The Editorial Inquisition - Part One

Last updated : 02 October 2008 By Smallsy
Tell us a bit about yourself (Name, age, occupation)


My name is Paul Holland, 24 and is shelf filler for a big supermarket firm.


How long have you supported United?

As far back has I can remember; my father is a Blades fan and regular attends home matches; whilst his father was in the St. Johns and although he would be seen at both Bramall Lane and Hillsborough on consecutive weeks always favoured the Red and White.


What is your earliest memory of the club?

The earliest memory would have to be attending a united match during the 1992/93 season; I know I had begged my father for quite some time to watch United but he thought I was too young.

But on this occasion he took me; it was a night match against Blackburn Rovers; unfortunately I can't remember the score or weather it was in the Premier League or the FA Cup Quarter-Final replay. I did however attend the Semi-Final at Wembley; where we played (and lost in extra-time) to Sheffield Wednesday.


What is the club's proudest moment you have witnessed?

Supporting Sheffield United is like being the bridesmaid and never the bride; during my time has a supporter there have been many ups, but mainly downs. Relegation from the Premier League in 1994, and took a further twelve years to win promotion.

During that time failed attempts in promotion were in 1997 and 2003 when they lost in the Play-Off Final to Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton, they did make the Semi-Finals in 1998 but lost to Sunderland in an emphatic game at the Stadium of Light.

Also United have made it to the FA Cup Semi-Final on three occasions (1993, 1998 and 2003); losing to Wednesday, Newcastle United and Arsenal by a single goal in each of them.

But during that memorable 2002-03 campaign the Blades; led by Neil Warnock managed to land a semi-final tie against Liverpool in the League Cup, and despite taking a 2-1 first leg lead they bowed out at Anfield (0-2).

In all my time as a Blade the day United victoriously beat Hull City at home in a 3-2 win is one of our proudest moments, the victory almost secured promotion to the top flight, and the achievement was done when six days later they beat Cardiff City to go up in an automatic spot.


How did you do last season?

The first season away from the dizzy heights of the Premier League can be a tough one, but promotion could have been ours had the right manager had been installed from the start. Its fair to suggest that the Blades wouldn't have conquered such signings has James Beattie who had it not been for his 22 goals could be quite easily staring at a local derby with Leeds United this season.

Bryan Robson was quick to make quality signings but his bizarre tactics cost United dearly and although they went on a run of eight games beat prior to Christmas it wasn't enough and the cry of 'Robson Out' became too much.

By the time Kevin Blackwell had been appointed the season was all but over; they had a late flourish to the remainder of the season and could have ended up in the Play-Offs on the last day but realistically the Blades had ran out of games and a further four more games could have shoved them into the elusive top six.


Did you buy or sell many players before the transfer window closed?

United sold Chris Armstrong (Reading), Michael Tonge (Stoke City) and Jonathan Stead (Ipswich Town) prior to the transfer window closing, whilst failing to bring any players in - with the exception of Nathan Dyer who has joined on loan from Southampton until January.


How do you assess the season so far?


Things need to change, and quick. An opening day defeat to Birmingham was unfortunate and Billy Sharps hat-trick against QPR looked set to show what a dominant force we might be this season but defeats to Derby and Norwich on the road have allowed United to slip down the table.

However a great win over Watford, and a first goal for Beattie could kick start their season and hopefully a win against Doncaster and Bristol City will see us back in the top six over the weekend.


How do you rate the job Kevin Blackwell is doing?

Blackwell is well known to the club after being at the Lane for a few years has Neil Warnock's Assistant Manager and as manager of Leeds United has remained in the spot light in the local news.

At present he is doing a good job, I must admit I am a bit critical that he didn't bring in further players where we needed it. With only Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon and Ugo Ehiogu it leaves the central defensive positions a little short ahead of possible injuries and suspensions in that area.


Who is your best player?

Ask many fans this question and most notably James Beattie would be your favoured answer; his 22 goals last season won the plaudits of many fans (neutrals included) but Gary Speed has been an inspiration since his £250,000 signing from Bolton Wanderers last January.


Who might Bristol City be able to expose?

Left full-back Gary Naysmith can at times be guilty of miss timed tackles, though has yet to be set off in a Red and White Shirt.


Where do you realistic expect to finish?

Ideally an automatic position, when it comes play-offs United are very much amateurs, even a relation/promotion play-off during the eighties was lost against Bristol City whilst further promotion play-offs have faulted at the last.


How do you think Bristol City will do this year?

I thought that City were fortunate last season, they were many of clubs who's squad was more than equipped to claim a play-off spot whilst Hull City weren't impressive but are obviously showing their worthy in the Premiership.

This season will be different for City, currently 6th has I write this but its early days and I do believe that the Robins will be exposed and finish outside the top six - remember Leeds losing in the play-off final and then being relegated the following campaign!


Which City player do you think will be the danger man for your team?

Former Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers, Barnsley and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Michael McIndoe has always been a player who has impressed, in particular his Belle Vue days - he seems to have made a slow but steady progress from non-league to just outside the Premier League, what next for him?


If United were a cartoon character, which one would they be?


Homer Simpson; Sheffield United always seem to make the headlines were ever they go.


Sum the club up in three words...


Passionate, committed, loyal


Give us your prediction for the game...


Sheffield United 2-1 Bristol City

As far as the season goes generally...


Who will win the league?

I'd like to think that the Blades will do it but will leave us out of this, this time. However I don't think Birmingham or Wolves will win the league but will finish in the top six; watch out for Ipswich Town.


Who else will get promoted?

I've already noted Birmingham and Wolves for finishing in the top six and I do believe that United will make the play-offs at least but Coventry City were a good pre-season promotion tip (which I took) and Reading will be up their again.


Who will be relegated?

At first season glance I would have suggested Blackpool but recent change in fortunes have put Barnsley deep into the mire and unless they change things fast they too will see themselves exiting the Championship via the trap door - Doncaster Rovers and Southampton are also in danger of the drop.


Who will win the golden boot?

Kevin Phillips and James Beattie came very close last season to winning this award and I think that the ex-Aston Villa and Sunderland will be victories in this area this season.