The new release of FourFourTwo (April 2012; issue 214) has listed one player as its best player and one as the clubs' worst foreign player of 'all time.'
Surprisingly Peter Ndlovu was given the dong as the Blades best overseas players, citing; 'Zimbabwean livewire Ndlovu's arrival conceded with an exciting period in the clubs' history, as the Blades reached both domestic cup semi-finals and the Championship Play-Off Final in 2003. 'Nuddy' lit up Bramall Lane with his direct style and willingness to make things happen in the opposition half.'
Maybe some supporters will agree that Mr. Ndlovu's presence on the pitch made much contribution and is well deserved of being named as the Blades best overseas player - though many like myself would beg to differ and I am sure quite a few will be thinking out a list as they read. Those old enough to remember I am sure would list Argentinean Alex Sabella as there number. Whilst the list could have been different if fellow nationals Diego Maradona or Juan Sebastian Veron had graced the hallow turf in a red and white shirt!
The is also Norwegian trio Roger Nilsen, Jan Aage Fjortoft and Jostein Flo, who the latter only cut short his Lane stay due to a clause in his contract which required the Blades to pay an extra fee on appearances - money which they could ill afford and duly offloaded.
The nomination for the Blades 'worst' player goes to a more recent signing; defender Claude Davis who's Lane reign lasted just one season, in our only top flight appearance of the so called noughties. FFT had this to say on Davis; 'The Jamaican arrived from Preston with a reputation as a formidable defender, only to spend 2006-07 falling out with team-mates - most notably in a training ground spat with Ade Akinbiyi which was written off as a case of handbags. It was a season to forget, with United relegated and more than happy to claw back their £3M outlay, selling Davis to Derby.'
He didn't have much joy with the Pride Park club either as they recorded the worst points tally in Premiership history - he is now at Crawley Town. Again, I am sure that most will agree that his on field presence wasn't up to scratch and his honour of worst player is worthy. Maybe his training pitch antics lauds him a worse asset to the club and the above mentioned Ade Panicbuy who's only claim to fame is netting the overall match winner in a Steel City Derby - our last win across the city.
Their must surely be other candidates for this unwanted dong; Belgian Axel Smeets is easily considered as the Blades worst full-back in the clubs history whilst recently Elian Parrio (Argentina) offered much but sadly produced little. Least we forget defender Davy Gyschbests (Belgium), Dries Boussatta (Netherlands) or Pedro Verde (Argentina) as those who the fans wished United had never signed!
Elsewhere in the publication Laurent D'Jaffo - another Hillsborough Hero was disliked at Bury as is 'unsurprisingly' Vincent Pericard for Stoke City - however Jan Aage Fjortoft was a firm favourite with Swindon Town before his move to Middlesbrough.
Also, Raphel Nade - younger brother of former Lane striker Christian is listed as Carlsile United's worst foreigner. Tore Andre Flo (Jostein's brother) also failed to make an impact at Sunderland - Tom Williams (Cyprus), a former Blades trialist was least liked at Wycombe Wanderers.
I am sure that you have had your own names to add to the list, it will make an interesting discussion over a pre-match pint - it would be interesting to know would be on your 'hit list' as the Blades best and worst foreign players. Why not discuss it on the Blades-Mad Message Board.