Post by deadbat on May 23, 2022 16:39:35 GMT
2021/22 SUFC SEASON REVIEW / SCHOOL REPORT
As I have traditionally done at the end of the last few seasons; it is that time again when I write a review of the campaign and also compile a school report for the different sections of the club. I will look at how they have fared and what are the prospects for next season for each respective department of the club.
If anyone wants a full copy in advance then DM me on twitter (Deadbat_DB) or on here your e mail address and I will gladly send over.
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I will begin with the review of the season and then tomorrow will be a breakdown of the club, board and manager/s. Then I will look in depth at the academy.
Over the next week, I will add to this looking at players. each area of the squad beginning with goalkeeper etc. I will look at contract situations (may be wrong with some of these so again come in if I have got any wrong) and what might happen to each area of the team.
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Feel free to add comments/disagree/debate.....after each post I make.
I have graded the board, the manager, players and the fans; in a traditional school report style of A+ to F- (every player who started at least one game- think I may have graded a few others too). Should really mark the new GCSE style numbering 1-9 but that would get really confusing!
I have had to grade players based on the games they did play so some players who played a lot more may still get a lower grade despite disproportionate number of games in comparison. I have also tried to discuss some of the u23/u18 players.
I have seen every game in person or on TV/a stream apart from Carlisle (when I was at a Wedding).
If I have missed anyone then please say. Feel free to weigh in with critique, opinions and even in some cases agreements!
*I wrote some of this a few weeks ago so elements might be a bit out of date/inaccurate
Season review
The previous season had of course been nothing short of a disaster as the Blades failed to build on the tremendous campaign of 2019-20 where they had been in contention for Europe before a worldwide pandemic, injuries and empty stadiums saw United drop off at the end. Still, I am not sure many expected what would happen as virtually a whole season was played behind closed doors and United could not buy a win. Signings did not pay off and players form dropped off a cliff. United got to Xmas and were rock bottom without a win as they missed the likes of O’Connell and Henderson badly and also saw new marquee signing Brewster fail to score even a single goal. United did pick up but it was too late for Wilder and after a number of fallings out behind the season, both parties move on in an upsetting and perhaps premature end for the darling of the Shoreham faithful. Heckingbottom got a tune out of some of the players in the run in but United were as good as down when he took over and ended up relegated long before the end of the season.
The next talk centred on who would be handed the reigns. Heckingbottom had done ok but he himself said he was positioned with the u23’s and you hoped United would get a more experienced and proven manager. There was talk linking them with the German coach Alexander Blessin for a while but work permit issues seemed to scupper this before it started. Many Blades fans had seen Slavisa Jokanovic as the ideal man to take charge. He got his teams playing expansive, attacking and successful football as Watford and Fulham had both gone up with him as their manager. So, when he was appointed, I think most Blades were happy and saw him as the best candidate. There was the nagging fear on how much money/signings they would give him to change a squad that needed refreshing but many saw that the board had invested in the Serb so surely this would not be an issue? I was firmly in the camp that a number needed moving on after the squad had been engrained in such a downward spiral and with a losing mentality. However, big contracts doled out perhaps foolishly to many meant this would be difficult to execute. Jokanovic himself said it was a very strong squad so maybe it would only be tinkering to a side that for all my criticism above, surely would be enough to be right at the top end with many proven promotion winners at this level?
There were a few moving on. Veterans of the club Moore and Jagielka moves on with their contracts up and ended up at Coventry and Derby (latterly Stoke) respectively. We also saw Bryan (WBA) and Rodwell (Western Sydney Wanderers) move on without much fanfare after largely undistinguished spells. The players that left that caused more furore was firstly John Lundstram who had played down his contract, largely distinguish and ended up with a move to Glasgow Rangers. As pre season came, we then had rumours that the big money we needed from an outgoing player would come from either Berge or Ramsdale, who despite mixed seasons were both earning suitors seemingly. Ramsdale eventually moved on a few weeks into the season as Arsenal were quite persistent in securing his signature. The Blades actually got a good fee and as it has emerged since, he wanted to leave the club and the way he went about things was disappointing after the two opportunities he has had at the Lane both as a youngster and a big money returnee. Berge remained and none of the other players that may have perhaps commanded some decent fees, Baldock and Egan, remained. Young striker Daniel Jebbison was allowed to leave for Burton on a season long loan. Max Lowe also departed, heading to Forest on loan, again for a season as United tried to prune a large left back pool.
The fact United made new signings perhaps should have concerned the new manager and United’s fans. We did make some signings at the end of the August window, maybe essential after such a poor start but this business arguable should have been done much earlier. Indeed, waiting for the new manager to start as his contract ran down in the middle East was not ideal. These delays and the lack of fresh blood was compounded as the preseason was not a great success with covid ripping through the camp and postponements aplenty. This poor planning seeing us only playing one game in Spain against an amateur side and then at Doncaster. Further games went and it meant United would probably be quite undercooked to start the season and so it proved.
August
Under the light on Sky and fans back, the United fans welcomed Jokanovic to the Lane and the new man came out to a standing ovation from a packed Bramall Lane. A flat showing saw Birmingham nick the three points and United tried a number of strikers but could not get much going outside of the outstanding Berge.
Brewster finally got his first United goal as a much-changed side saw off Carlisle in the Carabao Cup before the Blades got a point on the road at Swansea in a dire contest where United struggled to make much headway again. The new formation where it was effectively 4-3-3 was a struggle for some of the experienced players who had been used to a different way for so long and the manager did not have the quick, wide players to effectively play it.
Still, we continued to set up the same way but Ramsdale’s prolonged transfer finally happened around the week of the West Brom game. This was less than ideal build up and his replacement Verrips had a calamitous evening at the Hawthorns as Ismael’s direct Baggies plundered four goals without replay against a desperate United side. This was a rude awakening for the manager, club and fans.
The following Saturday, another sub-standard showing at least saw them seemingly nick a late point (and their first goal of the season in the league) thanks to talisman Sharp off the bench but Huddersfield incredibly went right up the other end and won it in stoppage time. Rest bite came in the Carabao cup as Freeman and Sharp saw off Derby but another sloppy showing saw United lucky to even get a point at Luton. The first month had been disastrous with only one league goal and sitting in the relegation places. Ben Davies had made his debut at Kenilworth Road as Jokanovic finally got someone in but you wondered if this was actually his transfer with the player courted by the club long before? Jokanovic did sign one of ‘his’ players as veteran Adlene Guedioura arrived in a less than inspiring capture.
At the end of the window, there was some frantic business as the poor start coupled with Jokanovic being more vocal about new acquisitions and the Blades were linked with lots of exciting international talents (many we had never heard of but were experts quickly at how good they would be for us!). In the end most of these fell through but the Blades did sign a keeping replacement for Ramdale with Robin Olsen, seemingly a very good signing for this level, on loan from Roma. Also coming in was Conor Hourihane from Villa, also on loan and maybe the most exciting of the newcomers, Wolves loanee Morgan Gibbs White. United were able to resign Iliman Ndiaye, one of their own players, but someone who was highly rated behind the scenes before a contract dispute looked to have seen him perhaps leaving the Lane.
September
Peterborough at home saw full debuts for Gibbs White and Ndiaye and the Blades put in a superb performance with the aforementioned duo to the fore scoring 3 of the 6 goals in a 6-2 demolition. United played some scintillating attacking football and suddenly it looked to have clicked. A few days later, United ought to have beat Preston North End but another late striker saw the points shared as Olsen made his debut.
A few days later, Sharp and Egan at the double saw a relatively comfortable win at Hull. Another newcomer Hourihane set up both the Egan headers from corners. Gibbs White was fast becoming a real favourite and clearly on his day showed why he was so well thought of at Molineux.
United lost out on penalties to Premier League Southampton but a side featuring a number of fringe players did quite well in an entertaining game with Oli McBurnie getting a long overdue goal adding to Stevens strike. Guedioura had played well in his first start for the club (turned out to be his only start!)
Back at home at the weekend, United made heavy weather of beating Derby but a red card to the goalkeeper and a late penalty saw Sharp score the winner. Lawrence hit the post at the death as the home side just held on. However, against former manager, a certain Neil Warnock, United were well beaten at Middlesbrough and the form now was becoming quite patchy with the new style still not really filtering through to the players. Strikers were being changed weekly with only Sharp really showing any level of consistency. The talents of Ndiaye and Gibbs White had given some cause for optimism but too many others were up and down with their performances.
October
An unfortunate defeat at high flying Bournemouth with two questionable decisions from officials meaning Gibbs White’s smart strike counted for nothing. After back-to-back league defeats, it was important United had to find some level of consistency and momentum. They thought they had got it when they came from behind themselves to beat Stoke with a rare goal from Mousset and fellow sub McGoldrick also netting.
However, Olsen’s blooper saw them go behind at home to Millwall and despite levelling, Gibbs White was sent off and the visitors scored a long-range strike to win it at the death. Mousset scored twice at struggling Barnsley but even this was not plain sailing as a late fightback nearly saw United cough up a three-goal lead.
The stop start form continued as a defeat at home to Blackpool in a game where United had lots of opportunities but were again undone late on.
November
A draw at the City Ground was perhaps seen as two points lost as United had led against a poor (at this stage of the season) Forest side and then the following Saturday, United were well beaten at Ewood Park. Despite Brewster’s first league goal, the home team dominated the second half and in the end the score line flattered the Blades who had been cut apart time after time. There was genuine talk about whether Jokanovic and the Blades fitted. He had not been given the chance to bring in more players to suit his system but some fans even wondered if we may get sucked into a relegation battle as we were certainly much closer to the bottom than the top and any return to the top flight was off the agenda this season with the position United were in. A stalemate at home to Coventry was another game that was less than inspiring. One positive that came out of this game (and would not have seemed it at the time) was Wes Foderingham taking the goalkeeping shirt with Olsen injured. He would not lose this spot and go on to be a surprisingly key man after the Swedish loanee had not impressed.
There was a scrappy win at Reading thanks to Bogle’s strike that seemed to take the pressure off the manager. However, a few days later and they had parted company with the Serb. Despite the poor start and the undeniable facts that this squad should have been doing much better, whatever the talk about formations/tactics and incoming players, it was a shock to most. The press conference that followed saw a confusing message where it seemed all the plans under the new manager and the style that he followed had been binned. The board reappointed Paul Heckingbottom and strangely he was given a lengthy deal. The acting chairman Giansiracusa then stated that he and the Prince would not be seen and they would leave everything to CEO Bettis and the new manager! Bringing in former Blades Lester and McCall, added to the confusion. It seemed after a long time under Wilder, the change to a continental manager and a new style had been abandoned, with the board not giving him the tools to really implement it and then disposing of him after less than 4 months!
The new management team got off to a great start as Brewster and Sharp saw off Bristol City at a snowy Bramall Lane as the side went back to the formation and some of the players, that we had seen pre Jokanovic.
December
Heckingbottom was able to build on his first win with a 3-2 success at Cardiff with Gibbs White and Sharp key men again with the former scoring a superb strike. After a postponement of the QPR game at home (the first of many to Covid that would infuriate most Blades fans), United went to the Jovanovic league leaders on the Monday night TV game before Xmas. A superb Ndiaye individual goal early on was defended brilliantly by a now resolute Blades and they had three from three under the new man and were moving up the league. The next few weeks saw Preston, Hull and Boro all ‘postpone’ games, as many other teams did, as a Blades side were ready to play each of these games as controversy swept the country as a number of teams sought to perhaps manipulate the serious situation in the country around an increase in cases of the virus.
January
After what seemed like forever, United went to Molineux in the FA Cup but were well beaten albeit with some player missing. Boyhood fan, Kyron Gordon made his first start for the club. The next week a really poor showing with Heckingbottom missing (Covid) saw United deservedly lose at Pride Park with a battling Derby wanting it more.
The third consecutive game on the road saw United lead 2-0 at Preston but poor defending saw another late goal conceded and a victory denied yet again. Back at the Lane for the first time for nearly 2 months, Brewster and then the improving Jack Robinson, scored and United were back to winning ways in a comfortable win against a Luton side who had been doing very well. The month ended with another solid win and defensive showing at Peterborough and Sharp on the scoresheet again in a 2-0 win on SKY TV. Sadly Rhian Brewster had picked up a bad injury and it would be revealed he would miss the rest of the season. This was a blow with him finally finding some form.
We saw a number of players depart this month with Mousset going to Salernitana in Italy, Burke and Freeman going to QPR. Verrips also moved on, signing for Dutch side F Fortuna Sittard. Guedioura’s short term contract was ended not long after and he signed for Burton. Jebbison actually came back the other way as his loan was ended early, as United sought to find some much needed back up.
We did sign Charlie Goode on loan from Brentford and also a keeper, Adam Davies from Stoke, who came in to replace the disappointing Robin Olsen who had been allowed to terminate his loan, to go to Villa.
February
The fast-improving Blades were back on TV on the Friday night and despite going behind to a sloppy goal on the break, Sharp levelled and then Bogle scored a brilliant individual goal and the winning run continued. Steve Bruce was back in management at West Brom, who had alarmingly slumped since that rousing win in August seemed to have made them look like certs to return to the top flight. However, Sharp with two more goals kept the bandwagon rolling. A blow came in that McGoldrick was injured towards the end and he too would be ruled out for the season.
A point at Huddersfield was an acceptable as the home side had been in fine form and even though they were not at their best, the Blades could have won it, hitting the post and having an effort cleared off the line towards the end. Incredibly yet another injury came as Bogle was now also deemed to have a long-term injury and would miss the whole campaign too.
Hull at the Lane was frustrating as despite dominating the ball and creating plenty, United could not get the vital goal and it finished goalless. The next weekend Swansea maybe were the ones made to pay and some brilliant goals, not least Baldock’s howitzer in the first half, and it was a resounding 4-0 win. Gibbs White put in a superb individual display and scored twice as fans were quickly realising what a talent, we had that was probably playing a league below his ability. Another week and another injury as Basham was the next to pick up a long-term injury, although there was hope he may return this season unlike Brewster, McGoldrick and Bogle.
United then had a flurry of fellow promotion contenders to play at the Lane and Blackburn were the first to face off against Heckingbottom’s resurgent outfit. Charlie Goode’s moment of madness seemed to have made it difficult for United to even get a point and when Rovers won a penalty, even this was unlikely. The consistent Foderingham made the save from the Khadira penalty and then incredibly in stoppage time, sub-Ben Davies bundled home to spark delirium at the Kop end. The joy came crashing down as a much-changed side with Heckingbottom conscious of the number of games coming we were playing, lost meekly at the Den with old nemesis Cooper scoring the winner yet again.
March
Forest were the next side up at the Lane and Steve Cooper’s men had improved hugely, following a similar course of improvement to Heckingbottom and United. The visitors looked very impressive and even though Foderingham saved another penalty, Forest should have led long before Sharp scored from Gibbs White’s delightful cross. After this Forest seemed to fade out but frustratingly another late goal was conceded as a stoppage time leveller gave them the point, that was the least they deserved but the circumstances were really frustrating for United who had the three points in the palm of their hands.
The games continued to come thick and fast and the big one was next with the return of Chris Wilder. The game had been postponed from New Years Day and was eagerly anticipated. United were at it from the off and ran all over their fellow playoff contenders. Berge, Sharp and Robinson scored and despite a rare Foderingham slip, Gibbs White’s sublime flicked goal gave the Blades the thumping victory their performance deserved.
The following game saw a completely different Blades side who were taken apart by a Gyokeres inspired Coventry as United were the side this time on the wrong end of a 4-1 reverse. All this after they had led via a Berge header. The Blades looked a tired bunch now and a scrappy 0-0 at Blackpool was actually seen as a decent point, although poor officiating denied them all three. The final game before the international break and Berge and Gibbs White scored in a less than convincing performance against relegation threatened Barnsley. United sat in the playoff areas at least with 8 games to play but another injury, this time to leading scorer Sharp was a worry.
April
After the much-needed break, the lethargic showing at the Bet365 Stadium was maybe a surprise as mid table Stoke nicked an awful game 1-0. United did managed to get a vital win at home as a rare Norwood strike saw them beat QPR. The following weekend in a lunchtime kick off, United had three great chances and a clear penalty shout (following on from one at Stoke) and really should have taken all three points against Bournemouth but it was a pleasing performance from the side still missing Sharp. The third home game in a row did not go so well as a shocking performance saw them deservedly lose to struggling Reading and even though the winner came in stoppage time, after Ndiaye got them level, United deserved nothing from the game.
Easter Monday and a trip to Bristol City saw a point gained but the performance again was patchy and after a good first half where chances were missed, they needed Gibbs White to bail them out again and get something from the contest. The next week and Cardiff came to the Lane and Ndiaye’s header was the difference in a massive three points.
Results elsewhere meant if United could beat QPR, they would have a great chance of getting in the playoffs and they came back from another sub standard first half to absolutely blow the home side away. It was the best performance from the Blades for some time and United finally showed some fight. Middlesbrough won the next day and despite Luton losing, it meant it went to the last day with effectively 3 teams going for 2 places.
May
The final day saw United having the hardest fixture against Champions Fulham combined with Wilder’s Boro, Luton and Millwall also in with a shout but any nerves soon disappeared as United blew the Cottagers away. Three first half goals from Gibbs White, Ndiaye and Berge meant United had done what they needed to do even without Preston’s help in beating Boro. Stevens sealed it in the second half and United had made it. After such a bad start and the managerial change, it seemed like the season was going to end rather meekly with a mid-table finish at best – but Heckingbottom came in and United moved up the league and then were in with a chance of promotion – albeit via a path they have never been successful in before!
So, a two-legged game against Forest awaited with memories of 2002-03 but this time United were at the Lane first. The Blades poor playoff record was of course still a concern but maybe this time with a different manager and players, that we would make it ninth time lucky! Sadly, the struggles of the end of season competition continued and United were outplayed at the Lane and lucky to get away with a 1-2 reverse as Forest missed numerous chances but goals from Colback and Johnson after mistakes from the Blades defence were the least the visitors deserved. A late Berge header gave United some hope but the ease in which Forest had cut thought the Blades and created chance after chance was a concern and was the second time this season that they had given United a bit of a going over.
The second leg and the Blades started well but then conceded a sloppy goal almost identical to the ones form the first leg on the break and the tie seemed over but a superb fighting 2nd half comeback saw them lead with goals from Gibbs White and Fleck and the Blades looked in the ascendancy. Samba denied Ndiaye with a vital late stop in extra time and it was the drama of the penalties. Misses from Norwood, Hourihane and then United’s best player Gibbs White and Samba was the hero again and it was Forest who squeezed through. A desperately disappointing end to the evening but United had really had a go at the home side who looked rocked for long period of the second half and extra time.
In the end it was nine playoff defeats from nine and United remain in the Championship and failed to get back up at the first attempt.
Summary
Final League Position: 5th
Playoff semi final defeat to Nottingham Forest
Won 21, Drew 12, Lost 13 (not including playoffs)
Scored: 63 Goals. (Joint 5th best) Averaged 1.36 per game.
Time period when goals are scored:
0-10 mins – 8%
11-20 mins – 10%
21 – 30 mins - 8%
30 – 41 mins - 5%
41 – 50 mins – 8%
51 – 60 mins – 17%
61 – 70 mins – 11%
71- 80 mins – 17%
81 – 90 mins – 16%
XG for per match – 1.65 4th in the league
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Average possession: 57% (4th in the league)
Passing accuracy: 79% (4th in the league)
Shots per game: 12.5 shots per game (5th in the league)
Shots on goal per game: 4.1 shots on goal (8th in the league)
Foul per game: 10.9 (9th in the league)
Conceded: 45 (joint 5th best in the league) = 0.98 goals conceded per game
XG against per match – 1.18 (3rd best)
Time period when goals are conceded:
0-10 mins – 2%
11-20 mins – 11%
21 – 30 mins - 2%
30 – 41 mins – 11%
41 – 50 mins – 4%
51 – 60 mins – 13%
61 – 70 mins – 18%
71- 80 mins – 18%
81 – 90 mins – 20%
Tackles: 15 per game (14th in the league)
Interceptions: 351 (17th in the league)
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Average age: 27.1 (last season 26.5)
Individual stats
Last season stats are from fewer games*
Leading Scorer: Sharp 14 (Last season McGoldrick 8)
Most Appearances: Egan 46 – every game played (Ramsdale 38)
Most Assists: Gibbs White 9 (Last season Baldock 2 / Fleck 2 / Lundstram 2
Most shots: Gibbs White 85 (Last season McGoldrick 71)
Passes: Norwood 2,734 – 5th most in the league (Last season Norwood 1,404)
Tackles: Norwood 81 (Last season Basham 69)
Interceptions: Egan 50 (Last season Basham 49)
Clearances: Egan 182 (Last season Egan 130)
Offsides: Sharp 33 (3rd highest in the league) (Last season McGoldrick 17)
Most fouls: Norwood 50
Most fouled: Gibbs White 46
Yellow cards: Fleck 10 (Last season Lundstram 8)
Red cards: Gibbs White/Goode 1 each (last season 1 each Egan, Jagielka, Lundstram)
As I have traditionally done at the end of the last few seasons; it is that time again when I write a review of the campaign and also compile a school report for the different sections of the club. I will look at how they have fared and what are the prospects for next season for each respective department of the club.
If anyone wants a full copy in advance then DM me on twitter (Deadbat_DB) or on here your e mail address and I will gladly send over.
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I will begin with the review of the season and then tomorrow will be a breakdown of the club, board and manager/s. Then I will look in depth at the academy.
Over the next week, I will add to this looking at players. each area of the squad beginning with goalkeeper etc. I will look at contract situations (may be wrong with some of these so again come in if I have got any wrong) and what might happen to each area of the team.
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Feel free to add comments/disagree/debate.....after each post I make.
I have graded the board, the manager, players and the fans; in a traditional school report style of A+ to F- (every player who started at least one game- think I may have graded a few others too). Should really mark the new GCSE style numbering 1-9 but that would get really confusing!
I have had to grade players based on the games they did play so some players who played a lot more may still get a lower grade despite disproportionate number of games in comparison. I have also tried to discuss some of the u23/u18 players.
I have seen every game in person or on TV/a stream apart from Carlisle (when I was at a Wedding).
If I have missed anyone then please say. Feel free to weigh in with critique, opinions and even in some cases agreements!
*I wrote some of this a few weeks ago so elements might be a bit out of date/inaccurate
Season review
The previous season had of course been nothing short of a disaster as the Blades failed to build on the tremendous campaign of 2019-20 where they had been in contention for Europe before a worldwide pandemic, injuries and empty stadiums saw United drop off at the end. Still, I am not sure many expected what would happen as virtually a whole season was played behind closed doors and United could not buy a win. Signings did not pay off and players form dropped off a cliff. United got to Xmas and were rock bottom without a win as they missed the likes of O’Connell and Henderson badly and also saw new marquee signing Brewster fail to score even a single goal. United did pick up but it was too late for Wilder and after a number of fallings out behind the season, both parties move on in an upsetting and perhaps premature end for the darling of the Shoreham faithful. Heckingbottom got a tune out of some of the players in the run in but United were as good as down when he took over and ended up relegated long before the end of the season.
The next talk centred on who would be handed the reigns. Heckingbottom had done ok but he himself said he was positioned with the u23’s and you hoped United would get a more experienced and proven manager. There was talk linking them with the German coach Alexander Blessin for a while but work permit issues seemed to scupper this before it started. Many Blades fans had seen Slavisa Jokanovic as the ideal man to take charge. He got his teams playing expansive, attacking and successful football as Watford and Fulham had both gone up with him as their manager. So, when he was appointed, I think most Blades were happy and saw him as the best candidate. There was the nagging fear on how much money/signings they would give him to change a squad that needed refreshing but many saw that the board had invested in the Serb so surely this would not be an issue? I was firmly in the camp that a number needed moving on after the squad had been engrained in such a downward spiral and with a losing mentality. However, big contracts doled out perhaps foolishly to many meant this would be difficult to execute. Jokanovic himself said it was a very strong squad so maybe it would only be tinkering to a side that for all my criticism above, surely would be enough to be right at the top end with many proven promotion winners at this level?
There were a few moving on. Veterans of the club Moore and Jagielka moves on with their contracts up and ended up at Coventry and Derby (latterly Stoke) respectively. We also saw Bryan (WBA) and Rodwell (Western Sydney Wanderers) move on without much fanfare after largely undistinguished spells. The players that left that caused more furore was firstly John Lundstram who had played down his contract, largely distinguish and ended up with a move to Glasgow Rangers. As pre season came, we then had rumours that the big money we needed from an outgoing player would come from either Berge or Ramsdale, who despite mixed seasons were both earning suitors seemingly. Ramsdale eventually moved on a few weeks into the season as Arsenal were quite persistent in securing his signature. The Blades actually got a good fee and as it has emerged since, he wanted to leave the club and the way he went about things was disappointing after the two opportunities he has had at the Lane both as a youngster and a big money returnee. Berge remained and none of the other players that may have perhaps commanded some decent fees, Baldock and Egan, remained. Young striker Daniel Jebbison was allowed to leave for Burton on a season long loan. Max Lowe also departed, heading to Forest on loan, again for a season as United tried to prune a large left back pool.
The fact United made new signings perhaps should have concerned the new manager and United’s fans. We did make some signings at the end of the August window, maybe essential after such a poor start but this business arguable should have been done much earlier. Indeed, waiting for the new manager to start as his contract ran down in the middle East was not ideal. These delays and the lack of fresh blood was compounded as the preseason was not a great success with covid ripping through the camp and postponements aplenty. This poor planning seeing us only playing one game in Spain against an amateur side and then at Doncaster. Further games went and it meant United would probably be quite undercooked to start the season and so it proved.
August
Under the light on Sky and fans back, the United fans welcomed Jokanovic to the Lane and the new man came out to a standing ovation from a packed Bramall Lane. A flat showing saw Birmingham nick the three points and United tried a number of strikers but could not get much going outside of the outstanding Berge.
Brewster finally got his first United goal as a much-changed side saw off Carlisle in the Carabao Cup before the Blades got a point on the road at Swansea in a dire contest where United struggled to make much headway again. The new formation where it was effectively 4-3-3 was a struggle for some of the experienced players who had been used to a different way for so long and the manager did not have the quick, wide players to effectively play it.
Still, we continued to set up the same way but Ramsdale’s prolonged transfer finally happened around the week of the West Brom game. This was less than ideal build up and his replacement Verrips had a calamitous evening at the Hawthorns as Ismael’s direct Baggies plundered four goals without replay against a desperate United side. This was a rude awakening for the manager, club and fans.
The following Saturday, another sub-standard showing at least saw them seemingly nick a late point (and their first goal of the season in the league) thanks to talisman Sharp off the bench but Huddersfield incredibly went right up the other end and won it in stoppage time. Rest bite came in the Carabao cup as Freeman and Sharp saw off Derby but another sloppy showing saw United lucky to even get a point at Luton. The first month had been disastrous with only one league goal and sitting in the relegation places. Ben Davies had made his debut at Kenilworth Road as Jokanovic finally got someone in but you wondered if this was actually his transfer with the player courted by the club long before? Jokanovic did sign one of ‘his’ players as veteran Adlene Guedioura arrived in a less than inspiring capture.
At the end of the window, there was some frantic business as the poor start coupled with Jokanovic being more vocal about new acquisitions and the Blades were linked with lots of exciting international talents (many we had never heard of but were experts quickly at how good they would be for us!). In the end most of these fell through but the Blades did sign a keeping replacement for Ramdale with Robin Olsen, seemingly a very good signing for this level, on loan from Roma. Also coming in was Conor Hourihane from Villa, also on loan and maybe the most exciting of the newcomers, Wolves loanee Morgan Gibbs White. United were able to resign Iliman Ndiaye, one of their own players, but someone who was highly rated behind the scenes before a contract dispute looked to have seen him perhaps leaving the Lane.
September
Peterborough at home saw full debuts for Gibbs White and Ndiaye and the Blades put in a superb performance with the aforementioned duo to the fore scoring 3 of the 6 goals in a 6-2 demolition. United played some scintillating attacking football and suddenly it looked to have clicked. A few days later, United ought to have beat Preston North End but another late striker saw the points shared as Olsen made his debut.
A few days later, Sharp and Egan at the double saw a relatively comfortable win at Hull. Another newcomer Hourihane set up both the Egan headers from corners. Gibbs White was fast becoming a real favourite and clearly on his day showed why he was so well thought of at Molineux.
United lost out on penalties to Premier League Southampton but a side featuring a number of fringe players did quite well in an entertaining game with Oli McBurnie getting a long overdue goal adding to Stevens strike. Guedioura had played well in his first start for the club (turned out to be his only start!)
Back at home at the weekend, United made heavy weather of beating Derby but a red card to the goalkeeper and a late penalty saw Sharp score the winner. Lawrence hit the post at the death as the home side just held on. However, against former manager, a certain Neil Warnock, United were well beaten at Middlesbrough and the form now was becoming quite patchy with the new style still not really filtering through to the players. Strikers were being changed weekly with only Sharp really showing any level of consistency. The talents of Ndiaye and Gibbs White had given some cause for optimism but too many others were up and down with their performances.
October
An unfortunate defeat at high flying Bournemouth with two questionable decisions from officials meaning Gibbs White’s smart strike counted for nothing. After back-to-back league defeats, it was important United had to find some level of consistency and momentum. They thought they had got it when they came from behind themselves to beat Stoke with a rare goal from Mousset and fellow sub McGoldrick also netting.
However, Olsen’s blooper saw them go behind at home to Millwall and despite levelling, Gibbs White was sent off and the visitors scored a long-range strike to win it at the death. Mousset scored twice at struggling Barnsley but even this was not plain sailing as a late fightback nearly saw United cough up a three-goal lead.
The stop start form continued as a defeat at home to Blackpool in a game where United had lots of opportunities but were again undone late on.
November
A draw at the City Ground was perhaps seen as two points lost as United had led against a poor (at this stage of the season) Forest side and then the following Saturday, United were well beaten at Ewood Park. Despite Brewster’s first league goal, the home team dominated the second half and in the end the score line flattered the Blades who had been cut apart time after time. There was genuine talk about whether Jokanovic and the Blades fitted. He had not been given the chance to bring in more players to suit his system but some fans even wondered if we may get sucked into a relegation battle as we were certainly much closer to the bottom than the top and any return to the top flight was off the agenda this season with the position United were in. A stalemate at home to Coventry was another game that was less than inspiring. One positive that came out of this game (and would not have seemed it at the time) was Wes Foderingham taking the goalkeeping shirt with Olsen injured. He would not lose this spot and go on to be a surprisingly key man after the Swedish loanee had not impressed.
There was a scrappy win at Reading thanks to Bogle’s strike that seemed to take the pressure off the manager. However, a few days later and they had parted company with the Serb. Despite the poor start and the undeniable facts that this squad should have been doing much better, whatever the talk about formations/tactics and incoming players, it was a shock to most. The press conference that followed saw a confusing message where it seemed all the plans under the new manager and the style that he followed had been binned. The board reappointed Paul Heckingbottom and strangely he was given a lengthy deal. The acting chairman Giansiracusa then stated that he and the Prince would not be seen and they would leave everything to CEO Bettis and the new manager! Bringing in former Blades Lester and McCall, added to the confusion. It seemed after a long time under Wilder, the change to a continental manager and a new style had been abandoned, with the board not giving him the tools to really implement it and then disposing of him after less than 4 months!
The new management team got off to a great start as Brewster and Sharp saw off Bristol City at a snowy Bramall Lane as the side went back to the formation and some of the players, that we had seen pre Jokanovic.
December
Heckingbottom was able to build on his first win with a 3-2 success at Cardiff with Gibbs White and Sharp key men again with the former scoring a superb strike. After a postponement of the QPR game at home (the first of many to Covid that would infuriate most Blades fans), United went to the Jovanovic league leaders on the Monday night TV game before Xmas. A superb Ndiaye individual goal early on was defended brilliantly by a now resolute Blades and they had three from three under the new man and were moving up the league. The next few weeks saw Preston, Hull and Boro all ‘postpone’ games, as many other teams did, as a Blades side were ready to play each of these games as controversy swept the country as a number of teams sought to perhaps manipulate the serious situation in the country around an increase in cases of the virus.
January
After what seemed like forever, United went to Molineux in the FA Cup but were well beaten albeit with some player missing. Boyhood fan, Kyron Gordon made his first start for the club. The next week a really poor showing with Heckingbottom missing (Covid) saw United deservedly lose at Pride Park with a battling Derby wanting it more.
The third consecutive game on the road saw United lead 2-0 at Preston but poor defending saw another late goal conceded and a victory denied yet again. Back at the Lane for the first time for nearly 2 months, Brewster and then the improving Jack Robinson, scored and United were back to winning ways in a comfortable win against a Luton side who had been doing very well. The month ended with another solid win and defensive showing at Peterborough and Sharp on the scoresheet again in a 2-0 win on SKY TV. Sadly Rhian Brewster had picked up a bad injury and it would be revealed he would miss the rest of the season. This was a blow with him finally finding some form.
We saw a number of players depart this month with Mousset going to Salernitana in Italy, Burke and Freeman going to QPR. Verrips also moved on, signing for Dutch side F Fortuna Sittard. Guedioura’s short term contract was ended not long after and he signed for Burton. Jebbison actually came back the other way as his loan was ended early, as United sought to find some much needed back up.
We did sign Charlie Goode on loan from Brentford and also a keeper, Adam Davies from Stoke, who came in to replace the disappointing Robin Olsen who had been allowed to terminate his loan, to go to Villa.
February
The fast-improving Blades were back on TV on the Friday night and despite going behind to a sloppy goal on the break, Sharp levelled and then Bogle scored a brilliant individual goal and the winning run continued. Steve Bruce was back in management at West Brom, who had alarmingly slumped since that rousing win in August seemed to have made them look like certs to return to the top flight. However, Sharp with two more goals kept the bandwagon rolling. A blow came in that McGoldrick was injured towards the end and he too would be ruled out for the season.
A point at Huddersfield was an acceptable as the home side had been in fine form and even though they were not at their best, the Blades could have won it, hitting the post and having an effort cleared off the line towards the end. Incredibly yet another injury came as Bogle was now also deemed to have a long-term injury and would miss the whole campaign too.
Hull at the Lane was frustrating as despite dominating the ball and creating plenty, United could not get the vital goal and it finished goalless. The next weekend Swansea maybe were the ones made to pay and some brilliant goals, not least Baldock’s howitzer in the first half, and it was a resounding 4-0 win. Gibbs White put in a superb individual display and scored twice as fans were quickly realising what a talent, we had that was probably playing a league below his ability. Another week and another injury as Basham was the next to pick up a long-term injury, although there was hope he may return this season unlike Brewster, McGoldrick and Bogle.
United then had a flurry of fellow promotion contenders to play at the Lane and Blackburn were the first to face off against Heckingbottom’s resurgent outfit. Charlie Goode’s moment of madness seemed to have made it difficult for United to even get a point and when Rovers won a penalty, even this was unlikely. The consistent Foderingham made the save from the Khadira penalty and then incredibly in stoppage time, sub-Ben Davies bundled home to spark delirium at the Kop end. The joy came crashing down as a much-changed side with Heckingbottom conscious of the number of games coming we were playing, lost meekly at the Den with old nemesis Cooper scoring the winner yet again.
March
Forest were the next side up at the Lane and Steve Cooper’s men had improved hugely, following a similar course of improvement to Heckingbottom and United. The visitors looked very impressive and even though Foderingham saved another penalty, Forest should have led long before Sharp scored from Gibbs White’s delightful cross. After this Forest seemed to fade out but frustratingly another late goal was conceded as a stoppage time leveller gave them the point, that was the least they deserved but the circumstances were really frustrating for United who had the three points in the palm of their hands.
The games continued to come thick and fast and the big one was next with the return of Chris Wilder. The game had been postponed from New Years Day and was eagerly anticipated. United were at it from the off and ran all over their fellow playoff contenders. Berge, Sharp and Robinson scored and despite a rare Foderingham slip, Gibbs White’s sublime flicked goal gave the Blades the thumping victory their performance deserved.
The following game saw a completely different Blades side who were taken apart by a Gyokeres inspired Coventry as United were the side this time on the wrong end of a 4-1 reverse. All this after they had led via a Berge header. The Blades looked a tired bunch now and a scrappy 0-0 at Blackpool was actually seen as a decent point, although poor officiating denied them all three. The final game before the international break and Berge and Gibbs White scored in a less than convincing performance against relegation threatened Barnsley. United sat in the playoff areas at least with 8 games to play but another injury, this time to leading scorer Sharp was a worry.
April
After the much-needed break, the lethargic showing at the Bet365 Stadium was maybe a surprise as mid table Stoke nicked an awful game 1-0. United did managed to get a vital win at home as a rare Norwood strike saw them beat QPR. The following weekend in a lunchtime kick off, United had three great chances and a clear penalty shout (following on from one at Stoke) and really should have taken all three points against Bournemouth but it was a pleasing performance from the side still missing Sharp. The third home game in a row did not go so well as a shocking performance saw them deservedly lose to struggling Reading and even though the winner came in stoppage time, after Ndiaye got them level, United deserved nothing from the game.
Easter Monday and a trip to Bristol City saw a point gained but the performance again was patchy and after a good first half where chances were missed, they needed Gibbs White to bail them out again and get something from the contest. The next week and Cardiff came to the Lane and Ndiaye’s header was the difference in a massive three points.
Results elsewhere meant if United could beat QPR, they would have a great chance of getting in the playoffs and they came back from another sub standard first half to absolutely blow the home side away. It was the best performance from the Blades for some time and United finally showed some fight. Middlesbrough won the next day and despite Luton losing, it meant it went to the last day with effectively 3 teams going for 2 places.
May
The final day saw United having the hardest fixture against Champions Fulham combined with Wilder’s Boro, Luton and Millwall also in with a shout but any nerves soon disappeared as United blew the Cottagers away. Three first half goals from Gibbs White, Ndiaye and Berge meant United had done what they needed to do even without Preston’s help in beating Boro. Stevens sealed it in the second half and United had made it. After such a bad start and the managerial change, it seemed like the season was going to end rather meekly with a mid-table finish at best – but Heckingbottom came in and United moved up the league and then were in with a chance of promotion – albeit via a path they have never been successful in before!
So, a two-legged game against Forest awaited with memories of 2002-03 but this time United were at the Lane first. The Blades poor playoff record was of course still a concern but maybe this time with a different manager and players, that we would make it ninth time lucky! Sadly, the struggles of the end of season competition continued and United were outplayed at the Lane and lucky to get away with a 1-2 reverse as Forest missed numerous chances but goals from Colback and Johnson after mistakes from the Blades defence were the least the visitors deserved. A late Berge header gave United some hope but the ease in which Forest had cut thought the Blades and created chance after chance was a concern and was the second time this season that they had given United a bit of a going over.
The second leg and the Blades started well but then conceded a sloppy goal almost identical to the ones form the first leg on the break and the tie seemed over but a superb fighting 2nd half comeback saw them lead with goals from Gibbs White and Fleck and the Blades looked in the ascendancy. Samba denied Ndiaye with a vital late stop in extra time and it was the drama of the penalties. Misses from Norwood, Hourihane and then United’s best player Gibbs White and Samba was the hero again and it was Forest who squeezed through. A desperately disappointing end to the evening but United had really had a go at the home side who looked rocked for long period of the second half and extra time.
In the end it was nine playoff defeats from nine and United remain in the Championship and failed to get back up at the first attempt.
Summary
Final League Position: 5th
Playoff semi final defeat to Nottingham Forest
Won 21, Drew 12, Lost 13 (not including playoffs)
Scored: 63 Goals. (Joint 5th best) Averaged 1.36 per game.
Time period when goals are scored:
0-10 mins – 8%
11-20 mins – 10%
21 – 30 mins - 8%
30 – 41 mins - 5%
41 – 50 mins – 8%
51 – 60 mins – 17%
61 – 70 mins – 11%
71- 80 mins – 17%
81 – 90 mins – 16%
XG for per match – 1.65 4th in the league
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Average possession: 57% (4th in the league)
Passing accuracy: 79% (4th in the league)
Shots per game: 12.5 shots per game (5th in the league)
Shots on goal per game: 4.1 shots on goal (8th in the league)
Foul per game: 10.9 (9th in the league)
Conceded: 45 (joint 5th best in the league) = 0.98 goals conceded per game
XG against per match – 1.18 (3rd best)
Time period when goals are conceded:
0-10 mins – 2%
11-20 mins – 11%
21 – 30 mins - 2%
30 – 41 mins – 11%
41 – 50 mins – 4%
51 – 60 mins – 13%
61 – 70 mins – 18%
71- 80 mins – 18%
81 – 90 mins – 20%
Tackles: 15 per game (14th in the league)
Interceptions: 351 (17th in the league)
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Average age: 27.1 (last season 26.5)
Individual stats
Last season stats are from fewer games*
Leading Scorer: Sharp 14 (Last season McGoldrick 8)
Most Appearances: Egan 46 – every game played (Ramsdale 38)
Most Assists: Gibbs White 9 (Last season Baldock 2 / Fleck 2 / Lundstram 2
Most shots: Gibbs White 85 (Last season McGoldrick 71)
Passes: Norwood 2,734 – 5th most in the league (Last season Norwood 1,404)
Tackles: Norwood 81 (Last season Basham 69)
Interceptions: Egan 50 (Last season Basham 49)
Clearances: Egan 182 (Last season Egan 130)
Offsides: Sharp 33 (3rd highest in the league) (Last season McGoldrick 17)
Most fouls: Norwood 50
Most fouled: Gibbs White 46
Yellow cards: Fleck 10 (Last season Lundstram 8)
Red cards: Gibbs White/Goode 1 each (last season 1 each Egan, Jagielka, Lundstram)
