Pre-Match View From Leeds

September 25, 2020 / Roy / Leave a comment

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“Lots of factors pointing in our favour for this game!
So we’re going to lose.”
“I don’t think this will be that easy a match. I’m sure that The Blades will be desperate to break their duck as they won’t want to be cast adrift early in the season I’ve a mate who’s a Blades fan and he’s already prepared for relegation , they’ll be up for this”
“Happy with a draw at their place”
“I believe that if we can take maximum points here the psychological benefit for players and fans alike would be massive – I’d go so far as to suggest that I’d feel sure we had what it takes to stay up, and that we need to be looking up rather than down for the rest of the season.
A bit mad I know, but it’s just how I perceive Leeds in relation to Sheffield United at this point.
Know also that if we draw or lose I see no great significance beyond the points dropped, and that I really don’t like Wilder, miserable, whinging, graceless individual that he is.”
“Wilder fan here i’m afraid. 🙂 I even mentioned his name when TC left for the job here. He’s a real throwback in many ways, worked his way up the football ladder and done a solid job wherever he’s been. Obviously continuing it so far at Sheff Utd. If you ask me he should have been given the Chelski job not Frank. Its who you know and all that.
Make no mistake about it he will want to put one over us on Sunday especially with the extra Yorkshire edge. Bielsa is a big scalp for everyones resume. Who will come out on top in this game of Chess. My money is still on White.”

“Games against the Blunts are hard, uncompromising and not the prettiest to watch. There will be an odd goal in it in a low scoring game IMHO. I think we will edge it”
“Think Sheff Utd over performed last season so thinking we will have enough in the locker to turn them over.”
“Would take a draw, but think we are a better team than them, so want a win TBF, think they will be bottom 6,so will give us some idea where we are.”
“Think we’ll win, as I’m expecting them to play defensively, and we’ll have too much in attack for them to cope.”
“we are a team on the up, signing internationals whilst they sign mediocre championship players probably in preparation for their impending relegation. In all seriousness they are the kind of team that could cause us problems, overloads and balls in to the box for target men, conceding a penalty is extremely likely and Sharpe should be odds on to get a goal.”
“Will be extremely interested (as I’ve said before) to see how stylistically the game will be played when you play Sheffield (or another defensive team). Very very compact and can quickly counter. “

“Sheffield will let more spaces in the middle than the previous rivals and Pablo could create many game situations without so much pressing from Sheffield”
“Is their keeper Henderson injured ? Egan was sent off last night so he’s a none starter. On their forum they’re already moaning & whinging about everything creating a very toxic atmosphere on there.”
“They lost Henderson over the summer. A Blunts pal of mine was worried about that alone, not to mention voicing concern over Jagielka’s current ability.
Still didn’t make it easier when I reminded him we’re above them in the table just now”
“Could this be the season Shef united implode. I think Henderson returning to Man U is going to hurt them a hell of a lot as IMO he is one of the best keepers in the league.
The added red card from last weekend only strengthens our chances of a win here. Lets be honest these are the games we need to win.”
“ Sheffield United are lacking a big part of their safety net in Henderson this time around and I wouldn’t be surprised, should they not get some points early on, if they found it hard to climb back up again”
“Personally quite like Wilder and what he has done with the Blades, overlapping cbs are cool. They are similar to us with their system being the key in general over the individual.
But the loss of Dean Henderson is huge imo, he was vital to their form last season given they dont score much (only scored more than one goal in 8 or 9 league games i think).
Not saying Henderson is solely responsible but without him it would have been a relegation battle for Blades imo.
Now they have an inferior replacement and they still arent scoring.
They are desperate for attackers imo, any side that relies on ageing lower league strikers like Sharp and McGoldrick plus McBurnie who hasnt looked up to it in the Prem so far will struggle for goals.
Given there success was built on a fantastic young goalie and a well organised side (credit Wilder for that) i think they will find this season much harder.
2nd season is always harder, they dont have the momentum of promotion and they are still relying on the system over individuals which is fine but they needed an exceptional individual last season and they dont have him now.
Suppose the question is can the very clever Chris Wilder system cover for the loss of a very talented individual?
Imo as things stand it will be very difficult, with 2 or 3 quality signings especially in the attacking positions though then very possibly.
Blades are a well organised side defensively, we are very solid offensively.
They dont score we cant stop conceding.”

“I’ve been banging the Henderson drum nonstop since watching both Blunts games. Ramsdale doesn’t inspire confidence in his defenders, Egan is OOA, and if any side can take advantage of that it’s us in our current goalscoring form.
I just have this horrible nagging feeling that it’s all too convenient”
“You have to admire what Chris Wilder has done but have to worry for them. How long can they compete with clubs with far more spending power while they rely on players like an ancient Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick?”
“Wilder has done well for them, he’s Blunts through and through and is undoubtedly a good manager.
What grinds my gears is his refusal to give Bielsa credit where it’s clearly due, and his constant harping about how Leeds get all the media attention while the Blunts don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
“I said they’ll come down to earth a bit this season and already I think they’re missing Henderson. Their defence looked noticeably less organised this time around, lacked creativity and flair, and McBurnie just doesn’t look up to this level at all. “
“McBurnnie is a championship striker imo!
Second season syndrome for the blunts possibly, I’ve predicted them to finish 14th, maybe lower if their board panic & sack Wilder whom has done a fantastic job in such a short space of time at Bramall Lane.”
“One season wonders?”
“would enjoy seeing them relegated.”
“I think the signings of Lowe and in particular Bogle will prove to be good business long term.The keeper Ramsdale from Bournemouth for 18.5 million is also good business. Not as good as Henderson but still a solid signing.Not sure they will emulate last seasons results but I don’t think they will get themselves in to trouble either. Decent run club with a decent manager, play some good stuff and the team itself seems to be pretty solid. Fair play to them.”
“At least us and Sheffield United have managers who have a clue.”
“I reckon basham has missed the train and will NOT be arriving on Sunday”

View From Aston Villa

September 21, 2020 / Roy / 1 Comment

“Red card and missed penalty completely changed the match. Our performance was poor enough. McGinn and Trez very poor. Could have, and should have, been 3-0.
That said, fantastic result. Onwards.”
“An undeserved win, I thought Sheffield united did enough earn a draw.”
“3 points is 3 points but this was very much how it looked last season and that is worrying.”
“Three points is fantastic.
Performance was horrible. Absolute shite.”
“10 men for entire game and yet again we create absolute bobbins from open play. We are turgid.”
“10 men that barely left their own box and was the 4th best defence in the league last season. “

“78 minutes against one of the poorest sides with 10 men we should have had a hatfull! Absolute garbage. God help us against a decent team with 11 men!”
“WTF! They were top ten team last season and one of the most organised. Surely you are trolling. Different game against 11 men, doesn’t mean we’d be worse.
Bizarre comment!”
“this was a piss poor , boring and extremely lucky start, there was nothing satisfactory about it.. Would rather we played our hearts out , created chances and excitement but lost than have to watch that shite all season.”
“Woeful”
“Yes, it’s terrible when we win against a very good Sheffield team.”
“Atrocious game of football. Who cares though, Spurs started slowly too and look what they did yesterday.”
“They are a tough tough side to break down in that situation. Plenty of teams will struggle to work through that banked defence.
We got the job done.”

“Played poor and won. Thank you that will do, especially our first game, we may have f*ckd that up last season.
Sheffield a tricky team. Dean needs to coach 11 vs 10.
We do need new players though”
“you have to give credit to them as they defended really well and allowed us no space.”
“We will be better when we get more attack minded players in, simple as that.”
“Shows we still need some quality brought in”
“Not the prettiest, but best performance from a team a week behind so far. Don’t forget how tough it is to break down 10 men, especially a big organised side like SU, many top teams also struggle under those circumstances. “
“Shef Utd are difficult to break down as it is , with 10 men even more so as you literally have nothing to counter attack against.”

“we looked better for first 12 when they had 11 but as soon as they went all out defence their defensive prowess showed as they won everything in the box.
such a well drilled team.”
“Very pleased with that to clear out the cobwebs against a stubborn and very well organised Sheffield United.”
“First game back is always going to be a challenge, especially against a side like Sheffield United, who are hard to break down, very organised from the defensive line moving up the pitch. Still an ugly side to play against.”
“once they went down to ten men they just formed up and dug in which is our worst nightmare as we’re not a slick pass and move team.
Delighted with the three points, thought both the red card and sending off were soft as shit.”
“You can only really judge that performance on the 12 minutes before the sending off, where we looked good and moved the ball quickly resulting in them having a man sent off.
After that it wasn’t so much park the bus as put wheel clamps on it and fill it with cement. The only space was in front of their 8-man defence so it was hard to do much beyond pass it sideways.
A good result against a defensively resolute side who will give everything to protect their goal.”
“Great start to the season, three points and a clean sheet. We weren’t at our best today, but for the first game back that was fine for me. I expect us to sharpen up as we shake of the rust, but I saw plenty of positives there for us to build on.”
“We were all over them, red card or not we absolutely dominated them throughout the game and looked like the only team who would win. Plenty of positives, nearly all players had good games”
“Comfortably the better team, even before their (harsh!) red card, and a fully deserved three pointer. “
“Attack against defense against one of the best organised teams in the country for 80 mins.”

“Sheffield United defended like trojans, I’m not sure why anybody was expecting us to tear them apart after the red card because if they are known for one thing then it’s for being extremely organised. Penalty aside (and it was at most a “seen em given” level award) we looked comfortable.”
“Last season we would have not got 3 pts for this”
“I get people’s frustrations, but we would have lost this game last season”
“Chris Wilder does a great looking miserable. Love seeing it. This time last season they’d have won comfortably.”
“What are people complaining about? A win, a clean sheet, and good performances from all our new signings, and all of this after being a game behind. Yes, we looked toothless at times, but come on, that was a triple-decker parked bus by one of the most organized teams in the league. Look at their starting XI…would any of them get into ours? The reason they finished so high in the league last year is because of their organization, which was already going to be hard to break down when they didn’t have 10 in the box. Let’s just be happy about the result!”

“It has to be said that Sheffield came to spoil the game even before they had a man sent off. They are a gritty hard working team, this was never going to be a fluent game.”
“I watched them against Wolves, they were shite. They were lucky last season, this season they will be found out. They work hard but they have no class. Not one of their players would get into our team.”
“No team loses to opponents in salmon pink, as I posted at 17:59. “
“bring on the salt from Sheffield fans!”

Pre-Match View From Aston Villa

September 18, 2020 / Roy / Leave a comment

“This is a must win game”
“Have to get 3 points here.”
“Just noticed they will play Monday, Thursday and Monday. 3 games in 8 days for the first week of the season .Welcome back”
“This is a really good opportunity to start the season with a win, especially when you think we play Fulham the week after. We could potentially get 6 points from the first two games. I’m not going to predict a win though, we’ll have to see how it pans out”
“We should win, but I said that about 38 times last season “
“Sheffield were abysmal against the Dingles in the opening round. Will they ‘do an Ipswich’ by over-achieving in their first season and morphing into relegation fodder this time around?
Maybe.”

“One things for sure. Sheff Utd didnt look great against WolvesCan you imagine the uproar on here if we went into a season with McGoldrick, McBurnie and Sharp as our strikers?”
“I think Sheff U will struggle this season and anything less than 3 points is disappointing”
“I don’t think Sheffield are going to have a good season at all, winning this one could be key come the end of the season if we do end up in a battle down there again.”
“We need to beat teams like Sheff Utd. No doubt they will be around the bottom 3 this season”
“ As I said at the time, Sheffield aren’t very good. They do put in energetic performances, apply pressure, but we should be able to cope. “
“Sheffield United are not the same proposition they were when riding on the crest of their promotion wave before lockdown. They were pretty poor after the restart and haven’t really bought anything worthy of naming. To the point Wilder is pointing fingers as to how unfair it is that we can pay what we did for Watkins.”
“This is the financial fair play problem playing out in our favour for once. Their wage bill is destructively too small and they can barely increase it year on year because it is so small. We came up for a large wage bill by Championship standards, increased it significantly last season and now that gives us even greater breadth to increase it again this season.
The rules are a complete joke, and it may be unfair but we’re also operating within the bounds of what we’re allowed to do. We can’t compete with Everton, Shef Utd can’t compete with us, its a funny old game. “

“The thing about them is they need everyone to be right on it for the whole thing to come together. No disrespect to them but they are a team that are greater than the sum of its parts. The danger for this kind of team is that it only takes 1 or 2 to not work as hard or as diligently as they did last season and the whole thing falls apart. See it in sport the whole time when a team has had a good season. Ego. Complacency. It’s dangerous. Infects a place.”
“I think Sheff Utd will be fighting relegation this season, although they look the well drilled, organised type that will survive. They looked poor against Wolves, but I can’t say I was too impressed with us last night either (obviously will be a different midfield on Monday).
Should be a tight game and no doubt they will be looking to kick Jack up in the air from the first whistle.”
“Part of me thinks they massively over achieved last season and they’ll now find their level in the bottom 6.
But on the other hand they do seem to have that never give up mentality. “
“If we keep things tight as we did after lockdown we can stop them scoring. We have enough now to score against them. good chance of a win.
Hope DS remembers to drill it into them what to do after they put their boots on. Sheffield will try for an early goal and if we’re not tight they will get one.”
“Got to be at them, and also not relax at any point. Despite them losing the other day, they never let their heads drop v Wolves and did keep trying. “

“I think we are in danger of talking Sheff Utd down. I’ll be ready for a tough, close game with a single goal between us.”
“I dont think they’ll fall any further than 14th I see them landing in and around 12th-14th places and pretty much being a fairly consistent figure in those 3 positions.”
“It’ll be a tough game, as Wilder will have them riled up as this is a key game as silly as it sounds with a team that will probably be around us, and the goal that wasn’t debacle last season. “
“Sky will be licking their lips for justice to be done after the blunted Blades missed out on the Ghost Goal of the century in our last meeting at Villa Park.”
“Do Wednesday fans get pissed off when other clubs fans call United, Sheffield? “

View From Burnley

September 17, 2020 / Roy / Leave a comment

“Felt it was solid last pre season friendly. Good cup win.”
“We played well and won.”
“A better team performance than one full of individual flashes. That’s what we’ve come to expect under Dyche. Overall that’s a 7.5 performance for the character, team spirit and work ethic we showed against a well-drilled side”
“First game of the season with a 2nd choice CF pairing. I thought we played really well. Great to see Dunne and Benson get a shot. We knocked the ball around very well in close quarters at times. Good watch I thought. UTC”
“Well result was good that is the first positive. The second positive I thought that Jimmy Dunne did really well. On the negative side I thought Lowton and Brady were poor – Lowton particularly not at the races. But a reasonable performance given Sheff had a number of regular first teamers.”

“We were good tonight, and I know it was only Sheff Utd reserves but Dunne and Benson looked decent, and pieters more than did a job again
Who needs signings when we have a magician in charge”
“Easily the better side in the 2nd half”
“1st half wasn’t great, but 2nd half we were much better, in a cup tie all that matters is getting through, sadly our win has come at a cost, and we’ve got another game next Wednesday, with an already depleted squad.”
“We may have been rubbish for 90 mins but we arent half fantastic at penalty’s.”
“it was more like a lower league friendly game”

“Dyche treat this meaningless competition has a friendly and rightly so.
Premier league survival is the be all and end all for most in our league”
“Lackluster performance against Sheff Utd B team doesnt fill you with confidence and hope for the season ahead”
“Blades are worse than us!”
“Thought Vydra had a really good game, high press on Jagielka worried him throughout.”
“That jack robinson guy should be ashamed of himself
Described as “reckless” on the bbc website, and that`s an understatement.
As for the pathetic linesman and referee, words fail me”

“Horrific challenge by Robinson, and one you’d expect most to be out with for a while”
“Career threatening injury IMO”
“Shocking challenge. Did he get booked? If not surely should be some retrospective action.”
“Th e guy followed through with a clearance and hit Joey really hard behind his knee. He was in agony and had to be given gas and air and was carried off with his leg in a splint —not a nice sight”.
“It’s difficult to say a straight red.
The defender definitely wins the ball cleanly ahead of Johann, but the follow-through looks terrible.”
“IMO there wasnt any maliciousness in the initial challenge it was a “take everything” type challenge to let the winger he meant business.
Sadly for us it ended badly, but I’m sure Robinson didnt want or mean that outcome.”
“Player got the ball clearly. His studs ended up in JBG’s leg but it looked like an accident to me.”

Pre-Match View From Burnley

September 16, 2020 / Roy / Leave a comment

“Good draw for us, last pre-season game before Leicester.”
“Well at least it’s at home”
“Hmm! hardly the easiest tie, I guess both sides will field 2nd string line-up’s, due to it intersecting PL weekends.”
“Do we have enough players to do that!?”
“Just about as it stands, but the bench will likely be filled with kids again, their squad depth is no doubt better than ours, hence why I’d make them favourites to advance.
Most people don’t seem that fussed about this comp anyway, so they won’t lose any sleep if we go out early once again.”
“We should play a full strength team to beat Sheffield and then have an easier match in the 3rd round. Excellent chance of reaching the 4th!
Time to go for it!”

“Would not surprise me if Sheff Utd turn it on with their new batch of players. “
“oh well, we can concentrate on the league.”
“I have very little interest in this Mickey Mouse competition. Sooner we’re out, the better”
“After Sheffield’s excellent season,ambitious manager will go for a win,our manager has absolutley no interest in this and has little ambition in cup games”
“Last season sheff United bucked the trend for a promoted side, they did increadably well.
This season will be different, all three prompted sides with struggle as usual”
“Leeds could do a “Sheff Utd” of last season”
“Leeds will stay up. Liverpool, Spurs and Sheff. United may struggle to do as well as last season.”

“Sheff Utd going down this season. I just don’t think they are as good as last season made them out and may struggle if they don’t start well. “
“Wilder is a top manager, Sheff Utd won’t be anywhere near the bottom imho (I’ve been known to be wrong nearly all the time though !)”
“we are in a state of limbo and a position where they are unable to compete for some of the players pursued by rivals such as Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United. “
“Sheffield Utd, Palace, Brighton, and a few others have made good purchases”
“Championship clubs are feeling the pinch just like we are. Example being the two Derby full backs who went to Sheff Utd for less than £15m combined when Derby were reportedly asking for that figure for just one of them (Bogle) around 12 months ago.”
“Sheff Utd are willing to pay more than us”

“Sheffield United are owned by Saudi Arabia, we’re not.”
“Sometimes it’s easier for the clubs on the rise like sheff United to sell the excitement of being the place to be.”
“none of sheffield united’s new signings look good enough to make the first XI”
“With Seffield Utd increasing their squad with players likely to be in the starting 11 or around it, there may be some players become available. One is John Luscomb who I have been quite impressed with this year in the PL.Has 12 months on contract and apparently not signing, plus I suspect well in our wage range. I know he is 30 but he is more athletic than our 3 current midfielders and harder to knock off the ball, and looks very fit. Reminds me of Scotty Arfield at his best and has goals in him. Definitely a Dyche player. A two year deal, the option of a third for the club to activate him might get him. I can just see one of the promoted clubs going for him if we dont”
“John lundstram who is 26 plays for sheff utd
John luscombe who’s 30 I can’t recall seeing turn out for sheff utd”

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View From Wolves

September 14, 2020 / Roy / Leave a comment

“What a start, complete different approach to when we played Sheffield United back end of last season.”
“Well already 2 points better off than against shef utd last year and still have another game at home against em yet “
“Really pleased with that, I was nervous about our lack of pre season games, but they fully deserved that win”
“Complete opposite of most of the matches last season, when we had slow starts and grew into the games. This time, a lightening start when all players looked bright and on form and we gradually regressed into what was a poor second half, although SU didn’t look like hurting us.”
“Nice of Sheff utd to turn up an hour late”

“Big improvement from Sheffield United in the second half but we weathered the storm really well. Brilliant start to the season “
“They were at home. They needed to turn up at some point they were garbage for an hour.”
“We looked in control for vast majority. Sheffield United did improve but got caught out early on”
“For a opening game, that was fairly decent!
The second had clearly wasn’t the best and a need for a natural RWB is clear, BUT 2 early goals; both superbly taken and of which sucked the life out the Blades will do very nicely.”
“We go through spells in games where we just can’t seem to keep the ball, either go to aimless hoofs or passes that just aren’t there. Still 2-0 though Sheff Utd really only had that one chance”

“Maybe we’ll switch it up this season and be great in the first halves but crap in the second halves. Let’s hope not! “
“ Reverted to type a bit second half and really should have conceded. “
“Good win. Deserved. But Sheff Utd put avoidable pressure on us. Hit and hope clearances, lack of thought and careless passing out, need to be better when we turn over possession”
“Solid performance .Sheff Utd came back well but deserved three”
“Was never going to be fluent against Sheffield United. They turn every game into a scrap.”
“Moving to 352 settled it down and sheff u were done. Great start “

“Sharp made the exact same run 4/5 times and we were caught out every time”
“Marcal has been tidy on the ball. Maybe needs to learn about the physicality of this league. Especially against teams like this.”
“Sheff Utd proper meatheads when it isn’t going their way”
“Wilder with some proper super spreader behaviour”
“McBurnie is a prick”
“Baldock is a prick”
“Visually, the Sheffield United team resembled the cast of Trainspotting.”

Pre-Match View From Wolves

September 12, 2020 / Roy / 1 Comment

“It’s so weird to think our season starts on Monday and most of our squad haven’t reported back for training yet. It’s also going to be extremely odd going in to the season having had no pre-season matches etc. I’m expecting a very slow start to the season in terms of pace and sharpness. Other clubs have had weeks to prepare and I worry for us on that front. I think I read Liverpool were off to Austria on pre-season training a week after we finished our Europa League campaign – how can you compete against that?! Anyway, unprecedented times etc.”
“I think we’ll probably lose due to being undercooked/stitched up by the PL”
“It’ll be a day short of 5 weeks without as much as a friendly for most of the starting 11. Difficult to see how they won’t be rusty”
“as it stands our starting 11 is certainly weaker than last season but our bench and (more importantly in my view) our potential is so much stronger.”
“Currently on the raw face of it I feel like Wolves and Sheff Utd both have weaker starting 11s than during the last match up. Them through having a much worse keeper, and us through losing our starting wingbacks.”

“One thing I am mighty relieved about is having Sheff Utd first game of the season, they play a very unusual style with overlapping centre halves, Guardiola even said he had never seen such movements on a football pitch before and I think this caught a lot of teams out last season, having had time to study them and us in particular having more time than most in the lead up to this game I hope it gives us an advantage, although maybe they benefit in the same way I guess.
Can’t see them having as successful a season this time though mainly due to their forwards but they were brilliant last year.”
“I think Sheffield will struggle this season. They don’t realise how much Henderson will be missed. We should be good for at least a point”
“Like last year six will struggle Albion, vile, West ham. Newcastle, Fulham and one surprise possibly sheff utd or West ham”
“if Wilder can get Sheff Utd there [or almost, fell off at the very end], I’m sure Bielsa can do it”
“us and sheff u funishing well has put pressure on any organised decent team that comes up. Pressure from media and fans. Good!”

“I’m still hoping we can win this….even if Traore is at rwb. While he’s no Jonny, I don’t think Vinagre will let us down at all, rest of our team is just better man for man than Sheff ( no disrespect intended for them)”
“Safe to say Adama is in the box seat for RWB on Monday – which probably isn’t a bad thing against Sheff Utd”
“Sheff utds strength is overloading the wings which could expose traore but hopefully he has them on the back foot.”
“Don’t see how Nuno can possibly start Marcal ahead of Saiss. Not been here long enough and no way do I want a 5’10” CB against Sheffield United”
“Marcal just played in a semi-final of the Champions League. We didn’t sign him as one for the future, or as a back-up. We signed him to play him.”

“Personally I would stick with Saiss for this game; I though sheff utd ended up winning the last game against us due to their height advantage at set pieces.”
“Sheff Utd aren’t the sort of team that I would throw in youngsters against, no matter how good they are.”
“With Sheffield United already having adequate cover on the left, it’s difficult to see how Max Lowe would fit into Wilder’s plans for the upcoming campaign. That’s unless, of course, the Blades end up sanctioning an exit for either Robinson or Osborn before the deadline.On the contrary, United can look to bring in reinforcements further up the pitch after scoring just 39 goals in the top-flight last season, which was among the worst scoring records in the entire division.”
“Ampadu is good business for them really, I’d have been happy for us to pick him up.”
“It can be hard to pull off a pink away kit but the Blades have managed to do it with their shirt for the upcoming season.
It’s a softer shade of pink than some clubs have opted for in previous years and really works well.”
“Is the away pub still the one opposite the station? ….oh wait”

View From The Media

September 11, 2020 / Roy / Leave a comment

A selection of quotes and predictions about Sheffield United for the upcoming Premier League season.

“The surprise package of last season, Sheffield United came close to European qualification in their first season back in the top-flight and our writers feel they are in for another solid showing this campaign.Chris Wilder moved quickly to replace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who excelled on loan from Manchester United over the past two seasons, with the promising Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth already this summer. Savvy, no-nonsense business, but what else do you expect? Prediction: 11th”

FourFourTwo Magazine

Reasons to be cheerful: They’ve already shown they can adapt to the demands of Premier League football with the minimum of fuss. Why can’t they repeat that trick in 2020/21? The Blades lost some of their bounce after the restart but still showed enough to suggest they could punch above their weight once again this time around. The capture of Aaron Ramsdale looks astute business as Wilder works to fill the gap left by Dean Henderson.
Reasons to be fearful: Any creeping signs of ‘second season syndrome’ leading to a few grumbles from the more fickle elements of the Blades’ fanbase. Even if Utd fail to scale the same heights of 2019/20, a season of mid-table consolidation would still be a fine achievement. Wilder’s novel tactical approach rightly won widespread plaudits last year. He’ll know more than anyone the importance of not getting found out as he continues to fine-tune his squad.
Key man: Sander Berge
Prediction: 12th

Marathonbet.co.uk

“I predicted the Blades would stay up last season because of Chris Wilder’s management but a fully deserved ninth place was a wonderful achievement.Not sure the second season will bring such a high placing but still feel an outstanding manager will avoid any serious hazards. Prediction 14th”

Phil McNulty, BBC

“Prediction 8th”

Vinnie Jones

“The loss of Dean Henderson is significant, but in Aaron Ramsdale Sheffield United have signed the next best thing. He’s 22, he excelled in a Bournemouth team that gave him plenty of practice and he’s an academy graduate at the club so will take no time to settle in. “

Daniel Story, The I

“There is no doubting that Sheffield United overachieved last season and, while they deserve huge credit for that, it is also important to remember that their squad is still largely the one that got promoted from the Championship – with a few players left from the League One days too.
Chris Wilder has them organised in a way that they will be always difficult to beat and so we cannot see them suffering second season syndrome to its full extent, but it will be a struggle to replicate last season’s success and they may be closer to a relegation battle than a European one this time around. Prediction 14th”

Barney Corkhill, Sports Mole

“If McBurnie starts hitting the net more often in his second season at the highest level, then United should be in a better place. Still, buying another forward would increase their chances of taking their chances regularly. Prediction 11th”

The Guardian

“The Blades have added some lovely talents to their ranks completely under the radar. Derby full-backs Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe have arrived to reinforce the backline, while Aaron Ramsdale replaced Man Utd loanee Dean Henderson between the sticks. Chelsea hot prospect Ethan Ampadu is a versatile star to add into the mix.Chris Wilder is padding out an impressive squad with shrewd talents that should keep his beloved team safely in the top half. Prediction 10th”

Micheal Potts, Radio Times

“Will be solid at the back but lost Henderson. They still wont concede many but my worry for them as always is where the goals are going to come from because you can’t see the defenders chipping in with as many goals as they did last time. 12th, that’s where they are going to finish”

Football Social Daily

“Most people see Sheffield United dropping off from last season, but their approach is unique enough to continue to pose teams problems and they may be fighting for a Europa League spot again this season. Prediction 11th”

Vishnu Anandraj , The Football Faithful

“Sheffield United will be the biggest fall from grace. Chris Wilder’s side performed miracles last year but I’m expecting a dip this time around. Their form after the restart was mostly poor and I think they may struggle without the presence of a reliable goalscorer. “

Harry Diamond, The Football Faithful

“Season Prediction: 11th – Sheffield United overachieved massively last season and face a tough task repeating their 9th-place finish with other teams strengthening significantly this summer.”

Whoscored.com

West Brom Fans Views On Oliver Burke

September 9, 2020 / Roy / 3 Comments

“This surely has to be Burke’s last chance at a decent club, if Wilder doesn’t get through to him then he’s doomed.”
“Burke must have talent – 23yo who’s played in Champ, Bundesliga, Champs League, Prem, La Liga & for Celtic/Scotland. Managed 20 games in La Liga last year, yet failed to nail down a place anywhere. Looks lost. Glad to be rid, but is he a late developer like Traore/Bale?”
“i bet he turns into messi”
“Watch him be world class when he’s there “
“If he learns how to pick his head up and play a pass then he might be decent”
“Not being funny it’s about time Burke leaves our football club. He’s got a chance under wilder to show what he can do. There is a player there.”
“Wilder will turn him into a workhorse”

“Effort beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Every time, hopefully Wilder gets him working but thankfully not our problem when he leaves”
“Wilder no better manager to get best of Burke which won’t happen here”
“If Wilder can make a footballer of Burke then fair play.”
“Of Wilder gets Burke to work he has to go down as the greatest manager of all time”
“I can’t get my head around what Wilder sees in Burke. His attitude stinks and even last night for Scotland he looked awful. Can’t wait to get him out the club”
“If he goes to the Blades and does well then fair play to him but as long as he’s away from us I don’t care”

“Had really high hopes for Burke and I thought he’d become a great player but for all the ability you have you need the attitude to match which for some reason it doesn’t”
“No ability to read the game on the ball and no work ethic to track back off it. His body language is appaling, like a sullen teenager. He can beat a man but hasn’t the Scoobiest what to do. Good luck to Wilder getting out of him what the last 5 managers have failed to do”
“Never seen a footballer so perplexed by a bouncing ball. Like a toddler trying to catch a balloon. “
“what is the point of oliver burke?”
“If we actually get rid of Burke I will do a little dance. Kids an absolute wanker”
“There ought to be a support group set up for those of us who braved his displays during those Cup games.”
“I would of swapped Burke for a pack of peanuts !”

“i would have given him away for free, nevertheless it’s great business to send that lazy git away”
“Someone get Billic a statue erected outside the Hawthorns, pronto.”
“I don’t know if he’s lacking confidence or lazy or both but outcome is still same. £15m for a player that has had 2 league starts in 3yrs is awful, especially as two seasons were in Champ.”
“He hasn’t wanted it since the moment he joined. He will have spells wherever he goes, but there is no doubt he isn’t anywhere near ready to play in the Premier League”
“Part of me really wishes someone could just stick a rocket up his arse and get him going – bit like Traore at wolves. However his attitude his poor, his work rate is non-existent and I’m beginning to doubt there is any actually footballing ability. He’s fast. “
“Fast, very fast but that’s the only thing he’s got. No end product.”
“I’ve said many times Burke is a sprinter never a footballer”

“All I think he’s got is pace, not a footballer for me, even if he had a better attitude”
“His electric pace can get him through the door. His lakc of genuine ability and desire is why he doesn’t stick around.”
“Burke is a great athlete, but not a great footballer.”
“I could see him as an excellent long jumper.”
“Is there another Oliver Burke that Sheffield United are getting mixed up with?”
“Mugged Sheff Utd of big time here”
“4 different managers all thought Burke was not worth playing. This is a great deal for Albion. We’re mugging sheff utd”
“I swear Luke Dowling just loves mugging teams off for a living”
“Sheffield United fans seem excited about Burke….. have they not saw him play”
“Sheffield are fools”
“They are welcome to him! He is a complete joke & conned us. Hope his career continues to plunge. “

Scotland Fans Views On John Fleck

September 7, 2020 / Roy / 3 Comments

“Pish”
“John Fleck is proof that as long as you play in that stupid EPL you’ll get a game for Scotland”
“Dross”
“him and his team mate McBurnie are absolute dugmeat”
“Fleck & McClean non existent”
“Surely Clarke can do better than this?? Maclean? Fleck? Just to name a few. Scottish players just not fit enough.”

“Fleck, Jack, McLean and McGregor haven’t had a good Scotland game between them in years”
“McLean, Fleck, Cooper, McKenna, Palmer, Burke see ye later”
“Fleck, McLean, Cooper, McKenna, Palmer, is it any wonder Scotland are shite”
“John Fleck is one overrated lazy fat fuck. Sorry had to get that off my chest after all the Sheffield United fans bleating about how great he is the last week. Utter mince and lazy too boot”
“What is it with Sheffield and overhyped midget midfielders? Who was worse, Barry Bannan or John Fleck?”
“”Hopefully that shuts those up that constantly comment “no Fleck?!”
Aye that’s why”

“Been reading on twitter last few days how Fleck needs to play instead of McGregor. Shouldn’t even be allowed to train beside him”
“McGinn did more on first three minutes on than john fleck all game”
“Surely its of far more benefit giving guys like Lewis Ferguson, Turnbull, Mcrorrie etc a chance in games like this than roling out guys like Fleck and Patterson ?”

“Fleck was piss poor”
“John Fleck is he a fan who got a game because he’s absolute shite”

“Fleck is still a 5-a-side player I’m afraid. Tricky wee bastard who wants to skin you, not to score.”
“Fleck was awful”
“71 minutes of dross from Fleck. Useless.”
“He’s a fraud”

“How’s John fleck benching John McGinn”
“Fleck has been superb for sheff utd for years now.”
“A bit harsh to single out Fleck.”
“one of our best players”
“John Fleck looks like if you asked a court reporter to draw the average man from the west of Scotland”