A lesson from the last season
Sheffield United ended the last season on a great run and almost got in the play-off zone. That would’ve been a regular undertaking by Blades since they had been just above the relegation zone in February (when manager Brian Robson was sacked). New manager, Kevin Blackwell, had stabilized this quality squad and the results started rolling. The striking force of the team was the famous striker and the ex-cap, James Beattie, accompanied with the excellent, Billy Sharp.
Sharpened Blades
When Blackwell got the contract, he didn’t waste any time in boosting the squad up. All the key players had remained (James Beattie, Gary Naysmith, Gary Speed, Lee Hendrie, Billy Sharp), while some great names had also arrived (Sun Jihai from Man City, Darrius Henderson from Watford and David Coterril from Wigan). Players that didn’t play much of the last season are gone, Rob Hulse (Derby) and Luton Shelton (Valerenga).
One of the main promotion candidates
With the excellent squad and the stabile financial situation, along with great manager-motivator, Blades seem to be one of the most serious promotion candidates. They are not allowed underachieve like with Robson, because, with all things in their place, path towards the top is clear. With Reading and Birmingham on the same path, they might not be favorites for direct promotion, but definitely play-off favorites. Don’t forget Beattie since, if injuries pass him by, he will be the first candidate for the best scorer.
PROM
PL-OFF
RELEG
