good season. He never really got his confidence up, although he was starting to show what he could do towards the end of his spell. You've seen him since he came back, though, he looks on top form!

PW: Indeed. But it's still a surprise. When we heard you were bringing a striker in on a season loan, everybody thought it was Abeyie!

CJ: Paul, I don't think that's likely to happen this season, do you?

PW: After the debacle last year you mean?

CJ: I don't really want to dwell on it, Paul.

PW: OK, moving on. Here's a question from Donny Blade: In the last two seasons, the first ten games have been disappointing. What have you done to make sure we get off to a better start?

CJ: Heh, well as I said at the top of the show, I think we're better prepared this season. I think we've got a better all round squad who have trained hard and played well in pre-season. Of course, it's all down to the performance on the day, come Saturday.

PW: And this is from Derek the Blade: With the players that have come in there are bound to be a lot of changes from the first team last season. Do you know the strongest eleven?

CJ: Well, Derek, you'll have to wait until Saturday to find out. At least I'm comfortable that if the eleven out on the pitch aren't doing the job, we've got plenty on the bench this season to change things around. But I'm fairly confident. Let's say there are 6 or 7 names already on the teamsheet.

PW: Well, that's all we've got time for at the moment. Thanks Colin for being here. This is Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven, and I'm Paul Walker. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gricehead · April 13, 2006

August 2007

With August comes renewed hope. A new sense of optimism. The chance to right wrongs, to make yourself the best. The chance to get a headstart on the rest. Not something that United were familiar with in recent years. The Blades started their campaign at Bramall Lane against the blue and white hoops of QPR. Jordan had almost a full squad to choose from, with only regular keeper Paddy Kenny and midfield dynamo David Thompson unavailable through injury. Two summer signings in the starting eleven, with the fans especially looking forward to seeing Massimo Margiotta make his debut for the club. The South American would be partnered by Pole Pawel Abott, whilst the midfield four of Ifill, Tonge, Quinn and Jagielka looked to continue their domination of last season. Tomasz Kos made his debut alongside captain Unsworth, with Gresko and Francis the two fullbacks. In goal, youngster Jamie Annerson stepped in to deputise again.

As so often happened to United fans, hopes and dreams were shattered just 26 minutes into the new season. The QPR opener was completely against the run of play, and the Blades looked set to rue their missed chances, as they stumbled through to half time without troubling the visitors. The manager made two changes at half time, and presumably stripped the barely dry paint off the dressing room wall whilst he was at it, because with Camacho and Mellor on for Tonge and Abbott, United looked a different side. Jags equalised on the hour mark from an excellent Paul Ifill corner, and a penalty ten minuted later was dispatched professionally as always by captain Unsworth. With fifteen minutes to go, Camacho makes an impact on the game by robbing a QPR defender and setting Margiotta free beyond the defence. With only the keeper to beat, on his debut, the Venezuelan opted to pass sideways to Mellor, and the big Newcastle man made sure of the three points. This side now clearly had the bit between their teeth though, and eight minutes from time Jags' cross put the defence in trouble, and Margiotta's presence forced an own goal. Camacho made it a handful with an excellently taken freekick in the last minute, and the fans could go home smiling.

First day success meant a lot to both fans and manager, with Phil Jagielka getting a deserved Man of the Match award, but there was a niggling doubt about that first half performance. What would the gaffer do for the midweek trip to Millwall?

He wouldn't field Ian Ross. The midfielder who had broken through to the first team in pre-season opted to accept an offer to head to Huddersfield until Christmas rather than stay and fight for his place. Instead, the gaffer would field an unchanged side, that's what he'd do. No point in shattering confidences this early in the campaign. Again United were chasing the game in the first half, as Unsworth had a bit of a mare. After picking up an early booking, the Blades skipper managed to turn the ball into his own net, as it rebounded into his path from the keeper's parry. It's almost halftime before the Blades equalise, and it's Margiotta with his first goal for United, albeit with a hefty deflection. Tongue was replaced by Camacho again, and on came Webber in the second half. Twenty minutes in Jags' long ball finds him free of the defence. 2-1, as the highly rated striker makes no mistake. Two became three five minutes later, as Camacho's shot is parried by the keeper and Margiotta poaches the rebound. The Blades were cruising, and brought on Thompson for Ifill, but Millwall weren't quite finished. Five minutes to go, and they claw a goal back, getting behind the United defence with disturbing ease. A nervous couple of minutes for the travelling Blades contingent, until Thompson's shot is defended into the path of Margiotta, and the Venezuelan poaches his hattrick. The Cockney's still managed to get another goal back to make the final scoreline 4-3.

A win is a win is a win, and an away win even more so, but this performance was worrying, especially defensively. Tonge's second successive poor show must be cause for concern, as must the knock taken by Camacho at the end of the game. However, the Man of the Match winning performance of Massimo Margiotta must finally have the Blades forgetting the loss of Quincy Owusu Abeyie.

There was much transfer rumour and activity at Bramall Lane in the four days before the next game. Much of it surrounded Danny Coles, who was known to be unhappy with sitting in the reserves after being promised first team action. MK Dons were rumoured to have approached the Blades with a player exchange deal, but unsurprisingly Jordan was said not to be impressed with any of their squad, never mind the player they offered. Coles chose that point to hand in a transfer request, which brought bids from a couple of League One outfits, but these were dismissed as derisory by United. Ironically, the only solid transfer activity involved another player, as Keith Gillespie finally admitted that he didn't have a future in Sheffield, and signed for Luton for a nominal fee.

Jordan dropped Tonge for visit of Watford, making the change this time before the fans could start baying for it. In came Keenan at left back, with Gresko moving into midfield. Massimo Margiotta continued where he left off in the previous game, putting United ahead in the 5th minute with the best of his goals so far. Quinn made it 2-0 by the time the game was 20 minutes old, set up again by Jagiela. Then it all started going wrong, with Tomasz Kos largely to blame. The big defender was helpless as a Watford attacker skinned him from a standing start to make it 2-1 just before the break, and it could have been 2-2 just after, but United stole the ball and started a quick breakaway. Margiotta got the ball out wide, got the cross in, Thompson shot, and Abbott was on hand to put away the rebound. United needed the cushion, as Kos had another mistake in him yet. Three minutes from time, his appalling back pass let Watford in to score a second, but they couldn't find the equaliser. Another close run win, making the QPR result look more like a fluke. Man of the match for Thompson, but a worry for the fans seeing top scorer Margiotta leave the field.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Three games, three wins, twelve goals, and for once it doesn't look like we're going to have a problem scoring. Much better start by the lads this season, but if I was the manager I'd certainly be taking a look at that defence. We've got a big game coming up against Blackburn next week. That will be the real test, and if Kos and some of the others play like they have been doing, it's going to be a problem scoring enough at the other end to keep up with them!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"It's nice to have nine points on the board, but like the previous caller said, that defence is shocking. It's a crying shame we couldn't have got either Sommeil or Caldwell to come back, as with two oldies at the back we look slow. We need some pace back there. Maybe he should give Danny Coles the first team start he wants? Or drop Jags back to defence? What about Kenny, when is he back?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Well, he definitely has to drop Kos. Premiership quality? You're havin' a laugh Mr Jordan. Going back to the strikers, what a player this Massimo lad is. Just the sort of goalscorer we need. Does anyone know how long he's out for?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not good news on the Margiotta front, as his thigh injury would take up to a month to heal properly. A chance for one of the other strikers to stake a regular starting place, and one which Lee San didn't miss, as he came out in public and stated that he thought the manager should give him a chance. Jordan's response was that the lad wasn't fit enough, having missed most of the pre-season on international duty. It was Mellor who got the nod for the Blackburn game, but it wasn't a match that would look good on any United player's c.v. It's a strong performance from the freshly relegated side, and despite any inside knowledge from Gresko and Thompson, there was very little that United can do. Craig Bellamy was the main difference between the sides, and his brace either side of the break did the damage. A second half freekick made it three with United chasing the game.

It was probably a good job this game came when it did, as otherwise it would have had the fans howling. As it was, it simply highlighted the struggle any side in the division had in taking a promotion spot off the previous seasons relegated teams. It was time to forget about it and move on, in this case to the League Cup first round at Darlington. It was also time for three more youth players to consider moving on. James Ashmore, another midfielder who had briefly figured in pre-season, headed to Shrewsbury for a pre-Christmas loan spell, whilst Stephen Quinn and Dominic Roma both came out on the wrong end of arguments about first team action, and found themselves transfer listed. The fact that Gresko wasn't transfer listed didn't seem to worry Portsmouth, who came enquiring about his asking price anyway. Every player has his price, but Portsmouth were not willing to meet the club's valuation, and the matter was dropped.

The League Cup match was another matter that perhaps should have been dropped, although discussion of it dominated the airwaves for a good few days afterwards. Jordan took the unusual, but understandable decision of completing rehashing the team, but it was still a side that should have been strong enough to see off a League 2 outfit. Credit to Darlington, who battled hard for the first hard, and didn't let their heads drop when they went behind in the second to a Mellor goal. Instead, they picked themselves up and equalise within four minutes. A shambolic performance from Tebily didn't help. They went on to score a complete fluke of a winner inside the last ten minutes, but it was a victory they certainly deserved. Out of the cup, the most worrying things for the management were the knocks to Keenan and Ifill that would see the injury list growing again already. The fans had bigger worries, such as showing up at work the next day...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Shocking performance. We deserved to go out. Tebily is crap, not fit to wear the shirt on that performance. Looks like we've picked up some right donkeys in defence." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"A bad result, you've got to admit, but look at it this way: We can concentrate our resources on the league alone from now until the new year, something we haven't been able to do for the last two seasons. It should be to our advantage." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Arghh. Why is it when we play a team full of reserves in order to maximise our chances of getting knocked out, it's two first teamers who get injured? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The loss of Keenan was balanced by the return of Camacho, whilst Ifill recovered in time for the game and Webber returned in place of Mellor in attack. Plymouth should have been easy picking at home, but the game was a dull one, and the meagre support of 18800 got what their numbers deserved. United had most of the pressure, but came away with only a draw after failing to convert any chances. They also came away with another injury to worry about, Jags looking set to miss three weeks with a gammy elbow. Still, at least there was a clean sheet.

The defensive frailties returned at Hull, though, as the Tigers take advantage of the lack of pace at the back to get behind United twice. Monty was in the side in place of Jags, and Mellor got the nod ahead of Abbot on this occasion. Fortunately, two freekicks, for Ifill in the first half, and Camacho in the last minute of the second, scrape a point for the Blades, who ended the month in what must be considered a disappointing 6th place.

Massimo Margiotta is deservedly voted Player of the Month, and his return to the side will be vital. Kevan Hurst, meanwhile, heads off to Oxford for another loan spell. The young winger considers this a chance to obtain a permanent move.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Charlton | | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 4 | +10 | 16 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Stoke | | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 6 | +5 | 15 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Blackburn | | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 2 | +8 | 12 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Hull | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 7 | +8 | 11 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Cardiff | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 11 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Sheff Utd | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 11 | +3 | 11 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Leicester | | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 6 | +4 | 10 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Portsmouth | | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 10 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Sheff Wed | | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 11 | +4 | 9 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Southampton | | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 9 | </pre>

Gricehead · June 7, 2006

September 2007

The league took another break at the start of September, and whilst on that break, United's new Spanish winger managed to dislocate his jaw. How he did it was anyone's guess, but rumours of a bust up in a Sheffield nightclub were strongly denied by the club. Regardless, he would miss the whole month, another big loss for the club. So for the televised home game against Cardiff, Tongey would start on the left, whilst there would be at least a little good news as Margiotta was back in contention and was immediately back in the starting line-up, replacing Mellor. Ex Blade and fans favourite Steve Kabba put the cat amongst the Bramall Lane pigeons in the 5th minute with an early strike, but Margiotta got the Blades back on level terms almost immediately. The Bluebirds retake the lead midway through the half, with the United defence worryingly left high and dry yet again, and this time there's no comeback, and the Blades are consigned to their first home defeat of the season.

The long trip to Southampton was just around the corner, and Jordan rang the changes after that, more to appease the fans than anything else. Tongey had failed, yet again, and Jordan handed the start to Gresko. Ifill had also been poor, so Thompson got the start on the other wing. A more enforced change saw the return to the side of Paddy Kenny, earlier than anticipated, to replace Annerson who had suffered a finger injury and would be missing for a while. It's not pretty. Roberts and Ormerod rip the United defence apart twice in the first half, leading, presumably, to some tough words from the gaffer during the break. Webber gets one back in the second as the Blades noticeably stopped trying to play offside. Ormerod restored the cushion for the home side on the hour mark, but Webber got a second to make a game out of it with quarter of an hour remaining. It could have been level, when Margiotta had an effort that rolled right across the goal line a few minutes later, and it probably should have been level as Southampton finished the game with just ten men. But it wasn't, it was a second consecutive defeat, dropping United to 11th. At least the fans had a South Yorkshire derby against Barnsley to look forward to. Surely an easy win against the Championship newcomers?

Jordan made three changes again for the Barnsley game. TÃ©bily, Tonge and Jags came back for Keenan, Kos and Monty as the gaffer tried to find a settled side that would bring success. Although it wouldn't come for United this time, the game would go down in history as a classic, and was captured by the cameras for all to see. It was a story of three individual performances, two of outstanding brilliance, one of utter mediocrity. Brilliance the first: Graeme Kavanagh, whose hattrick put Barnsley 2-0 up and then vitally equalised for 4-4 in the last minute. Brilliance the second: Pawel Abbott, who came on at the hour mark and turned the game from 3-1 down to 4-3 up for the Blades with a world class hattrick. Quinn got the other goal, but the mediocrity was also on United's side, and it came from Paddy Kenny. He came and missed a cross for Barnsley's first goal, and palmed the ball out to their forward for the third. Then, when the rest of the team fought hard to turn the game around, he was beaten at his near post for the equaliser. Disappointing, and the fans thought so as well.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Oh. My. God. We can't even beat the Dingles. What was Kenny on today? He's usually solid as a rock, but today? Well, I just don't know what to say." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Kenny should be dropped after that performance. The rest of the team fought back really well, and Abbott was excellent, but the keeper cost us three points today, no doubt about that." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Bit early to be getting on Kenny's back, if you ask me. One bad performance from the lad just highlighted how poor our defence has been recently. Him and Annerson have both saved us more points than they've cost, and it's the defence that Jordan needs to sort out." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fortunately there was plenty of news in and around Bramall Lane to keep fans' minds off results. There was speculation that Forte would be on his way out of the club after a public spat with the manager over first team football. There was the sight of Darlington beating Premiership Norwich in the second round of the league cup to make fans feel a little better. And there were some very peculiar goings-on regarding last season's top scorer Abeyie. Apparently he wasn't getting on too well with Mr Wenger and had been slapped on the loan list as a result. A couple of days later he apologised and the listing was withdrawn. Sources at the club reported that a tentative offer had been made, but had been rejected out of hand.

Meanwhile, Jordan was plotting Reading's downfall. Yet more changes were on the cards, with Sierra, Abbott and Keenan starting; TÃ©bily, Tongue and Webber dropped. The travelling felt fleeced over the long journey to the Madjeski, as their team yet again didn't seem inclined to put the effort in. All in all, a drab game, punctuated by two goals for the home side, as United continued the slip down the table to 14th. How much longer could this go on?

Probably in frustration, Jordan threw the teamsheet out of the window ahead of the visit of 2nd placed Stoke to Bramall Lane. Blades fans turned up to the ground not knowing what to expect in terms of a performance, but certainly not expecting this team. Kos returned to a back four which saw Unsworth operating in his old left back position, Forte showed up on the left wing, whilst Margiotta made a long awaited return - in the centre of midfield! Abbott and Mellor started up front. Even more shocking than the selection was that United dominated early play. They even took the lead when Thompson's cross was poked home by Neil Mellor. They were giving away too many freekicks on the edge of the box, though, and an equaliser was bound to come from one of those. Showing that either there was still a chance for United, or that Stoke's early season form was unrepresentative, the two sides matched each other evenly for the rest of the game. A draw to give the lads some confidence ahead of September's main event: a visit to the pigsty.

Ex Owl Quinn would miss the trip to trotter-dom, after receiving a leg injury in training. Bopp would get (another) chance to hack it in the first team instead. Otherwise the side was unchanged, with the Washday fans confidently predicting a blue and white victory to lay the ghost of last season to rest and prolong United's slide. They were wrong. As usual. They did think they'd rescued a point, though; United took the lead when Abbott nicked the ball of the defender to start a move which he later finished at the near post from Francis' cross. It was the 82nd minute when McLean scored a virtually identical goal for the homeside, to the sound of thousands of trotters clapping together. They really thought they'd done it, but United picked up the pace and played some of their best football of the game, possibly even of the month. Bopp played it over the top to Ifill, who crossed deep to the back post. Forte laid the ball back across goal, and Mellor tapped home for 2-1. Two became three when Sierra's freekick was pushed out to the feet of Ifill who rifled home. The stands certainly emptied quickly, and quietly, after that. Except one.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Beautiful. The look on those piggy bastards face was priceless when they realised they were getting humped again. Well done United, but next time don't leave it so late." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Haha. Look who's the best team in Sheffield. STILL! Come on now, Jordan, keep that spirit of the last ten minutes instilled in the lads and get us back to winning ways!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Reading, Southampton, Cardiff, I'd happily take all those results every year just to see the look on the miserable wendy faces. It's almost worth staying in the Championship for." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So curiously, although they finished the month in 12th, the United fans were still happy. Football is a strange game.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Charlton | | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 26 | 10 | +16 | 28 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Portsmouth | | 12 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 24 | 11 | +13 | 26 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Cardiff | | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 17 | 6 | +11 | 25 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Hull | | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 24 | 14 | +10 | 24 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Stoke | | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 11 | +6 | 23 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Barnsley | | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 20 | 18 | +2 | 20 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Southampton | | 12 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 16 | 14 | +2 | 20 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Blackburn | | 12 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 16 | 7 | +9 | 18 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Reading | | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 13 | +5 | 18 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Nottm Forest | | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 15 | -1 | 17 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Leicester | | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 16 | +2 | 16 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Sheff Utd | | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 16 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Ipswich | | 12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 14 | 20 | -6 | 16 | </pre>

Gricehead · June 8, 2006

October 2007

Another quiet start to the month. What should have been a short international break turned into two weeks, as first one game was postponed, then another moved back a day. So it wasn't until the 17th that United finally played a game. On paper, this was a straightforward fixture, aat bottom side Luton who counted ex Blade Keith Gillespie amongst their number. A restructured Blades side (Kenny; Francis, Gresko, Unsworth, Jags; Thompson, Forte, Camacho, Quinn; Abbott, Margiotta) took the lead in the first half through Camacho's wonderful 25 yard freekick. They should have been cruising when Luton went down to ten men in the second period, but they never looked comfortable. It wasn't a surprise when Luton grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time. More of an annoyance, really. Jagielka awarded the Man of the Match award for a calm and collected defensive performance. He would repeat the feat in the next game.

Away at ninth placed Ipswich was a totally different proposition. A draw here would probably be a good result. And draw United did. With Webber in for Abbott, United almost conceded an early goal, but the linesman came to their rescue. Up at the other end, Margiotta refound his goalscoring form and put the Blades in front with 25 minutes on the clock. The Venezualean turned villain soon after, giving the ball away under pressure in a dangerous midfield position, which lead to a Bowditch equaliser. Again United played a large part of the second half against ten men, and should probably have found the winner.

The first home game of the month didn't arrive until the 27th - long enough to have the accountants jittery. Derby were the opposition, and they were struggling in 20th despite having two former Blades targets, Michael Brown and Stephen Caldwell, in their squad. Both started against an unchanged United eleven. United got off to a flyer when Margiotta's early shot was palmed into the path of Webber by the Derby keeper. The lead lasted all of two minutes, as United's leaky defence once again conceded an equaliser. They had the lead again before the break, though, when Mellor (on for an injured Webber) grabbed an unexpected goal. This time they hung on, and United were back to winning ways, although Webber would miss the next game with a dead leg.

Mellor came in for the crocked striker for the Burnley game - the on loan forward already having a much better time at the lane than in his previous spell. Paul Ifill also returned to the side, and the midfield all rolled over one place left until Forte fell out. This was another must win home game if the season was going to be put back on track. United started well, and Margiotta put them ahead early on. The Venezuelean was then brought down in a penalty area melÃ©e around the half hour mark, and Unsworth calmly slotted the penalty home. United held on to their 2-0 lead for the rest of the game, and aside from knocks to Camacho and Ifill, never looked worried. This was easily the most comfortable performance of the month, and stretched the unbeaten run out to an unlikely 6 games.

The Blades would have to do without the services of their new left winger for the first part of November, as the Spaniard was suffering from a bruised thigh.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Things are looking up. Two wins in a row. We just need to find some form away from home." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Typically bad news about Cam-choo or whatever his name is. Just as we get a winning formula together a key element gets injured. Oh well, at least the Wendys are going down!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Charlton | | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 32 | 12 | +20 | 36 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Portsmouth | | 17 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 16 | +16 | 35 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Cardiff | | 17 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 25 | 15 | +10 | 32 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Barnsley | | 17 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 26 | +6 | 31 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Hull | | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 33 | 20 | +13 | 30 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Southampton | | 16 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 25 | 20 | +5 | 28 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Stoke | | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 27 | +3 | 28 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Reading | | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 16 | +9 | 26 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Blackburn | | 17 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 21 | 12 | +9 | 24 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Sheff Utd | | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 31 | 27 | +4 | 24 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

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