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2009/10 Championship Preview: Sheffield United (Part 2) - Sheffield United - Blades-Mad

 

2009/10 Championship Preview: Sheffield United (Part 2)

Last updated : 05 August 2009 By Bladesmadeditor

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(BladesMadeditor's views)

A third placed finish, success in the play-off semi-finals, the best ever unbeaten run away from home in the club's history, the highest amount of different scorers in one single season in the club's history, and Sheffield United still languish in England's second-tier.

Kevin Blackwell and co were 90 minutes away from Premier League football last season, but they were demoralised by Burnley three times, twice at the latter stages of the campaign, which ultimately cost them promotion twice!

United's automatic promotion hopes took a big blow when Martin Paterson headed the Clarets a 1:0 victory which put fast-track promotion on a very thin line.

The Blades settled for a play-off place, and well-taken goals from Brian Howard (1st leg) and Greg Halford (second-leg), cancelled out Sean St Ledger's opener at Deepdale (1st leg).

United were denied top flight football by a touch of brilliance by Wade Elliott at the national stadium, Wembley, so the hunt for promotion begins all again, at Middlesbrough on Friday.

Fans have criticised the sales of Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker, despite the latter coming back on a season-long-loan. Ched Evans has arrived alongside a further seven or so, including brightful Tranmere full-back Andy Taylor and wingers Kyel Reid and Keith Treacy, they are just a few of the new acquisitions.

It has been a successful pre-season, well, kind-of. Results wise, the Blades won all of them. They overcame Floriana, Sheffield FC, Chesterfield, Bury and Lincoln, but it was disappointing when the three-team-tournament in Hungary was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

It must be said that the Championship hasn't got any easier, tougher if anything. And when you browse at team's opponents in the opening month, August, Sheffield United arguably have the hardest out of the lot. Newcomers Middlesbrough, West Brom and Leicester included, as well as last season's fellow play-off participants Reading.

From an overall perspective, Blackie is doing a cracking job, lets get behind the lads and lets see the side from Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane shoot-up that league.

Come On You Red And White Wizards!

BladesMadeditor's predicted finish:

Head: 9th
Heart: 1st

Betting Odds:
Promotion:Relegation:
18/533/1

2008-09 Players Statistics

Player namePositionDoB#AppsGoals
Law, Nicky
Midfield29 Mar 1988tbc00
Kenny, Paddy
Goal17 May 19781500
Halford, Greg
Defence08 Dec 1984239 (+10)8
Naysmith, Gary
Defence16 Nov 1978341 (+2)0
Cotterill, David
Forward04 Dec 1987425 (+7)4
Morgan, Chris
Defence13 Feb 1978549 (+1)2
Kilgallon, Matthew
Defence08 Jan 1984648 (+1)1
Henderson, Darius
Forward07 Sep 1981730 (+7)7
Lupoli, Arturo
Forward24 Jun 198792 (+9)2
Webber, Danny
Forward28 Dec 19811024 (+17)6
Hendrie, Lee
Midfield18 May 1977113 (+9)2
Jihai, Sun
Defence30 Sep 19771215 (+2)0
Bennett, Ian
Goal10 Oct 19711360
Carney, David
Midfield30 Nov 19831410
Speed, Gary
Midfield08 Sep 196915183
Montgomery, Nick
Midfield28 Oct 19811733 (+2)0
Ward, Jamie
Forward12 May 1986188 (+10)2
Beattie, Craig
Forward16 Jan 1984193 (+13)1
Howard, Brian
Midfield23 Jan 19832026 (+6)3
O'Toole, John-Joe
Midfield30 Sep 1988215 (+4)1
Haber, Justin
Goal09 Jun 19812200
Sharp, Billy
Forward05 Feb 19862421 (+6)6
Tahar, Aymen
Midfield02 Oct 1989250 (+1)0
Geary, Derek
Defence19 Jun 1980262 (+1)0
Quinn, Keith
Midfield22 Sep 19882700
Quinn, Stephen
Midfield04 Apr 198628508
Robertson, Jordan
Forward12 Feb 1988290 (+1)0
Naughton, Kyle
Defence11 Nov 19883045 (+5)3
Starosta, Ben
Midfield07 Jan 19873100
Bromby, Leigh
Defence02 Jun 1980326 (+7)1
Ehiogu, Ugo
Defence03 Nov 19723312 (+5)1
Walker, Kyle
Defence28 May 19903470

* Statistics up to and including 26 May 2009