"We have six or seven positions in the squad that need filling, That won't change. What we need clarity on is what we have to play with to fill those." – Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom is frustrated for his out of contract players. "We have six or seven positions in the squad that need filling, That won't change. What we need clarity on is what we have to play with to fill those." – Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom is frustrated for his out of contract players. "We have six or seven positions in the squad that need filling, That won't change. What we need clarity on is what we have to play with ..read more

“This is the tale of a complex man with a complex background in a constant battle to keep his life together. Football, in comparison, appears to have been the easy, joyous part.” MOVING, sometimes uncomfortable, occasionally deeply troubling. A painfully honest, if unexpected, appraisal of an extraordinary football talent. Running parallel off the pitch with a man lacking confidence, racked by self doubt and struggling to cope with his personal life. Imperfect 10, The Man Behind the Magic, Tony Currie’s just published autobiography, provides a fascinating and surprising insight to a living le ..read more

“The bar is set far too high and no-one can seriously expect the measure left behind by his predecessor to be matched. But Jokanovic’s appointment significantly lifts expectation of a previously downbeat fan base.” IT WAS a long time coming and thus no surprise. Nonetheless, the release of next season’s fixtures introduced an abrupt reality check. The likes of Luton, Peterborough, Barnsley, Preston, Millwall and Blackpool represent all too familiar territory for Sheffield United’s long-time travelling support. Even a comfort zone after the trauma just gone. But also an enormous comedown from ..read more

“He can be a bit intimidating, I’m sure, for certain people. I wouldn’t say he’s scary but I wouldn’t cross him.” — Former Blades midfielder Kevin McDonald A FASCINATING start to the new world as Sheffield United appoint manager Slavisa Jokanovic. And not just because he has got form, winning promotion from the Championship with Watford and Fulham. Much of the chatter since the announcement he is to be the permanent successor to Chris Wilder, has centred on what the Serb can do for the Blades. What United can do for Jokanovic, however, is just as important in what could be a successful mutual ..read more

UPDATE: Ramsdale today was named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad in preparation for the European Championships next month. He joins ex-Blade loanee from Manchester United, Dean Henderson, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Sam Johnstone of West Bromwich Albion. IT says everything about the contribution of David McGoldrick that teammates voted him their Player of the Year. The same can be said for the strength of character shown by goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to win over fans who chose him as their Player of the Year and Young Player of the year. Both men will be happy with the ..read more

“Tickets are on sale online only to 2019/20 Season Ticket Holders *who have not claimed a refund on the four behind closed doors games in 2019/20.” — From United's website WHAT price loyalty and does it work both ways? Sheffield United have committed a major blunder at the very moment when a simple embrace would have gone a long way to start winning over sceptical fans worried about the club’s future. This weekend the Blades wave farewell to the Premier League in front of home fans for the first time in 14 months. It will be an emotional, even bizarre occasion after what has been the most cat ..read more

HOW Sheffield United careered from the fringe of European qualification to returning to the Championship in under a year, really matters. But now their fate has been confirmed, it doesn’t quite seem that way. Suddenly, what happens next focuses the mind. Defeat at Wolves, United’s 26th in 32 Premier League fixtures with six remaining, came with affirmation of what everyone had really known since Christmas. If anything, making relegation official brought a sense of relief. No more talk of possible miracles, as Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu laughably offered a few days earlier. It did, however, s ..read more

“I cannot stress enough how important the fans are and I’ve been humbled by the unequivocal support, even this season when things haven’t gone so well.” — Chris Wilder CHRIS WILDER has spoken for the first time since leaving Sheffield United “by mutual agreement” last month. In a heartfelt message issued via the League Managers Association the former Blades boss spoke of how his love of the club and the city and how he will miss the atmosphere of a packed Bramall Lane. Reflecting on almost five years in the job and recalling some of the many highlights, he described Blades fans as a “driving ..read more

IT’S difficult to imagine how Sheffield United’s season could become even more harrowing. But it visibly has which only emphasises what a good job ex-boss Chris Wilder and his No2 Alan Knill were doing in the most trying of circumstances. Paul Heckingbottom’s tenure as Sheffield United’s caretaker boss is a month old, and unsurprisingly, he is regularly trotting out an all too familiar tale. Defensive shortcomings, a midfield unable to retain possession and a strike force bereft of a clinical finish. If Wilder was unable to change that over the majority of the season, then his temporary succe ..read more

“The bottom line is Prince Abdullah cannot afford to properly fund a Premier League club, or he would surely have done so. If he disputes any of the above and would like to correct it, he only has to accept this invitation to get in touch.” IRONIC, isn’t it, that after an 18-month legal battle to win full control of a rapidly advancing football club, the victor has managed to oversee a return to where it all started. Only this time Sheffield United are in serious decline. That’s what two years’ of ownership under Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has delivered. A man who was gi ..read more