Post by deadbat on May 29, 2024 15:30:41 GMT
Academy / Development side
A huge thanks to @goodpinch (twitter handle) for his help in most of this section and as always has helped me a fair bit to fill in the gaps etc. Indeed, a good section (majority!) of below was taken from @goodpinch who gave me lots of details on the competitions, form and players! He gave me all the details on competitions, how the teams fared at each age group and all the player stats. Fantastic research!
The Blades continued to run an Elite Player Performance Plan Category 2 academy in the Premier League’s Professional Development League, for an twelfth season. The senior age category was U21 and the younger age category continued at U18.
The sides a U21 side has very successful and won their league again – the fourth season in a row and this year finally won the playoffs. The standard does seem poor and shows why we need to move up in terms of Academy category. Suppose we can only beat what you play and this is all against a backdrop of a number of players going on loan or being involved in the first team.
The u18’s have not fared as strongly as they have in years past and been around the middle of their league most of the season but a number have now moved up to the u21’s and maybe this current crop is not as strong. I saw a few games at Shirecliffe and it seemed the u16’s were always hammering teams where as the u18’s were often struggling or not as convincing.
Derek Geary ran the u18’s for a few years and then when Lester was elevated to the first team was named head of the academy operations and now the under 18’s are run by Paul Quinn who was appointed before this season. He was manager at Brighouse and Tadcaster Albion before running the under 14’s at the academy and has worked his way up.
Michael Collins is the coach at the u21 level and he has done really well helping bring some of the younger players through and ensure despite a number going on loan or being involved with the first team, we continue to play the right way and keep winning too – often against more experienced players. Collins had a brief spell as Bradford manager and seems to have hit the ground running with results and performance.
Some of the u18’s/U21’s interchange – many are at different points of their development of course but it is not uncommon for players to feature for both too and of course some have been around the first team. We have not used many senior players as over age players for the U21’s but not many teams do this anymore and that is how it should be.
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Season summaries
The Blades continued to run an Elite Player Performance Plan Category 2 academy in the Premier League’s Professional Development League, for a twelfth season. The senior age category continued for a second season at U21 after six seasons at U23. The younger age category remained at U18.
With Reading rejoining Category 1 and both AFC Bournemouth and Fleetwood Town moving up to Category 2, there were 21 clubs split 11 in the North and ten in the South. Again the Blades were placed into the North section and played the other ten teams in their section home and away plus the ten teams in the South section once - a total of 30 league games. The two teams finishing highest in each section qualified for the four-team playoffs to determine the national champions.
The U21s were again invited to play in the Premier League Cup, a competition mainly for those Category 1 clubs not playing in UEFA youth competitions but with a number of invited non-Category 1 clubs to make up the numbers. The competition provides at least six games, three at home and three away, in a group of four clubs before progressing to a knock-out.
The U18s entered the 72nd FA Youth Cup. They also played in the U18 Professional Development League Cup, a competition for Category 2 clubs and a number of invited Category 3 and 4 clubs to make up the numbers. The competition provides at least three games in a group of four before progressing to a knock-out.
Micky Collins continued to lead the senior age group with Matt Thorpe joining the club to lead the U18s after Paul Quinn’s departure. Del Geary continued as academy head.
Competition Overviews
U21 Professional Development League (“U21PDL”)
The Blades came into the campaign off the back of three consecutive North section titles, although they had failed to go on and win the national title on each occasion.
An incredible start to the season saw five straight wins with 26 goals scored and just 4 conceded. Although they couldn’t keep that run going, it took until game ten before the first defeat of the season. The goals kept coming with the Blades eventually scoring four or more in a third of their games. Despite a slight mid-season wobble with just two points from three games and a late push by both Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday, a strong finish of seven wins from the last eight games saw the Blades claim a fourth successive North section title.
U21 PDL North P W D L F A GD Pts
1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 30 19 6 5 83 34 49 63
2 Birmingham City 30 15 10 5 59 36 23 55
3 Sheffield Wednesday 30 16 6 8 58 34 24 54
4 Barnsley 30 17 3 10 65 44 21 54
5 Hull City 30 14 3 13 59 63 -4 45
6 Burnley 30 12 6 12 53 57 -4 42
7 Fleetwood Town 30 13 3 14 48 58 -10 42
8 Peterborough United 30 7 6 17 47 73 -26 27
9 Wigan Athletic 30 7 5 18 44 66 -22 26
10 Coventry City 30 7 5 18 41 67 -26 26
11 Crewe Alexandra 30 5 4 21 37 90 -53 19
The playoff semi final brought South section runners-up Swansea City to Bramall Lane. An injury hit Blades took control early on and never looked like giving it up as they comfortably won 4-2 through goals from Louie Marsh, Jay Tinsdale, Sam Aston and a first at U21 level for Zain Tahir.
Bramall Lane was chosen for the playoff final and the Blades welcomed north section runners-up Birmingham City who had won at Millwall in the other semi-final. The Blades, with an unchanged matchday squad, got off to the best possible start as captain Owen Hampson put them in front in the 5th minute. It was a very tight game but a late Sam Ashton goal gave the Blades a 2-0 victory and the national title for the first time.
Owen Hampson had the most starts with 25, the most overall appearances with 27 and spent the most time on the pitch with 2242 minutes. Louie Marsh was the top scorer with 16 goals.
Premier League Cup (“PLC”)
The Blades were placed in a group with three Category 1 academies - Blackburn Rovers, Reading and West Bromwich Albion which turned out to be a very tight affair. With one game remaining only Reading were out of contention for the knock-out stages. In fact the other three clubs were all still within a shout of winning the group. The Blades were in the strongest position knowing only a three goal home defeat combined with the other game going a certain way could stop them qualifying. In the end the three clubs all ended on the same points with the Blades superior goal difference taking them through as group winners and setting up a home tie in round 2. Blackburn Rovers qualified in second place.
PL Cup Group B P W D L F A GD Pts
1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 6 3 1 2 15 12 3 10
2 Blackburn Rovers 6 3 1 2 11 10 1 10
3 West Bromwich Albion 6 3 1 2 9 11 -2 10
4 Reading 6 1 1 4 11 13 -2 4
The last 16 brought the Blades a home tie against Swansea City. After initially being scheduled to be played at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park, the game was moved to Bramall Lane where the Blades ran out comfortable 5-1 winners.
The Blades were the only Category 2 academy to make the quarter finals and were drawn at home to Nottingham Forest. In a game played at Bramall Lane, despite a brace from Will Osula, the Blades lost 3-2 and missed out on a trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the semi final.
Owen Hampson played in all eight games, starting seven of them. His 648 minutes played were the most of any Blades player. Antwoine Hackford was top scorer with six goals.
U18 Professional Development League (“U18PDL”)
After four consecutive top three finishes including back-to-back playoff campaigns over the previous two seasons, the young Blades endured a poor start to their league campaign picking up just ten points in as many games. A better middle third moved the Blades away from the lower reaches of the table and a similar run-in meant they finished in the top half but 15 points adrift of the playoffs. While not as prolific at goalscoring as the U21s, when the U18s won they scored lots of goals. More than half of their wins saw three or more goals scored by the Blades.
U18 PDL North P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Birmingham City 30 21 4 5 73 37 36 67
2 Barnsley 30 18 3 9 71 43 28 57
3 Sheffield Wednesday 30 16 4 10 56 36 20 52
4 Burnley 30 12 10 8 56 38 18 46
5 SHEFFIELD UNITED 30 11 9 10 57 48 9 42
6 Crewe Alexandra 30 12 3 15 71 73 -2 39
7 Fleetwood Town 30 12 2 16 46 65 -19 38
8 Hull City 30 10 6 14 47 70 -23 36
9 Coventry City 30 9 5 16 51 75 -24 32
10 Wigan Athletic 30 8 4 18 49 67 -18 28
11 Peterborough United 30 6 2 22 44 87 -43 20
Marshall Francis had the most appearances with 26, including 22 starts. He was also top scorer with eight goals. Sam Aston and Zain Tahir had the most starts with 23. Sam Aston also spent the most time on the pitch with 2098 minutes.
FA Youth Cup (“FAYC”)
The Blades U18s entered the competition at the third round stage with a home tie against Cheltenham Town. The game was played at Glanford Park and the Blades nicked a 1-0 win with a Billy Blacker goal.
The Blades were at home again in the fourth round, this time against AFC Wimbledon - the last visitors to Bramall Lane for a Youth Cup tie back in late 2019. Again the Blades won 1-0 through a Billy Blacker goal to see them through to the last 16.
A third successive home tie brought Leeds United to Bramall Lane in the fifth round. An injury hit Blades side were the better team on the night but ultimately lost out in a penalty shootout after an entertaining 1-1 draw with Billy Blacker scoring yet again. The defeat robbed the young Blades of yet another home tie in the quarter final which would have seen them face Liverpool.
Seven players played in all three games including five who started each time. Ryan Andrews, Sam Aston, Billy Blacker and Zain Tahir played all 300 minutes across the ties. Billy Blacker was not only the top scorer with three, he was the only Blades scorer in the competition.
U18 Professional Development League Cup (“U18PDLC”)
The Blades were placed in a group with fellow Category 2 side Hull City and the invited academies of Harrogate Town and Mansfield Town. Despite dropping a couple of points at Mansfield Town, the Blades beat the other two at home to win the group and progress to the quarter final. Hull City joined them as best performing runners-up.
U18 PDL Cup Group C P W D L F A GD Pts
1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 3 2 1 0 8 4 4 7
2 Hull City 3 2 0 1 10 3 7 6
3 Mansfield Town 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
4 Harrogate Town 3 0 0 3 3 13 -10 0
The Blades were drawn at home to Swansea City who made the trip to a waterlogged Shirecliffe twice. The second attempt was hastily rearranged and moved to a 4G all-weather surface at Norton Sports Park on Warminster Road. The Blades set off poorly conceding a goal from a penalty after 2 minutes before losing a player to a straight red card 20 or so minutes later. In the end Swansea City ran out 3-0 winners knocking the Blades out.
Zain Tahir started all four games playing all 360 minutes across the ties. Sam Aston, Jackson Blaize and Mekhi Haughton-Parris also appeared in every game. Marshall Francis was the top scorer with three goals.
Home Grounds
The designated home ground for U21 fixtures switched back to Chesterfield FC Stadium after a season at the York Community Stadium although the Premier League again required at least five U21PDL games to be hosted at Bramall Lane. The designated home ground for U18 fixtures continued to be the Blades Academy at Shirecliffe.
Ground U21PDL PLC U18PDL U18PDLC FAYC Total
Shirecliffe 4 0 13 2 0 19
Bramall Lane 7 2 1 0 2 12
Chesterfield FC Stadium 7 3 0 0 0 10
Norton Sports Park 0 0 0 1 0 1
Glanford Park 0 0 0 0 1 1
U21
Player Statistics (not including playoffs)
Goalkeepers
Goalie Starts Sub Clean Sheets Conc
Jordan Amissah
6 0 1 9
Ryan Andrews
2 0 1 1
Adam Davies
2 0 1 3
Marcus Dewhurst
3 0 1 4
Luke Faxon
22 1 7 29
Callum Yam
2 0 0 5
Outfield
Player Starts Subs Goals
Oliver Arblaster
2 0 1
Sam Aston
1 4 1
Connor Barratt
8 2 0
Billy Blacker
12 8 3
Jackson Blaize
0 3 0
Jayden Bogle
1 0 0
Rhian Brewster
1 0 1
Andre Brooks
14 0 1
Jili Buyabu
15 3 3
Archie Christie-Crainie
1 3 1
Stafford Clarke
1 0 0
Sam Colechin
0 1 0
Ismaila Coulibaly
1 0 0
Ethan Cummings
0 1 0
Sam Curtis
9 0 1
Tom Davies
1 0 0
George Dickinson
3 6 0
Ben Drake
13 5 0
Evan Easton
22 1 1
John Fleck
2 0 0
Marshall Francis
0 2 1
Miguel Freckleton
2 0 0
Zach Giggs
0 3 0
Nickseon Gomis
9 2 2
Antwoine Hackford
13 2 13
Owen Hampson
29 3 5
Mason Holgate
2 0 1
Theo Howard
0 1 0
Daniel Jebbison
1 0 0
Noah Kiwomya
0 1 0
Yasser Larouci
1 0 0
Fernando Macedo
22 9 10
Louie Marsh
14 0 15
Riley McLachlan
0 1 0
Rhys Norrington-Davies
1 0 0
Seth Okyere
1 2 1
Ryan Oné
20 4 14
William Osula
4 0 9
Sydie Peck
11 1 4
Levis Pitan
20 4 2
Sai Sachdev
16 1 1
Dovydas Sasnauskas
17 2 0
Femi Seriki
16 0 0
Anis Ben Slimane
4 0 2
Josh Smith
5 0 2
Charlie Staniland
19 4 1
Zain Tahir
10 1 0
Luke Thomas
1 0 0
Jay Tinsdale
22 1 3
Trialist 1 2 0
Benie Traore
2 0 3
Auston Trusty
1 0 0
Jack Waldron
8 6 0
Goalscorers
Player PDL2 PLC Total
Louie Marsh
15 0 15
Ryan Oné
13 1 14
Antwoine Hackford
8 5 13
Fernando Macedo
8 2 10
William Osula
5 4 9
Owen Hampson
3 2 6
Sydie Peck
3 1 4
Billy Blacker
3 0 3
Jili Buyabu
3 0 3
Jay Tinsdale
2 1 3
Benie Traore
3 0 3
Anis Ben Slimane
2 0 2
Nickson Gomis
2 0 2
Levis Pitan
1 1 2
Josh Smith
2 0 2
Oliver Arblaster
0 1 1
Sam Aston
1 0 1
Rhian Brewster
0 1 1
Andre Brooks
1 0 1
Archie Christie-Crainie
1 0 1
Sam Curtis
1 0 1
Evan Easton
1 0 1
Marshall Francis
1 0 1
Mason Holgate
0 1 1
Seth Okyere
1 0 1
Sai Sachdev
1 0 1
Charlie Staniland
1 0 1
Own Goals 0 1 1
U18
Player Statistics
Goalkeepers
Goalie Starts Sub Clean Sheets Conc
Ryan Andrews
18 0 8 22
Coby Hewitson
8 0 2 15
Will Murdock
2 0 1 5
Alfie Venners
1 0 0 1
Charlie Warren
2 0 0 5
Callum Yam
6 0 1 8
Outfield
Player Starts Subs Goals
Sam Aston
29 3 8
Jevan Beattie
3 1 2
Billy Blacker
20 2 7
Jackson Blaize
20 9 6
Archie Christie-Crainie
7 5 2
Tavio Ciccarelli
3 7 2
Stafford Clarke
11 4 2
Sam Colechin
20 2 1
Arlo Coubrough
0 3 0
Ethan Cummings
15 7 2
Marshall Francis
25 5 10
Zach Giggs
17 0 0
Mekhi Haughton-Parris
22 7 2
Alfie Hough
5 2 0
Theo Howard
7 2 1
Frankie Jones
7 6 0
Noah Kiwomya
14 3 4
Jaye Long
12 9 0
Brandon Ly
3 0 0
Jaydon Makhalira
0 3 0
Riley McLachlan
4 5 1
Seth Okyere
25 1 3
Ryan Oné
6 0 4
Marley Parr-Pearson
0 2 0
Jayden Prunty
20 0 2
Dovydas Sasnauskas
7 0 0
Lamine Sidibe
5 7 3
Zain Tahir
30 0 1
Dylan Taewodzera
8 0 2
Trialist 8 2 1
Jack Waldron
15 0 1
Kemall Wilson
0 3 0
Goalscorers
(Final Statistics)
Player U18PDL U18PDLC FAYC Total
Marshall Francis
7 3 0 10
Sam Aston
7 1 0 8
Billy Blacker
4 0 3 7
Jackson Blaize
4 2 0 6
Noah Kiwomya
3 1 0 4
Ryan Oné
4 0 0 4
Seth Okyere
3 0 0 3
Lamine Sidibe
3 0 0 3
Jevan Beattie
2 0 0 2
Archie Christie-Crainie
2 0 0 2
Tavio Ciccarelli
1 1 0 2
Stafford Clarke
2 0 0 2
Ethan Cummings
2 0 0 2
Mekhi Haughton-Parris
2 0 0 2
Jayden Prunty
2 0 0 2
Dylan Tawodzera
2 0 0 2
Sam Colechin
1 0 0 1
Theo Howard
1 0 0 1
Riley McLachlan
1 0 0 1
Zain Tahir
1 0 0 1
Jack Waldron
1 0 0 1
Trialist 1 0 0 1
Own Goals 1 0 0 1
Player Summaries
U21 squad (including loaned out players) – Some of the below ended season or spent time with other clubs during the season. Those that have either played or been involved in match day squads this season will be discussed as part of the 1st team squad. Also referenced players who were part of the u21 squad but moved permanently.
Players
As with previous seasons, the types of players appearing in matchday squads could be placed into five groups.
Across the groups and for each of the five competitions I’ve provided:
● Apps (appearances - set out as starting appearances, appearances from the bench and non-appearances as an unused sub)
● Mins (minutes played based on 90 minute games - it’s often impossible to gather any added time played but substitution and red card times are included in the total)
● Gls (goals scored)
1 - Premier League U21 Squad: U21, U20 and U19 Pros
28 U21 pros were named in the Blades squad. Unlike with the EFL, U21 loan players are not named in the primary Premier League squad.
Amissah, Jordan Aged 22
Notes: Goalkeeper. See 1st team for notes.
Arblaster, Oliver Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
July - Loan to Port Vale. October - Part of England Elite League Squad for Elite League Squad games: 2 appearances. November - Part of England Elite League Squad for Elite League Squad games: 2 appearances. February - Made first Premier League team matchday squad. March - Made Premier League debut and part of England Elite League Squad for Elite League Squad games: 2 appearances, 1 goal.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 60 Gls 0
Barratt, Connor
Contract: 2nd year pro until 23-24 Aged 19
Notes: Defender.
Signed from Birmingham a few seasons ago. He played for the u18’s last season and was a regular at u21 level. Struggled whenever I saw him with the pace and movement of a higher level and I do not expect him to be retained when his contract ends shortly. Indeed he rarely played in the closing stages of the season so may have been trialling elsewhere?
September - Youth loan to Solihull Moors.
U21PDL: Apps 7-1-2 Mins 650 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 120 Gls 0
Brooks, Andre Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made Premier League debut.
U21PDL: Apps 11-0-0 Mins 945 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 246 Gls 0
Buyabu, Jili Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made League Cup debut. October - Made first Premier League matchday squad. February - Loan to Motherwell (Scotland).
U21PDL: Apps 12-2-0 Mins 1118 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 315 Gls 0
Curtis, Sam Aged 18
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
January - Joined from St Patrick’s Athletic (Ireland). October - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. February - Made first Premier League matchday squad. March - Part of Ireland U21 squad for the UEFA U21 Euro qualifiers: 1 appearance. May - Made Premier League and first team debut.
Premier League: Apps 0-1-8 Mins 35 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 6-0-0 Mins 532 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 241 Gls 0
Dewhurst, Marcus Aged 23
Notes: Signed for Wealdstone in November on a permanent deal after being at United since he was very young. Had a number of loans and was in the England age group sides all the way through but never quite kicked on. NOW LEFT
Dickinson, George
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder who previously skippered the u18 side. Seems to have struggled for game time at the u21 level and had a few injuries?
January - Youth loan to Alfreton Town
U21PDL: Apps 2-5-1 Mins 199 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-2-0 Mins 129 Gls 0
Drake, Ben
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Contract: Unknown
Notes: Defender who plays predominantly at centre back.
U21PDL: Apps 9-5-3 Mins 845 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 4-0-2 Mins 301 Gls
Easton, Evan Aged 19
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notesnvnvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
September - Joined from Celtic (Scotland). January - Made first FA Cup matchday squad.
U21PDL: Apps 14-2-0 Mins 1595 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 315 Gls 0
Faxon, Luke
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Notes: Goalkeeper. Established himself in the u21 team. There were reports that Liverpool, Man City and Manchester United keen on him. According to the Daily Mail said the Blades were facing a fight to keep hold of another youngster, so was good news when we heard he had signed a long term contract. Looks confident with his feet and a good shot stopped too.
U21PDL: Apps 22-1-5 Mins 1923 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 3-0-1 Mins 270 Gls 0
Freckleton, Miguel Aged 20
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes
August - Youth loan to Chesterfield
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Gomis, Nickseon Aged 22
Notes: Defender. Signed for Toronto FC in the MLS which was a surprise and since joining them in November, he started two games before picking up an injury. NOW LEFT
February - Left the club for Toronto FC (Canada).
U21PDL: Apps: 7-1-2 Mins 656 Gls 2
PLC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 210 Gls 0
Hackford, Antwoine Aged 20
Notes: Forward. See 1st team for notes
February - Loan to Burton Albion.
U21PDL: Apps 9-1-0 Mins 810 Gls 8
PLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 300 Gls 5
Hampson, Owen
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. Welsh. Came from Manchester United a few years ago, he has moved through the age groups and is in the 2nd of a two year pro deal. Impressed both Heckingbottom and Wilder and has been in and around first team training at times this last season whilst being a regular for the u21’s. Technically very good and likes to get on the ball.
April - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
U21PDL: Apps 25-2-0 Mins 2242 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 7-1-0 Mins 248 Gls 4
Jebbison, Daniel Aged 20
Notes: Striker. See 1st team for notes.
May - Made first Premier League appearance in three years.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 45 Gls 0
Macedo, Fernando
Contract: Pro until 24-25 Aged 19
Notes: Forward. Brazilian. Came from the Kinetic Foundation. Struggled with injuries last season but really came to the fore this season and has been heavily involved with the u21’s and been impressive at times with goals and strong running a feature. Always makes me laugh when he scores for the u21’s and his family can be heard loudly screaming with joy! Did not feature towards the end of the season.
U21PDL: Apps 18-5-1 Mins 1581 Gls 8
PLC: Apps 4-3-0 Mins 426 Gls 2
Maguire, Francis (Frankie) Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes
August - Youth loan to Chester. January - Youth loan to Chorley.
Marsh, Louis Aged 19
Notes: Striker. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made first Premier League matchday squad. Made League Cup debut.
September - Loan to Doncaster Rovers.
U21PDL: Apps 15-0-0 Mins 1251 Gls 16
PLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Osula, William Aged 20
Notes: Striker. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made Premier League debut. September - Part of Denmark U21 squad for friendly: 1 appearance. November - Part of Denmark U21 squad for friendly: 1 appearance, 1 goal. Part of Denmark U21 squad for UEFA U21 Euro qualifier: 1 appearance. March - Part of Denmark U21 squad for friendly: 1 appearance. Part of Denmark U21 squad for UEFA U21 Euro qualifier: 1 appearance, 1 goal.
U21PDL: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 145 Gls 5
PLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 4
Neal, Harrison Aged 22
Notes: Midfielder. Was involved pre-season and looked impressive. Went to Stevenage but never established himself fully and left for Carlisle on a permanent deal. NOW LEFT
Peck, Sydie Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
December - Made Premier League debut.
U21PDL: Apps 8-1-0 Mins 713 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 349 Gls 1
Pitan, Levis
Contract: Pro until 23-24 Aged 19
Notes: Defender. Centre back who joined from Coventry. Represented Poland at u17 and u18 level. Came though the u18’s and ended up playing a lot more for the u21’s the season and always looks steady enough.
November - Part of Poland U19 squad for Nordic Tournament: 2 appearances. October - Part of Poland U19 squad for UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers: 3 appearances.
U21PDL: Apps 19-3-1 Mins 1705 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 3-1-1 Mins 295 Gls 1
Potter, Finley Aged 20
Notes: He had been on loan at Barnet in the previous season and came back to the Blades but signed for Fleetwood in February of this season. He has only played in the FA Cup and has struggled for game time so far. NOW LEFT
Sachdev, Sai Aged 19
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
September - Part of England U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. January - Youth loan to Oldham Athletic
U21PDL: Apps 17-0-0 Mins 1493 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 112 Gls 0
Seriki, Femi Aged 20
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
December - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
February - Loan to Rotherham United.
U21PDL: Apps 12-0-0 Mins 1067 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 360 Gls 0
Smith, Josh Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder/Attacker. Was a regular for the u18s but had injuries and moved onto Woking this season. NOW LEFT
February - Left the club for Woking.
U21PDL: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 353 Gls 2
PLC: Apps 1-0-1 Mins 90 Gls 0
Staniland, Charlie
Contract: Pro until 24-25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. Tough tackling red headed midfielder who was a key man alongside Arblaster and Peck a few years ago in the successful u18 side. Has been a regular for the u21s this season and has another year left on his pro deal. He was rumoured to be on trial with Toronto when Gomis signed there and sure enough a month or so later, it was announced he had signed for Toronto FC 2 (the feeder side) to Toronto and left Bramall Lane. NOW LEFT
April - Left the club for Toronto FC II (Canada).
U21PDL: Apps: 14-3-0 Mins 1337 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 5-1-0 Mins 445 Gls 0
Tinsdale, Jay
Contract: Pro until 24-25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. Came from Bradford’s academy a year ago and can play left back too. He has been getting more game time for the u21’s as this season has gone on and by the end was the regular left wing back and held down that place.
September - Joined from Bradford City.
U21PDL: Apps: 19-1-3 Mins 1575 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 5-0-0 Mins 429 Gls 1
Traore, Benie Aged 21
Notes: Striker. See 1st Team for notes.
August - Made Premier League debut. November - Part of Côte d'Ivoire U23 squad for friendly: 1 appearance. January - Loan to FC Nantes (France).
U21PDL: Apps: 2-0-0 Mins 169 Gls 3
Wharton, Dylan Aged 21
Notes: See 1st team for notes.
July - Youth loan to Gainsborough Trinity.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-3 Mins 0 Gls 0
Trialists
The Premier League allows trialists in the U21PDL, PLC, U18PDL and U18PDLC. The FA allows trialists in the FAYC. The Blades declined to publish the names of trialists.
Trialists were used on 22 occasions. Their combined stats were:
U21PDL: Apps 1-2-3 Mins 137 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps 10-1-2 Mins 785 Gls 1
U18PDLC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 151 Gls 0
Subsequently five of the trialists were identified:
Tyler Dacres (U19) - Forward
August - On trial from Basford United.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 19 Gls 0
Henry Molyneux (U19) - Goal
May - On trial from Charlton Athletic
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
Will Murdock (U17) - Goal
May - On trial from Manchester United.
U18PDL: Apps 2-0-0 Min 180 Gls 0
Carlos Richards (U19) - Midfield
February - On trial from Derby County.
U21PDL: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 121 Gls 0
Charlie Warren (U17) - Goal
April - On trial from Tottenham Hotspur.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Academy Scholars
Andrews, Ryan
Notes: Goalkeeper
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-7 Mins 90 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-0-3 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 13-0-6 Mins 1170 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-1 Mins 180 Gls 0
Aston, Sam
Notes: Midfield. A regular this season and key man at u18 level Signed from the Yorkshire Elite Football Academy.
Plays centre or right of midfield. Ended up being involved and scoring in the later stages of the u21 play offs.
U21PDL: Apps 3-4-4 Mins 319 Gls 2
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 23-2-0 Mins 2098 Gls 6
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 294 Gls
Beattie, Jevan
Notes: Forward. Son of former Blade, Craig. Signed from Motherwell. Has had a few injuries but showed his scoring instincts when fit but seemed in and out?
U18PDL: Apps: 3-0-0 Mins 189 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 90
Blacker, Billy
Notes: See 1st team for notes.
February - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
Premier League: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 14-7-1 Mins 1396 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 0-2-0 Mins 15 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 14-2-0 Mins 1304 Gls 4
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 3
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 270 Gls 0
Blaize, Jackson
Notes: Midfield. Joined from Chelsea.
U21PDL: Apps 0-3-2 Mins 22 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 16-8-0 Mins 1532 Gls 4
FAYC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 100 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 248 Gls 3
Ciccarelli, Tavio
Notes: Forward. Canadian who scored recently for his national side in their u20 CONCACAF cup game.
December - Trialled with Huddersfield Town. February - Part of Canada U20 squad for the CONCACAF U20 qualifiers: 2 appearances, 3 goals.
U18PDL: Apps: 2-5-3 Mins 207 Gls 1
U18PDLC: Apps 1-2-0 Mins 124 Gls 1
Christie-Crane, Archie
Notes: Midfield. Scored for the u21’s v Crewe after coming on as sub.
U21PDL: Apps 1-3-3 Mins 187 Gls 1
U18PDL: Apps: 6-5-0 Mins 544 Gls 2
U18PDLC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 110 Gls 0
Clarke, Stafford
Notes: Midfield. Had been around the u21 squad a season ago but has suffered injuries again in a disruptive campaign.
December - Trialled with Huddersfield Town. March - Youth loan to Ossett United.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-1 Mins 63 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 10-3-0 Mins 932 Gls 2
U18PDLC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 78 Gls 0
Cummings, Ethan
Notes: Forward. Can play midfield. He came from Man City.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 13-5-0 Mins 1126 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 1-2-0 Mins 150 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 64 Gls 0
Francis, Marshall
Notes: Forward. Came from the Reading area and has been prolific for the u18’s this season.
U21PDL: Apps 0-3-4 Mins 20 Gls 1
U18PDL: Apps: 22-4-0 Mins 1771 Gls 8
FAYC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 120 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 132 Gls 3
Giggs, Zach
Notes: Defender. Son of Ryan. He came in after being released from Man Utd. He has been in and out of the u18’s with injuries and suspensions (two red cards in straight games) making his first year of two-year scholarship become a bit stop start. Right footed unlike his Dad.
U21PDL: Apps 0-3-4 Mins 43 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 15-0-0 Mins 1184 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Havenhand, Kurt
Notes: Forward. Was prolific at U18 level and had some games at U21 but then got a bad injury and has not played at all this season – seems to be a long time out? Hopefully he can get fit and regain the form and promise he showed before.
Haughton-Parris, Mehki
Notes: Defender. Operates mainly at wing back.
U18PDL: Apps: 19-5-5 Mins 791 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 2-0-1 Mins 210 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-3-0 Mins 173 Gls 0
Hewitson, Coby
Notes: Goalkeeper.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-4 Mins 0 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 0-0-3 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 7-0-10 Mins 630 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 0-0-3 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-2 Mins 90 Gls 0
Jones, Frankie
Notes: Midfielder.
U18PDL: Apps: 6-6-1 Mins 519 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 91 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Kiwomya, Noah
Notes: Forward. Assume he is related in some way to former footballers Chris and Andy? (whose son Alex was on Chelsea’s books and attended Notre Dame School in Sheffield).
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-4 Mins 1 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 10-4-0 Mins 805 Gls 3
FAYC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 222 Gls 2
Long, Jaye
Notes: Midfielder who came from Fulham 18 months ago.
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 7-10-2 Mins 786 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 139 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-1 Mins 240 Gls 0
Ly, Brandon
Notes: Midfielder. He moved onto Burnley’s academy in January 2024. NOW LEFT
September - Youth loan to Hyde United. November - Loan to Burnley. January - Left the club for Burnley. April - Played for Burnley in U21PDL against the Blades.
U18PDL: Apps: 3-1-1- Mins 250 Gls 0
Okyere, Seth
Notes: Defence. Imposing defender who has been a regular for the u18’s.
U21PDL: Apps 1-2-10 Mins 141 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 21-0-0 Mins 1845 Gls 3
FAYC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 165 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 270 Gls 0
One, Ryan
Notes: Forward. See 1st team for notes.
September - Joined from Hamilton Academicals (Scotland) - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances, 1 goal. October - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. Made first Premier League matchday squad. Made Premier League debut. November - Part of Scotland U19 squad for UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers: 2 appearances. February - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. March - Part of Scotland U19 squad for UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers: 2 appearances.
Premier League: Apps 0-1-3 Mins 19 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 16-3-0 Mins 1429 Gls 13
PLC: Apps 4-1-1 Mins 306 Gls 1
U18PDL: Apps: 3-0-0 Mins 197 Gls 4
FAYC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Prunty, Jayden
Notes: Defender. 2nd year Scholar.
Jayden Prunty (U18) - Defence
March - Youth loan to Maltby Main.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 15-0-0 Mins 1330 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 255 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 114 Gls 0
Sasnauskas, Dovydas
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
February - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
Premier League: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 15-1-1 Mins 1353 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 4-2-0 Mins 381 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 5-0-0 Mins 423 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Tahir, Zain
Notes: Defender. 1st year Scholar. Scored in the play off semi final. Looks a promising ball playing defender who can play left centre back or left wing back.
U21PDL: Apps 12-1-2 Mins 1065 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 23-0-0 Mins 2070 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 360 Gls 0
Waldron, Jack
Notes: Defender. Made his debut for the u18’s as a 15-year-old a few years ago and been involved in England regional teams. Accomplished defender who has also played U21 level too regularly. Spent time on loan at Basford United to end this season. Would expect him to get a pro deal.
March - Youth loan to Basford United from March.
U21PDL: Apps 6-6-2 Mins 643 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 2-2-0 Mins 172 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 11-0-0 Mins 990 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 210 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Kemall Wilson
Notes: Defender. 1st year Scholar.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-3-4 Mins 100 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Yam, Callum Aged 18
Notes: Goalkeeper. He was allowed to leave for more regular football and signed for Hull City in January. NOW LEFT
September - Youth loan to Hallam. January - Left the club for Hull City. February - Played for Hull City in U18PDL against the Blades.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-7 Mins 90 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-0-1 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 5-0-0 Mins 450 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Schoolboys
U16 and U15 Schoolboys
The Premier League allows U16s (boys in Y11) to play in both the U21PDL and PLC. It allows U16s and U15s (boys in Y10) to play in both the U18PDL and the U18PDLC. The FA allows U16s and U15s to play in the FAYC. 11 school boys made development matchday squads for the Blades:
Colechin, Sam
Notes: Defender, Made his debut for United u18’s as a 14-year-old last season. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 18 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 18-2-3 Mins 1587 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Coubrough, Arlo
Notes: Forward. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-2-0 Mins 66 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 0-1-1 Mins 33 Gls 0
Gordon, Franklyn
Notes: Forward. Watched him play for Meadowhead Y11 in the Clegg Shield Final in May. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Hough, Alfie
Notes: Defender. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 6-2-3 Mins 560 Gls 0
Howard, Theo
Notes: Midfielder. Started a few games to end the season and got a goal too. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 1 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 7-1-0 Mins 582 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 31 Gls 0
Makhalia, Jayden
Notes: Forward. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-3-0 Mins 38 Gls 0
McLachlan, Riley
Notes: Attends School in West Yorkshire. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 9 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 4-4-0 Mins 399 Gls 1
U18PDLC: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 13 Gls 0
Parr Pearson, Marley
Notes: Midfielder. Was with the u15’s much of the season. Made his debut at Peterborough for the u18’s in April
U18PDL: Apps: 0-2-0 Mins 36 Gls 0
Sidibe, Lamine
Notes: Midfield. Scored for the u18’s towards the end of the season. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 5-7-1 Mins 586 Gls 3
FAYC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Tawodzera, Dylan
Notes: Midfield. A pupil at Rastrick High School in Brighouse; the same school at McLachlan. Scored at Peterborough with a cross. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 7-0-2 Mins 630 Gls 2
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Venners, Alfie
Notes: Goalkeeper. Got some game time at the end of the season making his debut in the win over Wigan in April.
Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 1-0-13 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
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Two players below given 2-year scholarships in addition to above
Reid, Aaron – Position/Club signed from unknown?
Eyob-Abraha, Siem – Striker signed from Man Utd at the end of the season
Summary / Next season
It seems as if we are too strong at u21 level (and have been at u18 level till this season) but we continue to produce players that can play for both us and down the leagues. Overcoming inferior facilities and not being a Grade 1 Academy is going to be a challenge but as Lester and Geary have pointed out the coaching quality will remain high throughout the levels even if we don’t have the best pitches/changing rooms and gymnasiums/hydrotherapy (we now have a portacabin for this!) etc. The move to Category A if/when it happens (when the first team move out in just over a year to 18 months to Dore) will hopefully elevate everything.
The fact the Academy is Category B when most at this level and some lower is Category A means we are not going to get the top talent and teams like Burnley and Leeds are both now Category A. However, with the reputation of the club’s production and the coaches there present hopefully if we can move into the next level, we can produce top level players again. That has to be way forward. Despite some feeling we have not had as many come through in recent years, we do not realise how well we did to produce Maguire, Walker, Brooks, Calvert Lewin, Ramsdale etc. Jebbison, Gordon, Seriki, Arblaster, Andre Brooks have all played first team games for players that are very young and all came through the ranks even if some have signed from other academies. We have continued to do this in terms of bring players in from bigger clubs and recently we had several trialists playing for us and have signed Manchester United youngster Siem Eyob-Abraha. Will Murdock and Charlie Warren, goalkeepers, from Man Utd and Spurs respectively, also featured.
I like the way the u18’s and u21’s try and play football. Whenever I watch them, the emphasis is placed on skill, expressing yourself and passing the ball but the fact the age groups do this and still win a lot of games is fascinating really. There are clearly things working well but it is just frustrating we cannot make that next step in terms of level they play at and the facilities. This would help us attract even more talent. This current u18 group seems one of the weakest we have had for a while but then the u16’s seem to have a real cluster of talent and it will go like that and with so many young players in the u21’s- it is hard to be successful at all levels – something we have done actually really well for many years. It is crucial we get that move up in terms of standards so we can continue to grow in this area of the club.
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SUFC Women
Would be remiss of me not to discuss the Women’s team in my end of season review. It has been a difficult season with the sad passing of Maddy Cusack and all the controversy surrounding Jonathan Morgan who of course has now left the club. It is difficult to comment on the above as we are not privy to all the details but it must have been incredibly difficult for the players and staff after what happened to Maddy.
The team had an up and down season and at one stage looked like they may end up in a relegation battle. However, they ended the season well and reeled off a series of impressive wins. They have had some international recognition for players and seem to be building again after what was not an ideal way to start off going full time. Nice that they continued to play at the Lane and hope this can continue. They will probably appoint a new manager this summer and hope to build on the end of the current campaign. I have been to watch them and it is affordable and entertaining so hopefully the fan support can grow too.
Position: 7th out of 11 teams
Record: Played 22 - 9 Wins, 2 Draws, 11 Losses
Leading Scorer: Isobel Goodwin – 15 games
Appearances: Barker, Hodson, Brown (played all 22 games)
A huge thanks to @goodpinch (twitter handle) for his help in most of this section and as always has helped me a fair bit to fill in the gaps etc. Indeed, a good section (majority!) of below was taken from @goodpinch who gave me lots of details on the competitions, form and players! He gave me all the details on competitions, how the teams fared at each age group and all the player stats. Fantastic research!
The Blades continued to run an Elite Player Performance Plan Category 2 academy in the Premier League’s Professional Development League, for an twelfth season. The senior age category was U21 and the younger age category continued at U18.
The sides a U21 side has very successful and won their league again – the fourth season in a row and this year finally won the playoffs. The standard does seem poor and shows why we need to move up in terms of Academy category. Suppose we can only beat what you play and this is all against a backdrop of a number of players going on loan or being involved in the first team.
The u18’s have not fared as strongly as they have in years past and been around the middle of their league most of the season but a number have now moved up to the u21’s and maybe this current crop is not as strong. I saw a few games at Shirecliffe and it seemed the u16’s were always hammering teams where as the u18’s were often struggling or not as convincing.
Derek Geary ran the u18’s for a few years and then when Lester was elevated to the first team was named head of the academy operations and now the under 18’s are run by Paul Quinn who was appointed before this season. He was manager at Brighouse and Tadcaster Albion before running the under 14’s at the academy and has worked his way up.
Michael Collins is the coach at the u21 level and he has done really well helping bring some of the younger players through and ensure despite a number going on loan or being involved with the first team, we continue to play the right way and keep winning too – often against more experienced players. Collins had a brief spell as Bradford manager and seems to have hit the ground running with results and performance.
Some of the u18’s/U21’s interchange – many are at different points of their development of course but it is not uncommon for players to feature for both too and of course some have been around the first team. We have not used many senior players as over age players for the U21’s but not many teams do this anymore and that is how it should be.
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Season summaries
The Blades continued to run an Elite Player Performance Plan Category 2 academy in the Premier League’s Professional Development League, for a twelfth season. The senior age category continued for a second season at U21 after six seasons at U23. The younger age category remained at U18.
With Reading rejoining Category 1 and both AFC Bournemouth and Fleetwood Town moving up to Category 2, there were 21 clubs split 11 in the North and ten in the South. Again the Blades were placed into the North section and played the other ten teams in their section home and away plus the ten teams in the South section once - a total of 30 league games. The two teams finishing highest in each section qualified for the four-team playoffs to determine the national champions.
The U21s were again invited to play in the Premier League Cup, a competition mainly for those Category 1 clubs not playing in UEFA youth competitions but with a number of invited non-Category 1 clubs to make up the numbers. The competition provides at least six games, three at home and three away, in a group of four clubs before progressing to a knock-out.
The U18s entered the 72nd FA Youth Cup. They also played in the U18 Professional Development League Cup, a competition for Category 2 clubs and a number of invited Category 3 and 4 clubs to make up the numbers. The competition provides at least three games in a group of four before progressing to a knock-out.
Micky Collins continued to lead the senior age group with Matt Thorpe joining the club to lead the U18s after Paul Quinn’s departure. Del Geary continued as academy head.
Competition Overviews
U21 Professional Development League (“U21PDL”)
The Blades came into the campaign off the back of three consecutive North section titles, although they had failed to go on and win the national title on each occasion.
An incredible start to the season saw five straight wins with 26 goals scored and just 4 conceded. Although they couldn’t keep that run going, it took until game ten before the first defeat of the season. The goals kept coming with the Blades eventually scoring four or more in a third of their games. Despite a slight mid-season wobble with just two points from three games and a late push by both Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday, a strong finish of seven wins from the last eight games saw the Blades claim a fourth successive North section title.
U21 PDL North P W D L F A GD Pts
1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 30 19 6 5 83 34 49 63
2 Birmingham City 30 15 10 5 59 36 23 55
3 Sheffield Wednesday 30 16 6 8 58 34 24 54
4 Barnsley 30 17 3 10 65 44 21 54
5 Hull City 30 14 3 13 59 63 -4 45
6 Burnley 30 12 6 12 53 57 -4 42
7 Fleetwood Town 30 13 3 14 48 58 -10 42
8 Peterborough United 30 7 6 17 47 73 -26 27
9 Wigan Athletic 30 7 5 18 44 66 -22 26
10 Coventry City 30 7 5 18 41 67 -26 26
11 Crewe Alexandra 30 5 4 21 37 90 -53 19
The playoff semi final brought South section runners-up Swansea City to Bramall Lane. An injury hit Blades took control early on and never looked like giving it up as they comfortably won 4-2 through goals from Louie Marsh, Jay Tinsdale, Sam Aston and a first at U21 level for Zain Tahir.
Bramall Lane was chosen for the playoff final and the Blades welcomed north section runners-up Birmingham City who had won at Millwall in the other semi-final. The Blades, with an unchanged matchday squad, got off to the best possible start as captain Owen Hampson put them in front in the 5th minute. It was a very tight game but a late Sam Ashton goal gave the Blades a 2-0 victory and the national title for the first time.
Owen Hampson had the most starts with 25, the most overall appearances with 27 and spent the most time on the pitch with 2242 minutes. Louie Marsh was the top scorer with 16 goals.
Premier League Cup (“PLC”)
The Blades were placed in a group with three Category 1 academies - Blackburn Rovers, Reading and West Bromwich Albion which turned out to be a very tight affair. With one game remaining only Reading were out of contention for the knock-out stages. In fact the other three clubs were all still within a shout of winning the group. The Blades were in the strongest position knowing only a three goal home defeat combined with the other game going a certain way could stop them qualifying. In the end the three clubs all ended on the same points with the Blades superior goal difference taking them through as group winners and setting up a home tie in round 2. Blackburn Rovers qualified in second place.
PL Cup Group B P W D L F A GD Pts
1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 6 3 1 2 15 12 3 10
2 Blackburn Rovers 6 3 1 2 11 10 1 10
3 West Bromwich Albion 6 3 1 2 9 11 -2 10
4 Reading 6 1 1 4 11 13 -2 4
The last 16 brought the Blades a home tie against Swansea City. After initially being scheduled to be played at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park, the game was moved to Bramall Lane where the Blades ran out comfortable 5-1 winners.
The Blades were the only Category 2 academy to make the quarter finals and were drawn at home to Nottingham Forest. In a game played at Bramall Lane, despite a brace from Will Osula, the Blades lost 3-2 and missed out on a trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the semi final.
Owen Hampson played in all eight games, starting seven of them. His 648 minutes played were the most of any Blades player. Antwoine Hackford was top scorer with six goals.
U18 Professional Development League (“U18PDL”)
After four consecutive top three finishes including back-to-back playoff campaigns over the previous two seasons, the young Blades endured a poor start to their league campaign picking up just ten points in as many games. A better middle third moved the Blades away from the lower reaches of the table and a similar run-in meant they finished in the top half but 15 points adrift of the playoffs. While not as prolific at goalscoring as the U21s, when the U18s won they scored lots of goals. More than half of their wins saw three or more goals scored by the Blades.
U18 PDL North P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Birmingham City 30 21 4 5 73 37 36 67
2 Barnsley 30 18 3 9 71 43 28 57
3 Sheffield Wednesday 30 16 4 10 56 36 20 52
4 Burnley 30 12 10 8 56 38 18 46
5 SHEFFIELD UNITED 30 11 9 10 57 48 9 42
6 Crewe Alexandra 30 12 3 15 71 73 -2 39
7 Fleetwood Town 30 12 2 16 46 65 -19 38
8 Hull City 30 10 6 14 47 70 -23 36
9 Coventry City 30 9 5 16 51 75 -24 32
10 Wigan Athletic 30 8 4 18 49 67 -18 28
11 Peterborough United 30 6 2 22 44 87 -43 20
Marshall Francis had the most appearances with 26, including 22 starts. He was also top scorer with eight goals. Sam Aston and Zain Tahir had the most starts with 23. Sam Aston also spent the most time on the pitch with 2098 minutes.
FA Youth Cup (“FAYC”)
The Blades U18s entered the competition at the third round stage with a home tie against Cheltenham Town. The game was played at Glanford Park and the Blades nicked a 1-0 win with a Billy Blacker goal.
The Blades were at home again in the fourth round, this time against AFC Wimbledon - the last visitors to Bramall Lane for a Youth Cup tie back in late 2019. Again the Blades won 1-0 through a Billy Blacker goal to see them through to the last 16.
A third successive home tie brought Leeds United to Bramall Lane in the fifth round. An injury hit Blades side were the better team on the night but ultimately lost out in a penalty shootout after an entertaining 1-1 draw with Billy Blacker scoring yet again. The defeat robbed the young Blades of yet another home tie in the quarter final which would have seen them face Liverpool.
Seven players played in all three games including five who started each time. Ryan Andrews, Sam Aston, Billy Blacker and Zain Tahir played all 300 minutes across the ties. Billy Blacker was not only the top scorer with three, he was the only Blades scorer in the competition.
U18 Professional Development League Cup (“U18PDLC”)
The Blades were placed in a group with fellow Category 2 side Hull City and the invited academies of Harrogate Town and Mansfield Town. Despite dropping a couple of points at Mansfield Town, the Blades beat the other two at home to win the group and progress to the quarter final. Hull City joined them as best performing runners-up.
U18 PDL Cup Group C P W D L F A GD Pts
1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 3 2 1 0 8 4 4 7
2 Hull City 3 2 0 1 10 3 7 6
3 Mansfield Town 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
4 Harrogate Town 3 0 0 3 3 13 -10 0
The Blades were drawn at home to Swansea City who made the trip to a waterlogged Shirecliffe twice. The second attempt was hastily rearranged and moved to a 4G all-weather surface at Norton Sports Park on Warminster Road. The Blades set off poorly conceding a goal from a penalty after 2 minutes before losing a player to a straight red card 20 or so minutes later. In the end Swansea City ran out 3-0 winners knocking the Blades out.
Zain Tahir started all four games playing all 360 minutes across the ties. Sam Aston, Jackson Blaize and Mekhi Haughton-Parris also appeared in every game. Marshall Francis was the top scorer with three goals.
Home Grounds
The designated home ground for U21 fixtures switched back to Chesterfield FC Stadium after a season at the York Community Stadium although the Premier League again required at least five U21PDL games to be hosted at Bramall Lane. The designated home ground for U18 fixtures continued to be the Blades Academy at Shirecliffe.
Ground U21PDL PLC U18PDL U18PDLC FAYC Total
Shirecliffe 4 0 13 2 0 19
Bramall Lane 7 2 1 0 2 12
Chesterfield FC Stadium 7 3 0 0 0 10
Norton Sports Park 0 0 0 1 0 1
Glanford Park 0 0 0 0 1 1
U21
Player Statistics (not including playoffs)
Goalkeepers
Goalie Starts Sub Clean Sheets Conc
Jordan Amissah
6 0 1 9
Ryan Andrews
2 0 1 1
Adam Davies
2 0 1 3
Marcus Dewhurst
3 0 1 4
Luke Faxon
22 1 7 29
Callum Yam
2 0 0 5
Outfield
Player Starts Subs Goals
Oliver Arblaster
2 0 1
Sam Aston
1 4 1
Connor Barratt
8 2 0
Billy Blacker
12 8 3
Jackson Blaize
0 3 0
Jayden Bogle
1 0 0
Rhian Brewster
1 0 1
Andre Brooks
14 0 1
Jili Buyabu
15 3 3
Archie Christie-Crainie
1 3 1
Stafford Clarke
1 0 0
Sam Colechin
0 1 0
Ismaila Coulibaly
1 0 0
Ethan Cummings
0 1 0
Sam Curtis
9 0 1
Tom Davies
1 0 0
George Dickinson
3 6 0
Ben Drake
13 5 0
Evan Easton
22 1 1
John Fleck
2 0 0
Marshall Francis
0 2 1
Miguel Freckleton
2 0 0
Zach Giggs
0 3 0
Nickseon Gomis
9 2 2
Antwoine Hackford
13 2 13
Owen Hampson
29 3 5
Mason Holgate
2 0 1
Theo Howard
0 1 0
Daniel Jebbison
1 0 0
Noah Kiwomya
0 1 0
Yasser Larouci
1 0 0
Fernando Macedo
22 9 10
Louie Marsh
14 0 15
Riley McLachlan
0 1 0
Rhys Norrington-Davies
1 0 0
Seth Okyere
1 2 1
Ryan Oné
20 4 14
William Osula
4 0 9
Sydie Peck
11 1 4
Levis Pitan
20 4 2
Sai Sachdev
16 1 1
Dovydas Sasnauskas
17 2 0
Femi Seriki
16 0 0
Anis Ben Slimane
4 0 2
Josh Smith
5 0 2
Charlie Staniland
19 4 1
Zain Tahir
10 1 0
Luke Thomas
1 0 0
Jay Tinsdale
22 1 3
Trialist 1 2 0
Benie Traore
2 0 3
Auston Trusty
1 0 0
Jack Waldron
8 6 0
Goalscorers
Player PDL2 PLC Total
Louie Marsh
15 0 15
Ryan Oné
13 1 14
Antwoine Hackford
8 5 13
Fernando Macedo
8 2 10
William Osula
5 4 9
Owen Hampson
3 2 6
Sydie Peck
3 1 4
Billy Blacker
3 0 3
Jili Buyabu
3 0 3
Jay Tinsdale
2 1 3
Benie Traore
3 0 3
Anis Ben Slimane
2 0 2
Nickson Gomis
2 0 2
Levis Pitan
1 1 2
Josh Smith
2 0 2
Oliver Arblaster
0 1 1
Sam Aston
1 0 1
Rhian Brewster
0 1 1
Andre Brooks
1 0 1
Archie Christie-Crainie
1 0 1
Sam Curtis
1 0 1
Evan Easton
1 0 1
Marshall Francis
1 0 1
Mason Holgate
0 1 1
Seth Okyere
1 0 1
Sai Sachdev
1 0 1
Charlie Staniland
1 0 1
Own Goals 0 1 1
U18
Player Statistics
Goalkeepers
Goalie Starts Sub Clean Sheets Conc
Ryan Andrews
18 0 8 22
Coby Hewitson
8 0 2 15
Will Murdock
2 0 1 5
Alfie Venners
1 0 0 1
Charlie Warren
2 0 0 5
Callum Yam
6 0 1 8
Outfield
Player Starts Subs Goals
Sam Aston
29 3 8
Jevan Beattie
3 1 2
Billy Blacker
20 2 7
Jackson Blaize
20 9 6
Archie Christie-Crainie
7 5 2
Tavio Ciccarelli
3 7 2
Stafford Clarke
11 4 2
Sam Colechin
20 2 1
Arlo Coubrough
0 3 0
Ethan Cummings
15 7 2
Marshall Francis
25 5 10
Zach Giggs
17 0 0
Mekhi Haughton-Parris
22 7 2
Alfie Hough
5 2 0
Theo Howard
7 2 1
Frankie Jones
7 6 0
Noah Kiwomya
14 3 4
Jaye Long
12 9 0
Brandon Ly
3 0 0
Jaydon Makhalira
0 3 0
Riley McLachlan
4 5 1
Seth Okyere
25 1 3
Ryan Oné
6 0 4
Marley Parr-Pearson
0 2 0
Jayden Prunty
20 0 2
Dovydas Sasnauskas
7 0 0
Lamine Sidibe
5 7 3
Zain Tahir
30 0 1
Dylan Taewodzera
8 0 2
Trialist 8 2 1
Jack Waldron
15 0 1
Kemall Wilson
0 3 0
Goalscorers
(Final Statistics)
Player U18PDL U18PDLC FAYC Total
Marshall Francis
7 3 0 10
Sam Aston
7 1 0 8
Billy Blacker
4 0 3 7
Jackson Blaize
4 2 0 6
Noah Kiwomya
3 1 0 4
Ryan Oné
4 0 0 4
Seth Okyere
3 0 0 3
Lamine Sidibe
3 0 0 3
Jevan Beattie
2 0 0 2
Archie Christie-Crainie
2 0 0 2
Tavio Ciccarelli
1 1 0 2
Stafford Clarke
2 0 0 2
Ethan Cummings
2 0 0 2
Mekhi Haughton-Parris
2 0 0 2
Jayden Prunty
2 0 0 2
Dylan Tawodzera
2 0 0 2
Sam Colechin
1 0 0 1
Theo Howard
1 0 0 1
Riley McLachlan
1 0 0 1
Zain Tahir
1 0 0 1
Jack Waldron
1 0 0 1
Trialist 1 0 0 1
Own Goals 1 0 0 1
Player Summaries
U21 squad (including loaned out players) – Some of the below ended season or spent time with other clubs during the season. Those that have either played or been involved in match day squads this season will be discussed as part of the 1st team squad. Also referenced players who were part of the u21 squad but moved permanently.
Players
As with previous seasons, the types of players appearing in matchday squads could be placed into five groups.
Across the groups and for each of the five competitions I’ve provided:
● Apps (appearances - set out as starting appearances, appearances from the bench and non-appearances as an unused sub)
● Mins (minutes played based on 90 minute games - it’s often impossible to gather any added time played but substitution and red card times are included in the total)
● Gls (goals scored)
1 - Premier League U21 Squad: U21, U20 and U19 Pros
28 U21 pros were named in the Blades squad. Unlike with the EFL, U21 loan players are not named in the primary Premier League squad.
Amissah, Jordan Aged 22
Notes: Goalkeeper. See 1st team for notes.
Arblaster, Oliver Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
July - Loan to Port Vale. October - Part of England Elite League Squad for Elite League Squad games: 2 appearances. November - Part of England Elite League Squad for Elite League Squad games: 2 appearances. February - Made first Premier League team matchday squad. March - Made Premier League debut and part of England Elite League Squad for Elite League Squad games: 2 appearances, 1 goal.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 60 Gls 0
Barratt, Connor
Contract: 2nd year pro until 23-24 Aged 19
Notes: Defender.
Signed from Birmingham a few seasons ago. He played for the u18’s last season and was a regular at u21 level. Struggled whenever I saw him with the pace and movement of a higher level and I do not expect him to be retained when his contract ends shortly. Indeed he rarely played in the closing stages of the season so may have been trialling elsewhere?
September - Youth loan to Solihull Moors.
U21PDL: Apps 7-1-2 Mins 650 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 120 Gls 0
Brooks, Andre Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made Premier League debut.
U21PDL: Apps 11-0-0 Mins 945 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 246 Gls 0
Buyabu, Jili Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made League Cup debut. October - Made first Premier League matchday squad. February - Loan to Motherwell (Scotland).
U21PDL: Apps 12-2-0 Mins 1118 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 315 Gls 0
Curtis, Sam Aged 18
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
January - Joined from St Patrick’s Athletic (Ireland). October - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. February - Made first Premier League matchday squad. March - Part of Ireland U21 squad for the UEFA U21 Euro qualifiers: 1 appearance. May - Made Premier League and first team debut.
Premier League: Apps 0-1-8 Mins 35 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 6-0-0 Mins 532 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 241 Gls 0
Dewhurst, Marcus Aged 23
Notes: Signed for Wealdstone in November on a permanent deal after being at United since he was very young. Had a number of loans and was in the England age group sides all the way through but never quite kicked on. NOW LEFT
Dickinson, George
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder who previously skippered the u18 side. Seems to have struggled for game time at the u21 level and had a few injuries?
January - Youth loan to Alfreton Town
U21PDL: Apps 2-5-1 Mins 199 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-2-0 Mins 129 Gls 0
Drake, Ben
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Contract: Unknown
Notes: Defender who plays predominantly at centre back.
U21PDL: Apps 9-5-3 Mins 845 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 4-0-2 Mins 301 Gls
Easton, Evan Aged 19
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notesnvnvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
September - Joined from Celtic (Scotland). January - Made first FA Cup matchday squad.
U21PDL: Apps 14-2-0 Mins 1595 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 315 Gls 0
Faxon, Luke
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Notes: Goalkeeper. Established himself in the u21 team. There were reports that Liverpool, Man City and Manchester United keen on him. According to the Daily Mail said the Blades were facing a fight to keep hold of another youngster, so was good news when we heard he had signed a long term contract. Looks confident with his feet and a good shot stopped too.
U21PDL: Apps 22-1-5 Mins 1923 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 3-0-1 Mins 270 Gls 0
Freckleton, Miguel Aged 20
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes
August - Youth loan to Chesterfield
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Gomis, Nickseon Aged 22
Notes: Defender. Signed for Toronto FC in the MLS which was a surprise and since joining them in November, he started two games before picking up an injury. NOW LEFT
February - Left the club for Toronto FC (Canada).
U21PDL: Apps: 7-1-2 Mins 656 Gls 2
PLC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 210 Gls 0
Hackford, Antwoine Aged 20
Notes: Forward. See 1st team for notes
February - Loan to Burton Albion.
U21PDL: Apps 9-1-0 Mins 810 Gls 8
PLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 300 Gls 5
Hampson, Owen
Contract: Pro until 24/25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. Welsh. Came from Manchester United a few years ago, he has moved through the age groups and is in the 2nd of a two year pro deal. Impressed both Heckingbottom and Wilder and has been in and around first team training at times this last season whilst being a regular for the u21’s. Technically very good and likes to get on the ball.
April - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
U21PDL: Apps 25-2-0 Mins 2242 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 7-1-0 Mins 248 Gls 4
Jebbison, Daniel Aged 20
Notes: Striker. See 1st team for notes.
May - Made first Premier League appearance in three years.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 45 Gls 0
Macedo, Fernando
Contract: Pro until 24-25 Aged 19
Notes: Forward. Brazilian. Came from the Kinetic Foundation. Struggled with injuries last season but really came to the fore this season and has been heavily involved with the u21’s and been impressive at times with goals and strong running a feature. Always makes me laugh when he scores for the u21’s and his family can be heard loudly screaming with joy! Did not feature towards the end of the season.
U21PDL: Apps 18-5-1 Mins 1581 Gls 8
PLC: Apps 4-3-0 Mins 426 Gls 2
Maguire, Francis (Frankie) Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes
August - Youth loan to Chester. January - Youth loan to Chorley.
Marsh, Louis Aged 19
Notes: Striker. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made first Premier League matchday squad. Made League Cup debut.
September - Loan to Doncaster Rovers.
U21PDL: Apps 15-0-0 Mins 1251 Gls 16
PLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Osula, William Aged 20
Notes: Striker. See 1st team for notes.
August - Made Premier League debut. September - Part of Denmark U21 squad for friendly: 1 appearance. November - Part of Denmark U21 squad for friendly: 1 appearance, 1 goal. Part of Denmark U21 squad for UEFA U21 Euro qualifier: 1 appearance. March - Part of Denmark U21 squad for friendly: 1 appearance. Part of Denmark U21 squad for UEFA U21 Euro qualifier: 1 appearance, 1 goal.
U21PDL: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 145 Gls 5
PLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 4
Neal, Harrison Aged 22
Notes: Midfielder. Was involved pre-season and looked impressive. Went to Stevenage but never established himself fully and left for Carlisle on a permanent deal. NOW LEFT
Peck, Sydie Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. See 1st team for notes.
December - Made Premier League debut.
U21PDL: Apps 8-1-0 Mins 713 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 349 Gls 1
Pitan, Levis
Contract: Pro until 23-24 Aged 19
Notes: Defender. Centre back who joined from Coventry. Represented Poland at u17 and u18 level. Came though the u18’s and ended up playing a lot more for the u21’s the season and always looks steady enough.
November - Part of Poland U19 squad for Nordic Tournament: 2 appearances. October - Part of Poland U19 squad for UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers: 3 appearances.
U21PDL: Apps 19-3-1 Mins 1705 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 3-1-1 Mins 295 Gls 1
Potter, Finley Aged 20
Notes: He had been on loan at Barnet in the previous season and came back to the Blades but signed for Fleetwood in February of this season. He has only played in the FA Cup and has struggled for game time so far. NOW LEFT
Sachdev, Sai Aged 19
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
September - Part of England U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. January - Youth loan to Oldham Athletic
U21PDL: Apps 17-0-0 Mins 1493 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 112 Gls 0
Seriki, Femi Aged 20
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
December - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
February - Loan to Rotherham United.
U21PDL: Apps 12-0-0 Mins 1067 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 360 Gls 0
Smith, Josh Aged 20
Notes: Midfielder/Attacker. Was a regular for the u18s but had injuries and moved onto Woking this season. NOW LEFT
February - Left the club for Woking.
U21PDL: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 353 Gls 2
PLC: Apps 1-0-1 Mins 90 Gls 0
Staniland, Charlie
Contract: Pro until 24-25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. Tough tackling red headed midfielder who was a key man alongside Arblaster and Peck a few years ago in the successful u18 side. Has been a regular for the u21s this season and has another year left on his pro deal. He was rumoured to be on trial with Toronto when Gomis signed there and sure enough a month or so later, it was announced he had signed for Toronto FC 2 (the feeder side) to Toronto and left Bramall Lane. NOW LEFT
April - Left the club for Toronto FC II (Canada).
U21PDL: Apps: 14-3-0 Mins 1337 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 5-1-0 Mins 445 Gls 0
Tinsdale, Jay
Contract: Pro until 24-25 Aged 19
Notes: Midfielder. Came from Bradford’s academy a year ago and can play left back too. He has been getting more game time for the u21’s as this season has gone on and by the end was the regular left wing back and held down that place.
September - Joined from Bradford City.
U21PDL: Apps: 19-1-3 Mins 1575 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 5-0-0 Mins 429 Gls 1
Traore, Benie Aged 21
Notes: Striker. See 1st Team for notes.
August - Made Premier League debut. November - Part of Côte d'Ivoire U23 squad for friendly: 1 appearance. January - Loan to FC Nantes (France).
U21PDL: Apps: 2-0-0 Mins 169 Gls 3
Wharton, Dylan Aged 21
Notes: See 1st team for notes.
July - Youth loan to Gainsborough Trinity.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-3 Mins 0 Gls 0
Trialists
The Premier League allows trialists in the U21PDL, PLC, U18PDL and U18PDLC. The FA allows trialists in the FAYC. The Blades declined to publish the names of trialists.
Trialists were used on 22 occasions. Their combined stats were:
U21PDL: Apps 1-2-3 Mins 137 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps 10-1-2 Mins 785 Gls 1
U18PDLC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 151 Gls 0
Subsequently five of the trialists were identified:
Tyler Dacres (U19) - Forward
August - On trial from Basford United.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 19 Gls 0
Henry Molyneux (U19) - Goal
May - On trial from Charlton Athletic
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
Will Murdock (U17) - Goal
May - On trial from Manchester United.
U18PDL: Apps 2-0-0 Min 180 Gls 0
Carlos Richards (U19) - Midfield
February - On trial from Derby County.
U21PDL: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 121 Gls 0
Charlie Warren (U17) - Goal
April - On trial from Tottenham Hotspur.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Academy Scholars
Andrews, Ryan
Notes: Goalkeeper
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-7 Mins 90 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-0-3 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 13-0-6 Mins 1170 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-1 Mins 180 Gls 0
Aston, Sam
Notes: Midfield. A regular this season and key man at u18 level Signed from the Yorkshire Elite Football Academy.
Plays centre or right of midfield. Ended up being involved and scoring in the later stages of the u21 play offs.
U21PDL: Apps 3-4-4 Mins 319 Gls 2
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 23-2-0 Mins 2098 Gls 6
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 294 Gls
Beattie, Jevan
Notes: Forward. Son of former Blade, Craig. Signed from Motherwell. Has had a few injuries but showed his scoring instincts when fit but seemed in and out?
U18PDL: Apps: 3-0-0 Mins 189 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 90
Blacker, Billy
Notes: See 1st team for notes.
February - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
Premier League: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 14-7-1 Mins 1396 Gls 3
PLC: Apps 0-2-0 Mins 15 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 14-2-0 Mins 1304 Gls 4
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 3
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 270 Gls 0
Blaize, Jackson
Notes: Midfield. Joined from Chelsea.
U21PDL: Apps 0-3-2 Mins 22 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 16-8-0 Mins 1532 Gls 4
FAYC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 100 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-1-0 Mins 248 Gls 3
Ciccarelli, Tavio
Notes: Forward. Canadian who scored recently for his national side in their u20 CONCACAF cup game.
December - Trialled with Huddersfield Town. February - Part of Canada U20 squad for the CONCACAF U20 qualifiers: 2 appearances, 3 goals.
U18PDL: Apps: 2-5-3 Mins 207 Gls 1
U18PDLC: Apps 1-2-0 Mins 124 Gls 1
Christie-Crane, Archie
Notes: Midfield. Scored for the u21’s v Crewe after coming on as sub.
U21PDL: Apps 1-3-3 Mins 187 Gls 1
U18PDL: Apps: 6-5-0 Mins 544 Gls 2
U18PDLC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 110 Gls 0
Clarke, Stafford
Notes: Midfield. Had been around the u21 squad a season ago but has suffered injuries again in a disruptive campaign.
December - Trialled with Huddersfield Town. March - Youth loan to Ossett United.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-1 Mins 63 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 10-3-0 Mins 932 Gls 2
U18PDLC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 78 Gls 0
Cummings, Ethan
Notes: Forward. Can play midfield. He came from Man City.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 13-5-0 Mins 1126 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 1-2-0 Mins 150 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 64 Gls 0
Francis, Marshall
Notes: Forward. Came from the Reading area and has been prolific for the u18’s this season.
U21PDL: Apps 0-3-4 Mins 20 Gls 1
U18PDL: Apps: 22-4-0 Mins 1771 Gls 8
FAYC: Apps 1-1-1 Mins 120 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 132 Gls 3
Giggs, Zach
Notes: Defender. Son of Ryan. He came in after being released from Man Utd. He has been in and out of the u18’s with injuries and suspensions (two red cards in straight games) making his first year of two-year scholarship become a bit stop start. Right footed unlike his Dad.
U21PDL: Apps 0-3-4 Mins 43 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 15-0-0 Mins 1184 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Havenhand, Kurt
Notes: Forward. Was prolific at U18 level and had some games at U21 but then got a bad injury and has not played at all this season – seems to be a long time out? Hopefully he can get fit and regain the form and promise he showed before.
Haughton-Parris, Mehki
Notes: Defender. Operates mainly at wing back.
U18PDL: Apps: 19-5-5 Mins 791 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 2-0-1 Mins 210 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-3-0 Mins 173 Gls 0
Hewitson, Coby
Notes: Goalkeeper.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-4 Mins 0 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 0-0-3 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 7-0-10 Mins 630 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 0-0-3 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-2 Mins 90 Gls 0
Jones, Frankie
Notes: Midfielder.
U18PDL: Apps: 6-6-1 Mins 519 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 91 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Kiwomya, Noah
Notes: Forward. Assume he is related in some way to former footballers Chris and Andy? (whose son Alex was on Chelsea’s books and attended Notre Dame School in Sheffield).
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-4 Mins 1 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 10-4-0 Mins 805 Gls 3
FAYC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 222 Gls 2
Long, Jaye
Notes: Midfielder who came from Fulham 18 months ago.
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 7-10-2 Mins 786 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 139 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-1 Mins 240 Gls 0
Ly, Brandon
Notes: Midfielder. He moved onto Burnley’s academy in January 2024. NOW LEFT
September - Youth loan to Hyde United. November - Loan to Burnley. January - Left the club for Burnley. April - Played for Burnley in U21PDL against the Blades.
U18PDL: Apps: 3-1-1- Mins 250 Gls 0
Okyere, Seth
Notes: Defence. Imposing defender who has been a regular for the u18’s.
U21PDL: Apps 1-2-10 Mins 141 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 21-0-0 Mins 1845 Gls 3
FAYC: Apps 1-1-0 Mins 165 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 270 Gls 0
One, Ryan
Notes: Forward. See 1st team for notes.
September - Joined from Hamilton Academicals (Scotland) - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances, 1 goal. October - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. Made first Premier League matchday squad. Made Premier League debut. November - Part of Scotland U19 squad for UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers: 2 appearances. February - Part of Scotland U19 squad for friendlies: 2 appearances. March - Part of Scotland U19 squad for UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers: 2 appearances.
Premier League: Apps 0-1-3 Mins 19 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 16-3-0 Mins 1429 Gls 13
PLC: Apps 4-1-1 Mins 306 Gls 1
U18PDL: Apps: 3-0-0 Mins 197 Gls 4
FAYC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Prunty, Jayden
Notes: Defender. 2nd year Scholar.
Jayden Prunty (U18) - Defence
March - Youth loan to Maltby Main.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 15-0-0 Mins 1330 Gls 2
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 255 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 114 Gls 0
Sasnauskas, Dovydas
Notes: Defender. See 1st team for notes.
February - Made first Premier League matchday squad.
Premier League: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U21PDL: Apps 15-1-1 Mins 1353 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 4-2-0 Mins 381 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 5-0-0 Mins 423 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Tahir, Zain
Notes: Defender. 1st year Scholar. Scored in the play off semi final. Looks a promising ball playing defender who can play left centre back or left wing back.
U21PDL: Apps 12-1-2 Mins 1065 Gls 1
PLC: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 23-0-0 Mins 2070 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 3-0-0 Mins 300 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 4-0-0 Mins 360 Gls 0
Waldron, Jack
Notes: Defender. Made his debut for the u18’s as a 15-year-old a few years ago and been involved in England regional teams. Accomplished defender who has also played U21 level too regularly. Spent time on loan at Basford United to end this season. Would expect him to get a pro deal.
March - Youth loan to Basford United from March.
U21PDL: Apps 6-6-2 Mins 643 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 2-2-0 Mins 172 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 11-0-0 Mins 990 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 210 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-1-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Kemall Wilson
Notes: Defender. 1st year Scholar.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-3-4 Mins 100 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Yam, Callum Aged 18
Notes: Goalkeeper. He was allowed to leave for more regular football and signed for Hull City in January. NOW LEFT
September - Youth loan to Hallam. January - Left the club for Hull City. February - Played for Hull City in U18PDL against the Blades.
U21PDL: Apps 1-0-7 Mins 90 Gls 0
PLC: Apps 1-0-1 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 5-0-0 Mins 450 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Schoolboys
U16 and U15 Schoolboys
The Premier League allows U16s (boys in Y11) to play in both the U21PDL and PLC. It allows U16s and U15s (boys in Y10) to play in both the U18PDL and the U18PDLC. The FA allows U16s and U15s to play in the FAYC. 11 school boys made development matchday squads for the Blades:
Colechin, Sam
Notes: Defender, Made his debut for United u18’s as a 14-year-old last season. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 18 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 18-2-3 Mins 1587 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 0-0-2 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 2-0-0 Mins 180 Gls 0
Coubrough, Arlo
Notes: Forward. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-2-0 Mins 66 Gls 0
FAYC: Apps 0-1-1 Mins 33 Gls 0
Gordon, Franklyn
Notes: Forward. Watched him play for Meadowhead Y11 in the Clegg Shield Final in May. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Hough, Alfie
Notes: Defender. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 6-2-3 Mins 560 Gls 0
Howard, Theo
Notes: Midfielder. Started a few games to end the season and got a goal too. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 1 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 7-1-0 Mins 582 Gls 1
FAYC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 31 Gls 0
Makhalia, Jayden
Notes: Forward. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 0-3-0 Mins 38 Gls 0
McLachlan, Riley
Notes: Attends School in West Yorkshire. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 9 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 4-4-0 Mins 399 Gls 1
U18PDLC: Apps 0-1-0 Mins 13 Gls 0
Parr Pearson, Marley
Notes: Midfielder. Was with the u15’s much of the season. Made his debut at Peterborough for the u18’s in April
U18PDL: Apps: 0-2-0 Mins 36 Gls 0
Sidibe, Lamine
Notes: Midfield. Scored for the u18’s towards the end of the season. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 5-7-1 Mins 586 Gls 3
FAYC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
Tawodzera, Dylan
Notes: Midfield. A pupil at Rastrick High School in Brighouse; the same school at McLachlan. Scored at Peterborough with a cross. Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U18PDL: Apps: 7-0-2 Mins 630 Gls 2
U18PDLC: Apps 1-0-0 Mins 90 Gls 0
Venners, Alfie
Notes: Goalkeeper. Got some game time at the end of the season making his debut in the win over Wigan in April.
Given a 2-year scholarship in May.
U21PDL: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
U18PDL: Apps: 1-0-13 Mins 90 Gls 0
U18PDLC: Apps 0-0-1 Mins 0 Gls 0
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Two players below given 2-year scholarships in addition to above
Reid, Aaron – Position/Club signed from unknown?
Eyob-Abraha, Siem – Striker signed from Man Utd at the end of the season
Summary / Next season
It seems as if we are too strong at u21 level (and have been at u18 level till this season) but we continue to produce players that can play for both us and down the leagues. Overcoming inferior facilities and not being a Grade 1 Academy is going to be a challenge but as Lester and Geary have pointed out the coaching quality will remain high throughout the levels even if we don’t have the best pitches/changing rooms and gymnasiums/hydrotherapy (we now have a portacabin for this!) etc. The move to Category A if/when it happens (when the first team move out in just over a year to 18 months to Dore) will hopefully elevate everything.
The fact the Academy is Category B when most at this level and some lower is Category A means we are not going to get the top talent and teams like Burnley and Leeds are both now Category A. However, with the reputation of the club’s production and the coaches there present hopefully if we can move into the next level, we can produce top level players again. That has to be way forward. Despite some feeling we have not had as many come through in recent years, we do not realise how well we did to produce Maguire, Walker, Brooks, Calvert Lewin, Ramsdale etc. Jebbison, Gordon, Seriki, Arblaster, Andre Brooks have all played first team games for players that are very young and all came through the ranks even if some have signed from other academies. We have continued to do this in terms of bring players in from bigger clubs and recently we had several trialists playing for us and have signed Manchester United youngster Siem Eyob-Abraha. Will Murdock and Charlie Warren, goalkeepers, from Man Utd and Spurs respectively, also featured.
I like the way the u18’s and u21’s try and play football. Whenever I watch them, the emphasis is placed on skill, expressing yourself and passing the ball but the fact the age groups do this and still win a lot of games is fascinating really. There are clearly things working well but it is just frustrating we cannot make that next step in terms of level they play at and the facilities. This would help us attract even more talent. This current u18 group seems one of the weakest we have had for a while but then the u16’s seem to have a real cluster of talent and it will go like that and with so many young players in the u21’s- it is hard to be successful at all levels – something we have done actually really well for many years. It is crucial we get that move up in terms of standards so we can continue to grow in this area of the club.
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SUFC Women
Would be remiss of me not to discuss the Women’s team in my end of season review. It has been a difficult season with the sad passing of Maddy Cusack and all the controversy surrounding Jonathan Morgan who of course has now left the club. It is difficult to comment on the above as we are not privy to all the details but it must have been incredibly difficult for the players and staff after what happened to Maddy.
The team had an up and down season and at one stage looked like they may end up in a relegation battle. However, they ended the season well and reeled off a series of impressive wins. They have had some international recognition for players and seem to be building again after what was not an ideal way to start off going full time. Nice that they continued to play at the Lane and hope this can continue. They will probably appoint a new manager this summer and hope to build on the end of the current campaign. I have been to watch them and it is affordable and entertaining so hopefully the fan support can grow too.
Position: 7th out of 11 teams
Record: Played 22 - 9 Wins, 2 Draws, 11 Losses
Leading Scorer: Isobel Goodwin – 15 games
Appearances: Barker, Hodson, Brown (played all 22 games)