Sheffield United vs Coventry City

THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF 

SHEFFIELD UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB 

SHEFFIELD UNITED vs 

COVENTRY CITY 

MONDAY 26th DECEMBER 2022 — 3PM 

BRAMALL LANE 

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UTB 03 

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DIRECTORY 

CHAIRMAN 

Yusuf Giansiracusa 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Princess Reem Bint 

Abdullah Al Saud 

Abdullah Alghamdi 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Stephen Bettis 

VICE PRESIDENTS 

Graham Moore MBE 

Martin Green 

Darren Baker 

Mark Ross 

Steve Naylor 

BLADES AMBASSADOR 

Tony Currie 

SUPPORTERS’ 

LIAISON OFFICER 

Jon Helliwell 

jon.helliwell@sufc.co.uk 

UTB 

PROGRAMME TEAM 

Editor: Matthew Young 

Photography by: 

Sport Image, Shutterstock 

Produced by: 

Ignition Sports Media 

Design: Alex Guildford 

Printed by: S&G Group 

Cover Illustration: 

Nick Bianco 

The views expressed by 

individual contributors are 

not necessarily the views of 

Sheffield United FC or the Editor 

SHEFFIELD UNITED vs 

COVENTRY CITY 

KEY FEATURES… 

10 

49 

60 

83 

World Cup hero Iliman Ndiaye talks about 

his recent experiences with Senegal 

following a memorable time out in Qatar. 

Relive some famous Boxing Day encounters from 

yesteryear in our regular On This Day feature. 

We continue our look back over the inaugural 

Premier League season with former Blade Kevin 

Gage taking on the Face to Face Revisited Q&A. 

What’s Oli McBurnie’s favourite other sport to 

watch? Find out in our regular Favourites Q&A. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED vs COVENTRY CITY

04 UTB 


UTB 05 

Paul Heckingbot tom 

MANAGER’S NOTES 

Following the excitement of 

yesterday, hopefully you all had a 

very Merry Christmas, I’m looking 

forward to experiencing the traditional 

bumper Boxing Day Bramall Lane crowd 

and the atmosphere that goes with it as 

we kick-off the second half of the 

season today. 

It is important to remember that the 

Championship is one of the most exciting 

and erratic leagues in the world and at the 

halfway stage we have put ourselves in a 

good position from which to build. There’s 

been plenty of twists and turns in the first 

23 games and there will be more ahead of 

the final kick in May. 

Since returning from the World Cup 

break, we’ve picked up a couple of tight 

victories but have had to work hard for 

them and that will be the case today as we 

welcome Coventry City. 

At Wigan, our performance was very 

pleasing in the first half, and we could have 

been out of sight with the opportunities 

and positions we were working the ball 

into. We just couldn’t get the second goal, 

but when we managed it, I thought we 

were good value and comfortable, despite 

being away from home. 

The goal we conceded was offside, 

clearly, but it was disappointing how it got 

that far – and that has been addressed 

at Shirecliffe this week – but from that 

point we had to stand up and deal with 

everything Wigan threw at us, and we 

defended our box well. 

We had nine days between Huddersfield 

and Wigan and seven more leading into 

this one but now the festive games come 

thick and fast with four fixtures in 13 days, 

including three on the road, two in London. 

It is a time where a lot of points can be 

accumulated in a short period and the 

league table could look a lot different to 

what it looks today in a couple of weeks. 

Each team will have their ideas on how 

many points they will be looking to pick 

up over this time, but our philosophy is 

to continue to take it one game at a time 

with all our focus on Coventry currently. 

We are in the mix as it stands but when 

you are amongst the frontrunners in the 

table other teams will have their eye 

on chasing you down, just like we were 

doing at this point last season. 

Being in the position we currently 

occupy at this stage of the season does 

show that we are among the serious 

contenders and with January just around 

the corner that is important. 

You won’t need reminding that the 

transfer window opens soon, and I’ll be 

fielding a lot of questions from journalists 

about potential incomings and outgoings. 

There’s already a lot of speculation 

with our players and I take that as a 

compliment, it shows we are on the right 

track. The way we play and if the players 

continue to impress, we won’t be able to 

stop the talk in the media. It comes with 

the territory. 

In my position as manager, what I want 

is to protect the team and the players, 

the goal at the end of it is obvious and, 

of course, we are always looking to 

strengthen where possible. 

January will be long, but hopefully we 

will be in a strong position at the end of 

the month – in more ways than one. 

Hecky 


06 UTB 

ADAM HAILS WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE 

Goalkeeper Adam Davies 

described his pride at being part 

of the Wales squad which 

recently played in their first World Cup for 

64 years. 

Whilst he was understudy to Wayne 

Hennessey and Danny Ward, the ex- 

Barnsley stopper had a first hand 

view on an historic tournament for his 

country, taking in some truly memorable 

atmospheric moments in the Qatar heat. 

Despite going out in the group stages 

following defeats to Iran and England, 

Adam says just being at the finals was 

a truly historic experience for everyone 

involved. 

PLAYER FOCUS 

He told SUTV: “The atmosphere at the 

games was incredible. I was so proud 

to be part of that, obviously the results 

didn’t go the way we wanted but to share 

the experience with the team and staff, 

it was brilliant. We had family there too; 

it was so nice to have them in the stands 

watching. 

“I just tried to soak it all in. The red 

wall, the fans that travelled in such big 

numbers. A lot of the games did feel like 

an away game because obviously we are 

such a small country. Playing USA and 

England, they bring a lot of fans, but our 

supporters were just fantastic. Probably 

the best moment for me was after the 

England game when we went over to 

clap the fans, and they were singing the 

national anthem back to us. It was a real 

nice moment.” 

When Hennessey saw red in the Iran 

fixture, suddenly Adam was promoted to 

be understudy for Ward, and he admitted 

he suddenly felt an opportunity might 

have come his way to get out onto the 

pitch himself. 

He continued: “I had to be ready, 

and it gives you that little bit of extra 

edge when you are on the bench and 

knowing an opportunity could come 

along. It didn’t happen, but it was still just 

fantastic to be part of the squad. 

“We have the qualifiers for the Euros 

coming up in March, and the focus is 

now on that from an international point 

of view. For me personally though now, 

I want to help get Sheffield United to the 

Premier League.” 

⊳ Adam Davies is back after experiencing the 

World Cup with Wales out in Qatar 


UTB 07 

STRENGTH OF GROUP SHOWING, SAYS SANDER 

The returning 

Sander Berge says 

United’s strength 

in depth has been a huge 

factor in the recent 

success as United enter 

the second half of the 

Championship season. 

The Blades have had 

to contend with a lengthy 

injury list this season but 

despite losing several 

key players, including 

Sander, for long periods, 

Paul Heckingbottom’s side 

have found a way to keep 

picking up crucial points. 

With the Blades sat 

second coming into this 

Boxing Day clash with 

Coventry City, Sander is 

adamant that the strength 

of the overall group is 

responsible for United’s 

consistent run of form. 

He told SUTV: “It’s a 

huge period for us. The 

form and consistency of 

late, despite the injuries, 

has been good. It has 

been tough to maintain 

our position, but I think 

everyone has pushed hard 

and it has showed the 

strength of the group, that 

we have 20-25 players 

who can all compete in 

a good way at this level. 

Where we are right now is 

a good place to be, but it 

can change quickly in this 

PLAYER FOCUS 

league, and we know the 

importance of every game. 

Every game is different 

though, so we need to be 

at our best to keep going.” 

The Norway international 

used the break for the 

World Cup to full effect 

by stepping up his 

rehabilitation from an 

ankle issue, returning 

from the bench against 

Huddersfield before 

starting in United’s most 

recent win over Wigan at 

the DW Stadium. 

He added: “I’d been 

waiting for quite a while to 

get back and obviously the 

World Cup break has come 

at a good time for me. I’ve 

worked hard to get back 

and it was nice to get some 

minutes in the win against 

Huddersfield. 

“I wanted to be back as 

soon as possible but it was 

also about being patient 

too. Basically, it was about 

striking the right balance 

and luckily with the break 

I had the time, and it was 

nice to be back in time for 

the Huddersfield game and 

then to play a part from the 

start against Wigan.” 

▲ Sander Berge played a major role 

in United’s win against Wigan 


08 UTB 

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UTB 09 

PREPARATION PAYS OFF FOR JOHN 

John Egan 

explained 

conversations 

between himself and Ollie 

Norwood held the key 

behind his first 

Championship goal of the 

season in the recent 2-1 

win at Wigan Athletic. 

The Republic of Ireland 

international rose to meet 

Norwood’s corner to open 

the scoring at the DW 

Stadium, with Billy Sharp 

adding a second as United 

eventually held out to 

record another notable 

three points on the road. 

The goal was his first for 

the Blades since his brace 

at Hull in September last 

PLAYER FOCUS 

year, and afterwards the 

ex-Brentford ace revealed 

the end result was part of 

a pre-planned routine with 

Norwood. 

He said: “The gaffer 

puts a lot of onus on us as 

players to lead different 

bits and pieces. Me and 

Ollie had a couple of 

set play meetings this 

week and it has paid off, 

so we might do it again 

next week! 

“One thing I think football 

lacks is player led stuff, 

the gaffer is bringing in a 

player led environment in 

certain areas and the lads 

have really taken to it, so it 

is good.” 

After scoring for the 

Republic of Ireland 

recently, United’s ever 

present has had to be 

patient in his quest for 

a goal in red and white, 

with John conceding he 

expects to get more goals, 

especially when Norwood 

is standing over set plays. 

He remarked: “Everyone 

knows Ollie’s delivery is 

top class, so we have no 

excuse, we need to get 

into the right areas and 

finish the chances when we 

get them. 

“I’ve been knocking on 

the door to be honest, 

since the gaffer has taken 

over, I should have had 

a good few more than 

one! It’s nice to finally get 

on the scoresheet and 

I need to try and get a few 

more now. 

“It was a good win for us. 

I thought we could have 

been more ahead at half 

time - we had the better 

chances. We went 2-0 up 

then they scored, so we 

had to weather a bit of a 

storm which we did. We 

showed our experience 

and nous to get over the 

line, so it was a good three 

points. We move on to the 

next game now.” 

▲ John celebrates his first of the 

season in the win over Wigan 


UTB 11 

SITTING DOWN WITH 

ILIMAN I liman Ndiaye 

NDIAYE 

Our Senegalese star boy is 

back at Bramall Lane after his 

exploits in the World Cup and 

is now focused on firing the Blades 

back to the Premier League. 

And the 22-year-old was quick 

to once again demonstrate his 

commitment to the United cause by 

ensuring he was back in Sheffield at 

the earliest opportunity to ensure 

he was available for selection 

in the home success over 

Huddersfield Town, with Iliman 

unsurprisingly having a crucial 

involvement in the decisive 

moment of the contest. 

Having impressively 

built on a promising 

first senior 

campaign at S2, 

Iliman’s meteoric 

rise to stardom 

has come through 

sheer hard work and 

a willingness to put the 

needs of the team before 

any personal accolades, 

which has never once 

gone unnoticed by his manager, the 

coaching staff and his team-mates, 

leaving everyone delighted to see 

him deservedly get the biggest 

opportunity of his career. 

On his time at the World Cup, Iliman 

was typically modest and unassuming 

when asked for his reflections, despite 

catching the eye with an assist in 

his three appearances from four 

games, which included two starts, 

the last of which coming against 

Gareth Southgate’s England in 

the final knockout round. 

Rubbing shoulders and 

going toe-to-toe with 

some of the biggest 

names in the Premier 

League excited Iliman 

but having realised in 

his words ‘a boyhood 

dream’ it was pride that 

was apparent as he 

spoke openly with UTB 

prior to the Christmas 

deadline, which came 

before Monday’s clash at 

Wigan Athletic.

UTB 13 

UTB: Let’s reflect on the 

hard-fought success against 

Huddersfield Town in our last 

home fixture. On reflection, was 

the result more important than 

the performance? 

IN: “Firstly, I was delighted 

to be back at Bramall Lane and 

straight into the action, having 

returned to training two days 

before the game. As a team we 

wanted to pick up from where 

we finished at Cardiff and in the 

end it was a pretty comfortable 

win despite the scoreline. We’d 

entered the break on the back 

of four wins from five so to return 

with a win was very important 

and we look to regain that 

momentum. It was a tough game 

but we did enough to win and 

get the three points and grinding 

those games out is crucial in this 

division. From beating Burnley 

5-2, to the 1-0 wins at Bristol City 

and Cardiff, they all count for the 

same and there are never any 

easy games in this division. We 

are seeing games out really well 

and we know the importance 

of scoring the first goal in this 

division, because if we don’t, 

we’ve seen how difficult it can be, 

particularly at home, against the 

likes of QPR and Rotherham.” 

UTB: You received a lovely 

‘welcome home’ reception 

before kick-off against 

Huddersfield, that must have 

meant a lot to you? 

IN: “It really did, the fans 

are special here and they’ve 

always been fantastic with me. 

I’ll never forget the reception 

I got after scoring twice on my 


14 UTB 

debut against Peterborough 

United last season, the noise 

was deafening. When the teams 

were being read out the other 

week there was a massive cheer 

after my name, and I honestly 

can’t thank them enough for the 

continued backing. I love getting 

the supporters out of their seats 

and they give me so much belief 

and confidence when I’m on the 

pitch. I want to be successful 

here, not just for myself, the 

manager, staff and lads, but also 

for these terrific supporters who 

are such a big part of the club. I’ll 

always give them everything I’ve 

got, and they certainly helped me 

through the Huddersfield game 

when it was getting tough.” 

“TO GET CALLED UP TO 

A WORLD CUP AND 

REPRESENT SENEGAL WAS 

HUGE, BUT TO ACTUALLY 

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM 

MAKES ME SO THANKFUL 

FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. 

IT WAS AMAZING” 

UTB: How important was 

it for you personally to get 

straight back into Championship 

action with an assist, despite 

being in Qatar at the beginning 

of the week prior to the 

Huddersfield game? 

IN: “I’ve never been a player 

who likes to waste time, it just 

isn’t me and I want to enjoy every 

moment of my career. As soon 

as the full-time whistle went 

against England my only focus 

was on getting back to Sheffield 

and playing in that game. I knew 

I would only be back for a day or 

two of training at the most, but 

I spoke to Hecky and told him 

I’d be ready to go. The assist 

really pleased me, and Billy has 

scored so many goals like that in 

his wonderful career, it is what 

he does best, and I had no doubt 

he’d finish the chance off once 

I rode the two challenges, got 

the ball out of my feet and forced 

it into his path.” 

UTB: Let’s rewind a month or 

so and reflect on your call-up 

and subsequent involvement 

with Senegal in the 2022 

FIFA World Cup. If you had to 

describe it in your own words, 

what would you say? 

IN: “It was one of the biggest 

dreams of my life come true, 

it really was. It is something 

that can never be taken away 

from me and that is something 

special that obviously I’ll always 

remember. To get called up to a 

World Cup and represent 

Senegal was huge, but 

to actually contribute 

to the team makes 

me so thankful for 

the opportunity. 

It was 

amazing, 

from 

receiving 

the call 

up at the 

training ground 

to playing against 

England in the last 16 tie. 

My dad came to Qatar, my 

missus and daughter were 

there with me too, and my 


UTB 15 

to be and how proud I was to be 

representing Senegal at a major 

competition. It hit me properly in 

the build-up to the game against 

the Netherlands, I was at a World 

Cup, I was so excited, focused 

and determined to take my 

opportunity if it came, thankfully 

it did and hopefully I did myself 

justice.” 

mum and sisters were on the 

phone all the time wishing me 

good luck. All my family were so 

happy and proud as they knew it 

was a dream come true for me.” 

UTB: Have you yet had chance 

to fully appreciate exactly what 

you have achieved in these 

last few weeks, it still must feel 

surreal as we speak? 

IN: “Obviously I was so happy 

to be going to the World Cup, 

but I didn’t realise just how big 

the competition was going to be 

until I came to set off after the 

Cardiff game when it all became 

real for me. It was a bit of going 

into the unknown, but once 

I met the squad and got there 

I knew just how big it was going 

UTB: How did it feel when 

you got the nod that you were 

coming on against Qatar and 

your subsequent starts against 

Ecuador and England? 

IN: “The butterflies in my 

stomach were something I’d 

never felt before or during a 

game, I was just thinking this is 

my time now, what an opportunity 

I had and the hard work and 

dedication had paid off for me. 

I came on and got a crucial assist 

and that settled the nerves 

straight away. We needed that 

third goal to make sure of that 

win as it was 2-1 at the time and 

with the crowd behind them, they 

could have snatched an equaliser 

that would have made qualifying 

for the knockout stages much 

tougher. Starting against Ecuador 

in what was a must-win game was 

a big boost and to play against 

England was an amazing feeling. 

It was just incredible to overcome 

all the nerves to play on the 

biggest stage, but once you are 

on the pitch it is just playing the 

game you love.” 

UTB: On another day, do 

you feel the last 16 tie against 

England could have gone in the 

favour of Senegal? 


16 UTB 

IN: “Having beaten Ecuador to 

qualify, we had momentum and 

I honestly thought we played 

quite well against England too, 

I believed we could beat them 

although the odds were against 

us, and we were more than in 

the game until the first goal. We 

pressed from the front and had 

chances to score, but England 

hit us on the break twice in 

the space of a few minutes 

and that was too much for us. 

We (Senegal) have a talented 

squad of players and it is full of 

experienced leaders who play 

at the highest level, meaning 

younger players like myself 

can look up to them, similar 

to United. Obviously, they’ve 


UTB 17 

played internationally for a long 

time, and they push the new 

players that come into the squad. 

Everyone’s journey has been 

different, but there is a respect 

amongst the players and a desire 

to prove people wrong because 

we are so often the underdogs.” 

UTB: Before we switch the 

focus back to the Blades, how 

would you summarise your first 

experience of playing in a major 

tournament? 

IN: “The time will come to 

sit down and reflect properly 

on what has happened and 

what I achieved, but that isn’t 

now. I loved every minute 

of the experience, but it has 

been a learning curve for me 

too. It is only going to help my 

game in the long-term, being 

exposed to playing against 

some top international players 

from different countries and 

continents. The conditions were 

obviously different to overcome 

too, but I feel I’m improving all 

the time and the exposure to 

international football is only 

helping my development. 

The group we were drawn was 

similar to the Championship, 

nobody was convincing, and 

anyone could have beaten 

anyone on the day.” 

UTB: Now you are back 

‘home’ how excited are you 

for football over the festive 

period, starting this afternoon 

against Coventry City at 

Bramall Lane. 

IN: “The schedule is 

hectic over the next week 

or so, it looks better than it 

did before the World Cup, but 

for club or country I just look 

forward to every game. I focused 

only on United before the 

tournament and having enjoyed 

the challenge of playing in it, my 

focus is now back on helping 

us win promotion. We’ve been 

excellent at home for the majority 

of the season, and we have some 

good fixtures to look forward 

to. I can’t wait for a packed 

Bramall Lane on Boxing Day; 

the lads are raring to go again, 

and we have a real chance to 

build more momentum. It is our 

job to play football, so training 

over Christmas is something we 

should be happy to do, we get 

paid well so we should only be 

excited.” 

UTB: As we prepare to 

enter 2023, is it fair to say the 

Blades are well positioned in 

the table to go one better than 

last season? 

IN: “We are certainly in a good 

place, just behind Burnley at the 

top of the Championship, but 

although sitting second in the 

table at Christmas is good, it will 

count for nothing if we aren’t in 

the same place after 46 games. 

We feel we’ve already overcome 

so much this season in terms of 

injuries, so we are delighted to 

be where we are in all honesty 

and with the bodies now coming 

back into the squad, it will 

hopefully just make us stronger 

and enable us to be even better 

in the second half of the season, 

with the manager having more 

options in all positions.” 


18 UTB 


UTB 19 

25 YEARS OF UNITED’S 

DIGITAL ARCHIVE 

To commemorate 25 years since the 

creation of the club’s official digital 

photo archive, UTB delves into the 

folders to celebrate some of the lesser 

known and quirky images from our 

recent past. 

ANYONE FOR A CHRISTMAS JUMPER? 

The first team squad come together to 

promote United’s seasonal Christmas 

jumper back in 2016. 

The likes of Simon Moore, Chris 

Wilder, Chris Hussey, Paul Coutts, 

Jack O’Connell, Billy Sharp and Aaron 

Ramsdale didn’t appear to need much 

persuading in helping promote a Blades 

Christmas favourite at the club training 

ground at Shirecliffe. 


20 UTB 


UTB 21 

UNDER-21s UPDATE 

United’s U21s recorded a third 

straight win in the Premier League 

Cup, going top of the group after 

defeating Newcastle United 1-0. 

The Blades produced a dominant first 

half and set their stall out early with Leo 

Gaxha going close after just 60 seconds. 

Soon after Gaxha’s low cross was 

converted by Louie Marsh but the in form 

striker was denied by the offside flag. 

Jili Buyabu and Owen Hampson both 

went close in the first 45 before Gaxha 

deservedly opened the scoring with a 

fierce drive from inside the area. 

United had to dig in during the second 

period, but Micky Collins’s side held out for 

another notable win. 

Meanwhile, the recent cold snap put 

paid to the Premier League Cup fixture 

against Crystal Palace which has now been 

arranged for 1pm on Friday 13th January. 

TEAM (vs Newcastle): Hiddleston, Sachdev, Buyabu, 

Potter, Barratt, Gomis, Hampson, Staniland, Gaxha, 

Marsh, Smith (T. Williams 66). Unused: Hampshaw, L. 

Williams, Pitan. 

AUG 

SEP 

OCT 

NOV 

DEC 

DATE KO/F-A OPPOSITION VENUE/SCORER 

TUE 9 u 2-0 READING McBURNIE, OSULA 

MON 15 v 3-5 CHARLTON ATHLETIC SACHDEV, OSULA (2) 

TUE 23 v 0-3 CARDIFF CITY – 

TUE 30 u 2-0 QUEENS PARK RANGERS BROADBENT, MARSH 

TUE 6 u 2-0 WATFORD PECK, MARSH 

TUE 13 u 2-1 PETERBOROUGH UNITED BROADBENT, MARSH 

WED 21 u 2-0 WIGAN ATHLETIC WILLIAMS 2 

TUE 27 s 1-1 HULL CITY MARSH 

MON 3 u 3-0 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY MARSH (2), BROOKS 

TUE 11 u 3-0 COVENTRY CITY PECK, HAMPSON, WILLIAMS 

MON 24 u 3-2 BURNLEY ARBLASTER, MARSH (2) 

TUE 1 v 0-3 BARNSLEY – 

FRI 4 s 0-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY – 

MON 14 v 1-2 CRYSTAL PALACE (PLC) HAMPSON 

MON 21 u 2-1 BRISTOL CITY (PLC) MARSH, BARRATT 

FRI 25 u 3-0 CREWE ALEXANDRA MARSH (2), SACHDEV 

MON 28 u 2-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED (PLC) MAGUIRE, HAMPSON 

MON 5 u 1-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED (PLC) GAXHA 

MON 19 v 1-4 BRISTOL CITY (PLC) JEBBISON 

TUE 10 5PM WIGAN ATHLETIC 

LNER COMMUNITY 

STADIUM, YORK 

FRI 13 1PM CRYSTAL PALACE (PLC) COPERS COPE ROAD 

JAN 

MON 16 7PM HULL CITY NORTH FERRIBY FC 

TUE 24 5PM COVENTRY CITY 


STADIUM, YORK 

TUE 31 2PM BIRMINGHAM CITY BRAMALL LANE 

MON 13 1PM CREWE ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA PARK 

FEB 

MON 20 7PM SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY BRAMALL LANE 

TUE 28 1.30PM PETERBOROUGH UNITED IDVERDE TRAINING GROUND 

MAR 

FRI 3 1PM BARNSLEY OAKWELL 

TUE 21 2PM BURNLEY BRAMALL LANE 

TUE 4 1PM BRISTOL CITY ASHTON GATE 

APR 

TUE 18 1PM MILLWALL 


STADIUM, YORK 

MON 24 2PM SWANSEA CITY LANDORE ACADEMY 

MAY 

TUE 2 2PM COLCHESTER UNITED BRAMALL LANE 

FRI 5 1PM IPSWICH TOWN PORTMAN ROAD 

▲ Leo Gaxha netted the winner recently against Newcastle 

HOME GAMES IN BOLD – PLC - PREMIER LEAGUE CUP 


22 UTB 


UTB 23 

UNDER-18s UPDATE 

The recent cold snap ensured two 

fixtures bit the dust as United’s 

plans in the build up to Christmas 

hit a snag. 

With the U18s looking to build on their 

recent success after four straight wins in 

all competitions, a frozen pitch put paid 

to the Professional Development League 

clash against Hull City on December 10th. 

After earning a plumb tie in the FA Youth 

Cup against West Ham, there was more 

disappointment for Paul Quinn’s side as 

Scunthorpe’s Glanford Park pitch was also 

deemed unplayable. The match though 

was quickly booked in for December 21st 

just after UTB’s print deadlines. See sufc. 

co.uk for details of the match. The game 

against Hull has a new date of Tuesday 

11th March, kick off 1pm. 

Meanwhile, a date has been confirmed 

for the Premier League Cup quarter final 

against Fulham. The Blades topped the 

group after two wins from three against 

Leeds and Brighton. United have since 

been drawn against the Cottagers for a 

tie which will be played on Saturday 4th 

February, kick off 11am at the Randox 

Health Academy. 

AUG 

SEP 

OCT 

NOV 

DEC 

JAN 

FEB 


SAT 13 u 1-0 MILLWALL HAVENHAND 

SAT 20 v 0-3 CHARLTON ATHLETIC – 

SAT 27 u 2-0 READING BLACKER (2) 

SAT 3 u 2-1 LEEDS UNITED (PLC) DICKINSON, BLACKER 

SAT 17 s 0-0 COLCHESTER UNITED – 

SAT 24 u 1-0 CREWE ALEXANDRA PITAN 

SAT 1 v 1-3 WIGAN ATHLETIC DRAKE 

SAT 8 v 1-2 CRYSTAL PALACE (PLC) HAMPSON 

SAT 15 v 1-2 BARNSLEY WALDRON 

SAT 22 u 5-1 BIRMINGHAM CITY 

STANILAND, MIDWOOD, 

HAMPSON, DICKINSON (2) 

SAT 29 u 2-0 PETERBOROUGH UNITED HAMPSON, HAVENHAND 

SAT 5 u 2-0 BRIGHTON (PLC) HAVENHAND, HAMPSON 

SAT 26 u 1-0 BURNLEY HAVENHAND 

WED 21 1PM WEST HAM UNITED (FAYC3) ALFRETON TOWN FC 

SAT 7 11AM SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

SAT 14 12PM WIGAN ATHLETIC 

SAT 21 12PM BURNLEY 

CHRISTOPHER PARK 

TRAINING GROUND 

BARNFIELD 

TRAINING CENTRE 

SAT 28 11AM HULL CITY RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

SAT 4 11AM FULHAM (PLC) RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

SAT 18 11AM CREWE ALEXANDRA RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

SAT 25 11AM BARNSLEY RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

SAT 4 11AM COVENTRY CITY ALAN HIGGS CENTRE 

TUE 7 1PM HULL CITY BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE 

MAR 

SAT 11 11AM PETERBOROUGH UNITED RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

TUE 14 2PM SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY MIDDLEWOOD ROAD 

SAT 18 11.30AM IPSWICH TOWN 

IPSWICH TOWN 


SAT 25 11AM BRISTOL CITY ROBINS TRAINING CENTRE 

SAT 1 11AM CARDIFF CITY RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

APR 

SAT 15 11AM SWANSEA CITY 

LANDORE 


SAT 22 11AM WATFORD RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

SAT 29 11AM QUEENS PARK RANGERS QPR TRAINING GROUND 

MAY 

SAT 6 7PM BIRMINGHAM CITY ST ANDREW’S STADIUM 

TBC TBC COVENTRY CITY RANDOX HEALTH ACADEMY 

▲ Paul Quinn’s side have been frustrated by 

postponed games before Christmas 

HOME GAMES IN BOLD – PLC - PREMIER LEAGUE CUP – FAYC - FA YOUTH CUP 


24 UTB 

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UTB 25 

United Women’s FA Cup third 

round clash against Nottingham 

Forest has a new date following a 

recent postponement. 

The recent cold snap disrupted the 

schedule with heavy snowfall on the 

Bramall Lane playing surface ending any 

hopes of staging the tie. 

The match was quickly pencilled in for a 

new date, with the clash now taking place 

on Sunday 8th January, kick off 1pm. 

The winners have been handed a tasty 

tie in round four following the recent 

draw. Either United or Forest will travel 

to last season’s runners up and WSL 

heavyweights Manchester City on Sunday 

29th January. 

Meanwhile, in recent weeks, United 

suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Charlton 

in the Championship before putting in 

a spirited display in defeat to WSL side 

Aston Villa in the Continental Cup with Mia 

Enderby on target in a 2-1 defeat. 

TEAM (vs Charlton): Davies, E. Wilson, Newsham, 

Hartley, Sweetman-Kirk, Cusack, Rayner, Paul, Lord- 

Mears, Muir (Walters 75), Brown (Enderby 57). Unused: 

N. Wilson, Riglar, Wilcock, Docherty, Francis-Jones, 

Miller, Graham. 

TEAM (vs Aston Villa): N. Wilson, Newsham, Riglar, 

Cusack, Paul, Walters, Enderby (Francis-Jones 

90), Wilcock (Rayner 59), Muir (Sweetman-Kirk 59), 

Docherty (E. Wilson 46), Brown (Graham 72). Unused: 

Davies, Miller. 

⊲ A goal 

for Mia 

Enderby in 

the recent 

defeat to 

Aston Villa 

AUG 

SEP 

OCT 

NOV 

DEC 

JAN 

FEB 

MAR 

APR 


SUN 21 v 0-1 BLACKBURN ROVERS – 

SAT 27 u 2-0 DURHAM SWEETMAN-KIRK (2) 

SUN 18 u 8-0 COVENTRY UNITED 

RIGLAR, LORD-MEARS, CUSACK (2), 

NEWSHAM, ENDERBY (2), RAYNER 

SUN 25 s 2-2 LEWES OG, NEWSHAM 

SUN 2 s 3-3* DURHAM (CC) WALTERS (2), RAYNER 

SUN 16 v 1-3 BRISTOL CITY ENDERBY 

SUN 23 v 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON – 

SUN 30 v 1-2 BIRMINGHAM CITY SWEETMAN-KIRK 

SUN 20 v 0-2 LONDON CITY LIONESSES – 

SAT 26 v 0-3 EVERTON (CC) – 

SUN 4 v 0-1 CHARLTON ATHLETIC – 

WED 7 v 1-2 ASTON VILLA (CC) ENDERBY 

SUN 18 v 0-4 MANCHESTER UNITED – 

SUN 8 1PM NOTTINGHAM F. (FAC) BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 15 2PM BIRMINGHAM CITY BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 22 2PM BLACKBURN ROVERS BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 5 12PM DURHAM MAIDEN CASTLE 

SUN 12 2PM CHARLTON ATHLETIC BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 26 2PM CRYSTAL PALACE BROMLEY FC 

SUN 5 2PM LONDON CITY LIONESSES PRINCES PARK 

SUN 12 2PM CRYSTAL PALACE BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 19 12PM SUNDERLAND 

EPPLETON COLLIERY 

WELFARE GROUND 

SUN 26 12PM LEWES BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 2 3PM BRISTOL CITY 

ROBINS HIGH 

PERFORMANCE CENTRE 

SUN 16 2PM COVENTRY UNITED BUTTS PARK ARENA 

SUN 23 2PM SUNDERLAND BRAMALL LANE 

SUN 30 2PM SOUTHAMPTON TESTWOOD STADIUM 

HOME GAMES IN BOLD CC CONTINENTAL CUP FAC FA CUP 

**DURHAM WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES 


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UTB 29 

TC SET TO HOST 

INAUGURAL MEMORY CLUB 

Blades ambassador Tony 

Currie is set to host a first 

Blades Memory Club in 

January. 

Inspired by a similar 

setup started by John 

Breckin at Rotherham 

United, the meet up is 

designed to support 

those suffering with 

or directly affected by 

memory-related illnesses 

by providing a safe and 

friendly environment for all 

who attend. 

Dawn Astle, campaigner 

and daughter of the late 

West Brom legend Jeff, 

will be in attendance at an 

invitational event at Bramall 

Lane which is already full. 

TC will be helped by 

community representatives 

from both Tesco and 

Morrisons with Julia Jones 

and Michelle Sands, 

pictured here at the event 

at Rotherham with actor 

Howard Crossley, signed 

up to help at United’s 

first event. 

Meanwhile, we have 

two images here from 

the past and present. 

With TC is father and 

son Keith and Anthony 

Godwin, who TC surprised 

recently with a visit for a 

special birthday. There 

was also an exchange of 

photos with Godwin junior 

providing an old image 

of himself and ex-Blade 

Trevor Hockey. 

Finally, TC recently paid 

a visit to Blades fans Fred 

and Mal. Fred, who had 

been a miner all his life, 

was so grateful for the visit 

he wanted to present TC 

with a special miner’s lamp 

whilst in exchange the 

Blades legend also handed 

over a signed print. 


30 UTB 


UTB 31 

Happy Birthdays 

1⃞■ Happy 12th Birthday to 

Charlie Reeve, following 

the Sky Blues home and 

away!!! Love from Dad, 

Mum and family! PUSB! 

2⃞■ Charlie is also our away 

mascot for the day. His 

hobbies include playing 

football, table tennis, all 

sports and computers. His 

favourite player is Viktor 

Gyökeres. Have a great 

day Charlie! 

3⃞■ Molly, Happy 14th 

Birthday. You fill up my 

senses like the best 

daughter ever. Dad xx 

4⃞■ Happy 80th Birthday to 

Dennis Ashton from Sarah, 

Rowan, Jude and Kitty. 

Dennis is a lifelong Blade 

who now is a season ticket 

holder in the Family Stand 

with his daughter and 

grandsons. 

PAUL GOES THE 

EXTRA MILE IN 

FUNDRAISING 

EFFORTS 

Paul Glossop’s 

fundraising 

efforts have 

seen him make 

the ultimate 

sacrifice to 

help his fellow 

colleagues. 

Royal Mail 

worker and 

avid Blade 

Paul showed 

tremendous 

courage to 

raise funds for 

a charity supporting local postal 

workers in times of need…by 

wearing a Sheffield Wednesday 

shirt for a day at work! 

Despite this going completely 

against everything he stands 

for, Paul did raise some vital 

funds and received respect (and 

sympathy) from his colleagues for 

his efforts. 

Well done Paul. 

LINCOLNSHIRE BLADES IN FULL SWING 

Ex-Blade Dane Whitehouse was one of 

26 players who recently competed in the 

Lincolnshire Blades winter golf challenge. 

The group gathered at Thonock Park in 

the second week of November for the keenly 

contested event which was again a huge success. 

Congratulations to all on another successful 

event. 


32 UTB 

MATCH ACTION 

0 - 1 

– 

WILES 38 

TUESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER — SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP — VENUE: BRAMALL LANE 

BLADES: FODERINGHAM, BALDOCK, STEVENS (SHARP 68), FLECK (Mc ATEE 20, 

KHADRA 80), McBURNIE, EGAN, AHMEDHODŽIĆ (BASHAM 68), NORWOOD, 

ROBINSON, OSBORN, NDIAYE. UNUSED: DAVIES, CLARK, ARBLASTER. 

Enda Stevens sees a goal disallowed 


UTB 33 

Oli McBurnie looks to break the deadlock 

James McAtee carries the attack to Rotherham 

Ollie Norwood wins his aerial battle 

John Egan is denied 


GAME 

CHANGER 

footballfoundation.org.uk 

AD-105x148-FF-Game Changer.indd 1 01/08/2019 09:21

UTB 35 

John Garrett’s 

FABLES & FOLKLORE 

Blades historian JOHN GARRETT’S long-running inimitable 

account of following the Blades always provides a talking point 

as UTB again extends a platform for his popular article... 

A Lifetime... 

As this is the last Fables of 2022, 

it’s always worth looking back on 

the year and one event was 

undoubtedly a significant moment in this 

country’s long history – the passing of 

the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

I have to be honest; I am not particularly 

a royalist myself, but my parents certainly 

were, and they were not afraid to tell 

people what they felt about the Royal 

Family and, of course, The Queen 

and what they did for the country and 

Commonwealth. 

I have learned to try and respect 

the views of others, even if they don’t 

match up with mine, and have always 

appreciated that what makes up part of 

someone’s own beliefs is a huge part of 

them, and quite rightly so. It’s the same as 

religion or sexual orientation. That’s the 

very essence of the person it concerns, 

part of their very soul and, no matter what, 

it should always be respected. 

▲ United players pay tribute following the passing 

of Queen Elizabeth II back in September 

As a relatively young woman, Queen 

Elizabeth II inherited the crown from her 

father who was never destined to be King 

in the first place. He lifted a heavy crown 

after the abdication of his brother who 

chose his relationship with Wallis Simpson 

over the duty he had essentially been 

brought up to do. 

He had been a figurehead for a very 

different country to the one that we know 


36 UTB 

▲ Life in Sheffield in 1941 as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth paid a visit to the Steel City 

today. Little in the way of social media, no 

televisions in every home with only those 

with a few quid affording the luxury of a 

radio to keep abreast of the news. 

Post war Britain is hard to imagine in any 

colour other than black and white. Long 

after fighting had ceased there was still 

rationing, cities like Sheffield were still 

filled with bomb sites and queues. I would 

imagine that often, people wondered just 

what they had actually been fighting for 

in the first place. The Coronation of the 

Queen seems to have kick-started hope 

for the post war generation. Along with 

old football programmes which my dad 

had, I recall the Picture Post Coronation 

Special Mum had kept - a young Queen 

resplendent in glorious colour on the 

cover must have seemed like a rainbow 

cutting through the austerity that was 

day-to-day life. To me, it signalled the 

explosion of advancements and changes 

that have, as historians look back, 

defined her reign. 

It was her mother who had handed the 

winning medals to the Sheffield United 

team at Wembley Stadium on April 25th 

1925, after defeating Cardiff City in the 

FA Cup final and her father who uttered 

the words, “I believe this is yours, Mr. 

Gillespie” as he handed the coveted 

trophy to our skipper. Elizabeth was born 

nearly a year to the day later in 1926, the 

same year as my mum, as she always liked 

to point out. 

The King sadly died on February 6th 

1952. On that day Sheffield United met 

West Ham at Bramall Lane in an FA Cup 

fourth round game in front of just shy 

of 40,000 people. His death had been 

officially announced by the Palace at 11am, 

and you can only assume that, as the kick 

offs for many games of football were only 

a few short hours away, it was deemed 

impossible to start cancelling them. Even 

back then, it was a significant crowd, and 

you have to wonder whether more turned 

out to be able to stand side-by-side with 

others to pay tribute. Before games, Abide 

With Me was sung. United won 4-2 on the 

day, with goals from Derek Hawksworth 

(2), Alf Ringstead and Len Browning. Three 

days later, Fulham played Newcastle 

United in a League game and the protocol 


UTB 37 

of silence and armbands by way of tribute 

were observed. We travelled to Swansea 

Town that night losing 3-1 and met Leeds 

at Bramall Lane on the 16th, winning the 

Yorkshire Derby 1-0 

The Coronation of Elizabeth came the 

following year at Westminster Abbey on 

June 2nd, a few short weeks after we 

added the Second Division Championship 

to our honours board in a season that saw 

all the forward line get into double figures. 

The changes over the last 70 years 

in life alone have been truly incredible. 

When you stop for a minute and think of 

what has changed in the world full stop 

it’s nothing short of amazing. It’s also 

sadly sobering in terms of how society 

has changed, and not for the better. 

Elizabeth inherited the last days of the 

Empire to a certain extent. When she 

ascended, it’s astounding to understand 

that she was monarch to over a quarter 

of the planet’s land mass and also over a 

quarter of its population. 

I said earlier that, in my young mind, 

that magazine cover from the day she was 

crowned seemed to have signalled the 

change from black and white to colour 

and, as the ‘60s arrived, it exploded into 

life and this country became the epicenter 

of all that was cool, all that was important, 

and all the world turned its eyes once 

again to Britain. 

Queen Elizabeth was there to see 

arguably the greatest day in English 

football history as Bobby Moore lifted the 

World Cup for what is, so far, the only time 

we have achieved the accolade. In fact, 

the 1953 ‘Matthews Final’ - regarded as 

the first with a huge televised audience 

had the figures attributed to the fact many 

households had rented sets to watch her 

Coronation a few weeks later. Her last 

final for many years was in 1976, but she 

returned for the first game at a re-vamped 

stadium when it re-opened. 

As said, my parents were huge 

supporters of the Royal Family, but in her 

lifetime and indeed mine, I never got near 

her. We weren’t the wealthiest of families, 

so trips to London were fairly non- existent, 

so to me Buckingham Palace was like 

some far away mansion of fiction. I recall 

a visit to Sheffield during her Jubilee year 

in 1977, and that was to Hillsborough Park 

as part of the celebrations. I was taken 

along by Mum to see if a glimpse could 

be caught and, to be honest, there were 

so many there that I didn’t see her, but it 

sticks out in my mind as a show of how 

that generation held her in such esteem. 

Every child in the country received a 

commemorative spoon too, as I recall. 

It would be fair to say that our highs and 

lows were many over that 70-year reign. 

The Championship won in the year of 

her Coronation would prove to be one of 

a limited number of highlights over that 

▲ Derek Hawksworth was the last player to pass away who 

played in the United side just after the death of King George 


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UTB 39 

period in terms of major honours, and it’s 

kind of ironic that our last major silverware 

was handed over by her mother. Ok, we 

had a few FA Cup semi-finals, a League 

Cup semi, a few play-off finals and a few 

promotions, but no captain after Gillespie 

had the chance to shake the hand of 

the Queen and walk off with the trophy. 

Sobering to say the least. 

Think of the players we have seen in 

her time. Fewer and fewer are around 

who recall the majesty of Hagan, Shaw, 

Ringstead, Hawksworth and co. In fact, 

the side that played the first game after 

the death of her father was: Burgin, 

Furniss, Shaw (G), Hitchen, Shaw (J), 

Toner, Ringstead, Smith (FA), Browning, 

Hagan, Hawksworth. 

All now sadly gone, the last to pass to a 

higher League being Derek Hawksworth a 

couple of years ago. 

When Elizabeth became Queen, Bramall 

Lane hadn’t really changed since Victoria 

was sat on the throne. We had a roof on 

the Kop in 1936, and the Luftwaffe had 

done their best to blow us to smithereens, 

but it was basically the same as it had 

always been. Look at it now. Modern, 

clean, cared for and, above all, when so 

much else has changed and gone forever, 

the Queen herself illustrating that, it is still 

very much here and doing the job that it 

was always built to do. It seems that most 

things just do not last forever. Things in life 

constantly change – you may get married, 

divorced, change jobs, move home and, of 

course, pass on, but the club since the day 

it was started keeps going. It’s a constant. 

We all woke up on the morning of the 

9th of September with a King instead of a 

Queen, which was strange. On Christmas 

Day, there was a King’s speech that’s 

not just a film. The faces on your money 

will change, it will be King’s Council as 

opposed to a Queen’s and those who 

are awarded honours will possibly also 

▲ The late Queen on a visit to Sheffield Cathedral back in 2015 

have them bestowed by a King and 

not his mother. 

In her Platinum year, she clearly wasn’t 

well enough to take part in many of the 

celebrations, but still wanted to make the 

connection with the people that she had 

served for such a long time and, even from 

my point of view, she constantly tried to 

connect on a different level. I remember 

coming home once and finding my mum 

playing my copy of New Gold Dream by 

Simple Minds, startling as she was way 

into her 60s but, in her own words “she 

liked it”- and I got that in the same way as 

when the Queen was filmed with Daniel 

Craig in the James Bond skit. The piece 

with Paddington Bear having tea was 

another great example of someone who 

clearly cared and was game so fair play. 

Even I could see that she was trying to still 

make that connection in a vastly changed 

world, and I appreciated that. 

By and large, I have always found that 

generation to be grounded and wise. 

Growing up with parents of that age 

myself hopefully taught me to have one 

major thing, be respectful and, as a result, 

even though I don’t class myself as a 

Royalist per say, I respect those that are 

and those that mourn the passing of what 

was, without doubt, an incredible life lived 

forever in the public gaze. 


40 UTB 

WHAT’S THE STORY? 

In every issue of UTB this season, our regular contributor DAVE BURKINSHAW features a 

Blades related photograph from his personal archive and reveals the story behind it… 

Traditionally the 

Boxing Day 

fixtures produce 

some of the highest 

crowds of the season. 

When the fixture list for 

the 1986-87 season was 

announced, the Blades 

had an attractive home 

game against Hull City 

where the travel distance 

was not too far for the 

away support. The Blades 

certainly were hoping for 

a bumper turnout for the 

game. 

However, crowds at 

Bramall Lane had dipped 

alarmingly in this season. 

In 21 home league games 

United had 14 which were 

under 10,000 and they 

never had an attendance 

of 20,000 or more. The 

Hull City fixture actually 

produced the fourth 

largest gate of the season 

with 11,296 present. 

Those who did attend 

the game saw an 

entertaining match. When 

United went into the halftime 

interval 1-0 down 


UTB 41 

most fans thought they 

would witness another 

disappointing 90 minutes 

and no seasonal cheer. 

However, the Blades 

produced a tremendous 

second half display 

attacking the Kop End and 

went on to win 4-2. 

Today’s article features 

two photos from that game. 

One shows an action shot 

of Blades’ winger, Peter 

Beagrie, in the act of 

successfully taking on the 

City defence in the 47th 

minute before firing home 

a fantastic equaliser. The 

second photograph shows 

a close up of midfielder 

Mark Dempsey celebrating 

putting the Blades 2-1 up 

nine minutes later. Beagrie 

went on to add a second 

to his personal tally while 

substitute, Tony Daws, 

added a fourth in the 86th 

minute. There was still 

time for City to pull one 

goal back before the final 

whistle. 

United manager, Billy 

McEwan, had been tasked 

with bringing down the 

average age of the squad 

and looking to operate 

smartly and cheaply in 

the transfer market. Both 

Beagrie and Dempsey 

had been signed for small 

fees during the summer of 

1986 whilst Sheffield-born 

striker Daws had been 

snapped up on a free from 

Notts County. This was 

a day when Beagrie in 

particular demonstrated 

what a bargain buy he was 

becoming. 

The squad still 

did contain some 

experienced players 

such as goalkeeper John 

Burridge, centre back Paul 

Stancliffe, winger Colin 

Morris and former England 

striker Peter Withe who 

can be seen to the left 

of Dempsey in the goal 

celebration photograph. 

Another interesting feature 

of this same image is the 

bright light shining behind 

Dempsey at the front of the 

Bramall Lane Stand. This 

was the Blades’ brandnew 

electronic scoreboard 

in operation for the first 

time. 


42 UTB 

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ANZONE FAN 

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FACE MASH... 

Can you identify the 

three players from this 

mixed-up image? 

ANSWERS: Guess the Blade – Iliman Ndiaye, 

Spot the Ball - B. Face Mash – Top – Billy Sharp, 

Middle – Reda Khadra, Bottom – Chris Basham. 

FANZONE 

Junior Blades 

SPOT THE BALL… 

Can you find the ball from this image of Anel 

Ahmedhodžić in action against Huddersfield? 

GUESS THE BLADE… 

Can you name this current hidden Blade? 

UTB 43 


44 UTB 

NZONE FAN 










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FANZONE 

Matchday Activities 

JON HELLIWELL, United’s fan engagement 

lead, keeps the supporters informed… 

UNITED CASHBACK INITIATIVE 

Today on our United Cashback Initiative, 

we would like to give a warm welcome to 

Sheffield United Community Foundation 

Girls & Women’s FC. 

Over the last 11 seasons they have 

seen their club grow from a handful of 

teams to now having 17 sides from U8 

right through to open age, with over 270 

players registered, seeing them become 

one of the biggest providers of female 

only football in the region. They provide 

football in a safe and secure environment 

in fantastic facilities at Leisure United 

Westfield. This season saw them create 


another U8 team, their open age first 

team playing in the NERWFL, build 

links with The Community Foundation 

Education Programme to offer work 

experience to students and planning 

has begun for another festival of football 

during pre-season. For more information 

contact sucfcommittee@gmail.com. 

As part of our United Cashback Initiative, 

they can be seen taking part in today’s 

pre-match flag waving, and have managed 

to raise funds for their club to spend on 

anything they wish. We hope you all have a 

fantastic day at Bramall Lane.

N 

ANZONE FAN 

ONE FANZONE FAN 






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NZONE FAN 

BLADES MASCOTS... 

A warm welcome to this afternoon’s 

Bramall Lane mascots… 

LAWSON 

WHEELER 

Age: 8 

Favourite Players: 

Wes Foderingham, 

Iliman Ndiaye and 

Billy Sharp 

RONNIE 

LAX 

Age: 9 

Favourite Player: 

Wes Foderingham 

FRANKIE 

LAX 

Age: 11 


Ollie Norwood and 

Iliman Ndiaye 

CALEB 

LONG 

Age: 8 


Billy Sharp 

TEDDY 

GRIBBON 

Age: 5 


Billy Sharp 

CHARLIE 

GODING 

Age: 10 


Anel Ahmedhodzic 

and Iliman Ndiaye 

CAPTAIN BLADE CLUB... 

Today, on our ever-popular Captain 

Blade Club, we have: 

— Buddy 

CONTACT... 

— Devan 

— Archie 

We hope you all have a fantastic day and 

enjoy the lead up to kick-off with Captain 

Blade himself! 

HOME DEBUT SCHEME... 

Sheffield United would like to give 

a warm welcome to today’s home 

debutants who are all visiting Bramall 

Lane for the very first time. Today’s firsttime 

visitors are: 

— Mabel 

— Kit 

— Owen 

— Isabelle 

— Henry 

— Ralph 

UTB 45 

We hope you all enjoy your first day at 

Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane. 

For further information regarding any of our 

matchday and non-matchday initiatives, you 

can keep up to date at the below links: 

TWITTER TWITTER: @SUFCServices 

FACEBOOK FACEBOOK: ‘Sheffield United Fan Services’ 

Dedicated fan experience page at: 

www.sufc.co.uk/fans/families-juniors 

Dedicated Disabled Supporters page at: 

www.sufc.co.uk/fans/disabled-supportersinformation 

Alternatively, you can contact our fan 

engagement lead and disability liaison officer, 

Jon Helliwell, at jon.helliwell@sufc.co.uk 


46 UTB 

MATCH ACTION 

0 - 1 

– 

BALDOCK 64 

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER — SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP — VENUE: CARDIFF CITY STADIUM 

BLADES: FODERINGHAM, BALDOCK, STEVENS, BASHAM, SHARP, EGAN, 

NORWOOD, ROBINSON (CLARK 14), OSBORN, NDIAYE (KHADRA 88), ARBLASTER 

(Mc ATEE 45). UNUSED: DAVIES, AMISSAH, BROOKS, SACHDEV. 

Billy Sharp holds off a challenge 


UTB 47 

George Baldock nets his first of the campaign 

Ben Osborn with a determined run 

Celebrations for United’s Greece international 

Ciaran Clark makes a telling contribution from the bench 


48 UTB 

BLAST FROM THE PAST 

Each week PAUL HOLLAND looks back on a prominent game 

from the past between the Blades and our opponents… 

COVENTRY CITY 1-2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 

SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER 2004 

Sheffield United were victorious 

in their final outing at Coventry 

City’s former home, Highfield 

Road, when the two sides met on Boxing 

Day 2004, after goals from captain Chris 

Morgan and forward Andy Gray cancelled 

out Stern John’s opener. 

The Sky Blues had taken the lead after 

19 minutes but will consider themselves 

unfortunate not have scored earlier after 

the heroics of on-loan Birmingham City 

stopper Ian Bennett, who was deputising 

for an injured Paddy Kenny. Blades 

defender Danny Cullip had tangled with 

Adie Williams in the box, resulting in a 

penalty, but John’s side-footed effort was 

saved from 12 yards out. 

John made amends moments later after 

a Stephen Hughes free kick was headed 

on by Dale Adebola, and after Gary 

McSheffrey pulled back, John made no 

mistake from six yards. The hosts began 

to run the show and were prevented a 

second goal when John struck the post. 

United levelled on 30 minutes after 

Andy Liddell’s corner saw the Sky Blues 

stopper, Luke Steele, marooned in no 

man’s land and Morgan duly punished 

his ineffective goalkeeping. Nine minutes 

later the visitors had taken the lead when 

Gray turned home Phil Jagielka’s low 

cross, finishing at the near post past a 

helpless Steele. 

Neil Warnock’s side enjoyed most of 

the play in the second half and forced 

Steele into an early save after he kept 

out Liddell’s effort on the far post at point 

blank range. Jon Harley forced Steele 

into an epic save from his free-kick after 

Florent Laville fouled Danny Cadamarteri 

on the edge of the box. 

Morgan went close to adding a third 

when his bullet header rebounded off the 

inside of the post before landing to safety, 

as United closed out the win. 


UTB 49 

1986 

A brace from Peter Beagrie 

helped United to a 4-2 

win over Hull City in this Division Two 

encounter. A £35,000 arrival from 

Middlesbrough, Beagrie had already 

netted six times prior to this game with 

Mark Dempsey and Tony Daws also on 

target for Billy McEwan’s side. Beagrie 

ended with nine goals and won the 

Player of the Year gong, but the Blades 

spent most of the season in mid-table, 

eventually finishing ninth. 

United made it a second win 

1973 on the spin at Old Trafford in 

the calendar year after a 2-1 win against 

Manchester United. The Blades were 

behind to an early Lou Macari strike 

before goals from Tony Currie and 

Alan Woodward earned 

United the win. United 

finished the Division 

One season in 13th 

whilst Manchester 

United were 

relegated. The 

Blades didn’t 

win at Old 

Trafford 

again until 

January 

2021. 

ON THIS DAY 

UTB looks back into the archives to find out what 

happened on this day in United’s history… 

DECEMBER 

26 

United moved into fourth 

2018 position in the Championship 

after an emphatic 3-1 win over Derby 

County. Billy Sharp’s opener was 

cancelled out by Harry Wilson, before 

further goals from David McGoldrick and 

Leon Clarke earned maximum points. At 

this stage, United were still seven points 

adrift of second place, but Chris Wilder’s 

side would go on to earn automatic 

promotion. 

United maintained the lead at 

2016 the top of League One after a 

3-0 win over Scunthorpe United. Shaun 

Miller, Dave Kitson and Nick Blackman 

were on target for Danny Wilson’s Blades 

in this win, but Wilson would lose his job 

in April and United lost out in the play-off 

semi-finals against Yeovil Town. 


50 UTB 

WHO WOULD BE 

A MANAGER? 

Our regular contributor DAVE BURKINSHAW casts a glance over former 

United players who have tried their hand at management... 

Shaun Derry... 

Nottingham-born Shaun Derry 

was a strong, hard-working and 

energetic midfielder, most suited 

to a defensive role. 

He made his Football League bow with 

the team he had supported as a boy, Notts 

County, in March 1996. After impressing 

with County, the Blades signed him in 

January 1998 for fee reportedly in the 

£700K region. 

He made 72 league appearances 

for United including an appearance as 

an emergency goalkeeper in a game 

at Portsmouth, keeping a clean sheet. 

The only goal he scored for the club 

came in an FA Cup tie away to Rushden 

and Diamonds. 

United boss Neil Warnock sold Shaun 

to Portsmouth in March 2000 for a fee in 

the region of £400K. Shaun then had a 

number of other moves during his playing 

career including two spells with Crystal 

Palace and stints at Leeds United, QPR 

▲ Pictured in the Notts County dugout in 2014 


UTB 51 

▲ Shaun Derry celebrates a win as boss of Cambridge in 2017 

and loan spells at Nottingham Forest 

and Millwall. 

During his playing career, which 

stretched to 578 league games, he helped 

Crystal Palace and QPR win promotion 

to the Premier League in 2003/04 and 

2010/11 respectively. At both clubs, fans 

appreciated his energetic, determined 

performances. 

His first managerial post came at his first 

club, Notts County. He was appointed in 

November 2013 and helped steer them 

to safety in League One at the end of his 

first season in charge. County at the time 

had been a tough place for managers with 

the turnover rate very high. When he was 

interviewed after taking the job, Derry 

said: “This is my club and I put pressure on 

myself every day, of course I do, because 

as soon as you rest on your laurels you are 

in trouble.” 

However, County continued to struggle 

in League One the following season 

(2014/15) with Shaun’s team on poor run 

of only three wins in 24 league games. 

Given recent history at Meadow Lane 

with managerial sackings it came as 

no surprise when in March 2015 he too 

was dismissed. 

He was soon back in the managerial 

hot seat when he was appointed manager 

at League Two Cambridge United 

in November 2015. Shortly after his 

appointment with results going well, he 

was named League Two Manager of the 

Month for December. Derry remained 

diplomatic about his time with Notts 

County saying: “It would be wrong of me 

to explain the depths of the details of why 

things went from one extreme to the other 

at Notts County.” 

He remained at Cambridge until 

February 2018 when he left by mutual 

consent with the team struggling in 

League Two. Whilst his managerial career 

had not been successful to date his ability 

as a coach and developer of young talent 

had been noticed by other clubs. 

In June 2018 he was named first team 

coach at Oxford United. 

Just over a year later he was appointed 

as a professional development coach 

within Crystal Palace’s Academy where 

he remains. 

Still aged only 45 it remains to be seen 

whether or not Shaun ever decides to 

return to the managerial hot seat. He 

certainly had some valuable experiences 

on which to build. 


52 UTB 

AVAILABLE AT 


UTB 53 

HOLIDAY SNAPS 

UTB are once again calling on Blades fans to show your colours 

around the world for our ever-popular feature… 

▼ 

An image sent by Paul Mettam 

pictured here at Paradise Bay in 

Sozopol, Bulgaria on the Black Sea 

⊳▲ 

A couple of images here sent to 

us by Jason Inglis. Firstly, Jason’s 

good friend ‘Bob the Sloth’ has 

been kitted out nicely in his 

Blades regalia on a recent holiday 

in Faliraki, Rhodes, Greece. 

Also snapped is Jason and 

daughter Summer who were also 

in Faliraki too. Both are season 

ticket holders on The Kop and 

travel down from Middlesbrough 

for every home game 

Would you like to see your 

snap in an edition of UTB? 

Send your photo, complete 

with a brief description to 

matthew.young@sufc.co.uk 


HOLE NEW BALL GAME A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME A WHOLE NEW BALL GA 

54 UTB 

A WHOLE 

NEW 

BALL 

GAME 

Following victory in the FA Cup, United welcomed 

Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League for this 

fixture on Saturday 30th January 1993. 

With United just outside the relegation zone, it was 

starting to look like a tight race for survival with the season 

about to enter February. Following victory over Hartlepool 

in the FA Cup, United had slipped to a 3-1 defeat at highflying 

Aston Villa and another defeat was about to follow. 

Goals from Bradley Allen and Ian Holloway put QPR 

2-0 up at Bramall Lane before an 88th minute Jamie Hoyland 

consolation for the Blades. 


This year marks the 30th 

anniversary of the inaugural 

Premier League season. 

To mark this milestone, 

UTB delves into our 

programme archive to 

reminisce about United’s 

part in this historic 

campaign, whilst also 

talking to those who were 

there at the start of what 

has since grown into the 

most talked about domestic 

competition on the planet. 

As well as looking back 

on United’s campaign, we 

tell the full story of the 1992- 

93 season and also test 

your knowledge about how 

much you remember three 

decades on. 

So, wind the clock back 

30 years to relive this 

special season throughout 

each edition of UTB.

UTB 55 


HOLE NEW BALL GAME A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME A WHOLE NEW BALL GA


56 UTB 

A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME 

INSIDE THE 

PROGRAMME… 

TC… 

Our very own Tony Currie was snapped in the programme presenting 

Alan Kelly with the Football in the Community Player of the Month award. 


UTB 57 

DAVE BASSETT… 

Dave Bassett attempted to drag attention back to the Premier League following the 

excitement of United’s home draw against Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round. 

With his notes going to press before the Villa defeat, Bassett praised Alan Cork for his 

contribution, acknowledging there was still plenty left in the tank for the veteran striker. 

Bassett also commented on Mel Rees’ return to the squad at Villa, sadly, long-term, a 

full recovery would prove beyond the likeable ‘keeper. 




58 UTB 

MATCH ACTION… 

The programme included a picture spread from the 

recent home win against Hartlepool. 


PREMIER LEAGUE 

STATS UPDATE… 

Within the programme there was a half-page 

Premier League facts section from the season 

so far. The figures were supplied by statistician 

Andrew Kirkham, still going strong in the 

programme to this day! It revealed Liverpool had 

the highest attendances and Wimbledon the 

lowest, amongst other facts and stats. 

TV DATE FOR BLADES… 

Inside Dave Capper’s regular column, there 

was confirmation that the upcoming FA Cup 

tie at home to Manchester United was to 

be screened live on BBC1 – the first time 

United had been screened in a live match on 

network television. 

BLADES TEAM… 

United’s team that day was as follows… 

Kelly, Gage, Gayle, Beesley, Barnes, Bradshaw, Hoyland, 

Kamara, Hodges, Deane, Littlejohn. Subs: Ward, Cork, Kite. 

UTB 59 




60 UTB 

FACE TO FACE… 

KEVIN GAGE 

UTB poses the same questions from 1992-93 to 

the same players to see if they remember what 

they said 30 years ago, and to see what their 

2022-23 answers are… 

— Which team did you 

support as a boy? 

— I didn’t really have 

anyone as I lived in the 

middle of nowhere. 

I suppose I leaned 

towards QPR or 

Arsenal? Did I say that? 

Yeah, that’s what it was 

back then. 

— Who was your 

favourite player? 

— I reckon I’d have 

said Stan Bowles and 

Gerry Francis. Am I right 

again? My memory is 

holding up so far! 

— What is your 

favourite food 

and drink? 

— Back in ‘93, what was 

I eating? Salmon and 

scrambled egg? And 

coffee? I said tea, well I 

was partial to that and a 

Sunday roast I suppose! 

— What is the biggest 

game you have 

played in? 

— The Wednesday 

semi-final hadn’t 

happened at this stage, 

so back then I’d guess 


and say a Wimbledon 

promotion game v 

Huddersfield in ‘86? I 

said Villa v Spurs? Okay, 

that was a big game! 

Looking back now I’ve 

finished it would have 

to be the Wednesday 

cup game. 

— What is your 

favourite record 

and music? 

— So, in 1993, would I 

have said something 

like The Cure? Blue 

Monday was my answer, 

fair enough. I also 

said any dance music? 

Really! What? What was 

I talking about! I should 

have said anything 

early ‘80s punk or 

some indie stuff. Clash, 

Stranglers etc. 

— What are your 

hobbies outside of 

football? 

— Not sure what my 

hobbies were in ‘93! I 

said playing Nintendo?! 

I remember the Super 

Mario games. These 

days it is walking or 

listening to music. 

Revisited 

— If you weren’t 

a footballer, what 

would you be? 

— I’d have said PE 

teacher. That was what 

I was doing before 

football. Yeah, got that 

right. Now I own the 

Manor House Hotel in 

Dronfield. 

— Which current player 

do you most admire? 

— Who would I have 

said in ‘93? No, can’t 

remember. I said 

Strachan?! Haven’t 

a clue why I said 

that! These days I’ll 

keep it Sheff Utd and 

say Basham. 

— What is the most 

annoying thing about 

being a footballer? 

— Did I say the 

travelling or restricted 

diet? I did say diet, 

yeah agree with that 

even now.

UTB 61 




62 UTB 

WHAT HAPPENED 

ELSEWHERE 

THE STATE OF PLAY… 

As the season edged towards 

February, the season still looked 

to be developing into a fourhorse 

race for the title between 

Manchester United, Aston Villa, 

Norwich and Blackburn. At the 

bottom, an improvement for 

Nottingham Forest saw Brian 

Clough’s side close the gap 

to just four points from fourth 

bottom United, with a game 

in hand. On the transfer front, 

Blackburn strengthened their 

defensive options by securing 

the signing of Norway defender 

Henning Berg from Lillestrøm in 

a £400,000 deal. 

THE GAMES… 

Aston Villa lost ground in the 

title race after goals from Nicky 

Banger and Neil Maddison 

earned Southampton a 2-0 win 

at The Dell. Norwich took full 

advantage with a narrow 1-0 

win at Everton thanks to a Chris 

Sutton strike. Blackburn also 

lost ground after a 3-2 defeat 

at Manchester City. Rovers had 

been 2-0 up but goals from Mike 

Sheron, Keith Curle and David 


1992-93 

During this particular week back in 1992-93, 

how did the rest of the Premier League get on? 

We look back on what happened elsewhere… 

— SATURDAY 30th JANUARY 1993 — 

▲ Andy Gray celebrates 

scoring in Spurs’ 3-1 

win over Crystal Palace 

White completed a remarkable 

comeback for City. At the 

bottom, Forest won a crucial 

game with fellow strugglers 

Oldham to move off the foot of 

the table as Ian Woan’s brace 

gave them a 2-0 win. Struggling 

Wimbledon also won 2-0 at 

Coventry. Elsewhere, Tottenham 

heaped more trouble on 

Palace when goals from Teddy 

Sheringham (2) and Andy Gray 

sealed a 3-1 win.

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE… 

Here’s how things stood… 

UTB 63 

POS TEAM PLD W D L GF GA GD PTS 

1 NORWICH CITY 26 14 6 6 40 38 2 48 

2 MANCHESTER UNITED 26 13 8 5 40 21 19 47 

3 ASTON VILLA 26 13 8 5 42 29 13 47 

4 IPSWICH TOWN 26 10 12 4 36 29 7 42 

5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 26 11 8 7 39 28 11 41 

6 MANCHESTER CITY 26 11 6 9 38 29 9 39 

7 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 25 11 6 8 35 30 5 39 

8 COVENTRY CITY 27 10 9 8 42 38 4 39 

9 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 25 9 9 7 32 29 3 36 

10 CHELSEA 26 9 9 8 31 32 -1 36 

11 ARSENAL 25 10 5 10 25 24 1 35 

12 LIVERPOOL 24 9 5 10 37 37 0 32 

13 EVERTON 26 9 5 12 28 32 -4 32 

14 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 26 8 8 10 26 36 -10 32 

15 LEEDS UNITED 25 8 7 10 38 40 -2 31 

16 SOUTHAMPTON 26 7 9 10 27 30 -3 30 

17 MIDDLESBROUGH 26 7 9 10 36 43 -7 30 

18 WIMBLEDON 26 6 9 11 31 36 -5 27 

19 CRYSTAL PALACE 26 6 9 11 32 43 -11 27 

20 SHEFFIELD UNITED 25 6 7 12 24 34 -10 25 

21 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 25 6 6 13 26 35 -9 24 

22 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 25 6 6 13 35 47 -12 24 

HEADLINE ACT… 

Ipswich were quietly enjoying a 

fine season but their victory in this 

round of fixtures inadvertently 

helped their bitter rivals Norwich. 

The Tractor Boys pulled off a wellearned 

2-1 win over then league 

leaders Manchester United thanks 

to goals from Chris Kiwomya and 

Frank Yallop. Brian McClair’s late 

reply wasn’t enough as both the 

Red Devils and Villa dropped vital 

points allowing Norwich to once 

again top the league. Meanwhile, 

Ipswich had crept into fourth with 

just four defeats all season. 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS? 

Blackburn played again on the 

following Tuesday and their title 

hopes lay in tatters after defeat 

to Crystal Palace who moved 

further clear of the drop zone. 

▲ Ipswich moved into fourth spot after a 2-1 win over Manchester United 




64 UTB 

TEST YOUR MEMORY… 

TAKE 5... 

Each week, we put your memory to the test as we celebrate the 

30th anniversary of the Premier League with a special quiz... 

1. Ipswich defeating 

Manchester United 

moved the Suffolk side 

into fourth. Who was the 

manager guiding Town 

into a promising position? 

2. Chris Kiwomya was the 

man getting the goals for 

Ipswich which eventually 

earned him a move to 

which club in 1995? 

3. Teddy Sheringham 

continued to find the net 

with great regularity for 

Spurs, but didn’t win his 

first England cap until 

May 1993. In the same 

game another Premier 

League striker netted 

the equaliser and his first 

England goal. Who was 

he? 

4. Who was the official club 

captain of Wimbledon 

during the 1992-93 season 

who would later play for 

Liverpool and England? 

5. Which club were 

sponsored by Peugeot? 

ANSWERS: 1. John Lyall, 2. 

Arsenal, 3. Ian Wright, 4. John 

Scales, 5. Coventry, 6. Chris 

Fairclough, 7. Jason Wilcox. 


1992-93 

PICTURE ROUND... 

Can you guess the names of these players 

who graced the inaugural season of the 

Premier League… 

6. Can you name this Leeds United 

defender? 

7. Who is this Blackburn winger?

UTB 65 



66 UTB 

Your winning 

local law 

firm! 

a trading name of SSB Group Limited 

Supporting your claim for: 

Personal Injury Data Breach Timeshare Mis-selling 

Defective Cavity Wall Insulation Medical Negligence 


Plevin PPI Mortgage Mis-Selling And much more…

UTB 67 

AN UPDATE FROM OUR 

SENIOR BLADES 

The Chairwoman and Committee of Sheffield 

United Senior Blades would like to wish 

all members, all SUFC supporters and the 

team, management and staff, a very Happy 

Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 

New Year in 2023. 

On Wednesday 14th December, despite bad 

weather conditions and freezing temperatures 

in Sheffield, 245 members and guests attended 

our annual Christmas party in the Platinum Suite 

at Bramall Lane. 

A lovely traditional Christmas lunch was 

served with variations available for those with 

special requirements and our thanks go to 

Compass for their excellent service as always. 

Our entertainment was provided by vocalist 

Danielle Grace Williams, and she soon got the 

dance floor full. A very popular choice, Danielle 

has performed for us before and this is why we 

brought her back again. 

Our next lunch will be on Tuesday 10th 

January 2023, and we look forward to seeing 

everyone again next Year. 

www.seniorblades.co.uk 

▲ The Senior Blades Christmas party was again a huge success 

We definitely think that Rainbow 

Blades have had one of the most 

successful years yet. 

Two Rainbow Laces campaigns, 

Allies film engaging the men’s, 

women’s and Academy teams, a 

film focusing on welcoming Trans 

Blades at Bramall Lane, the second 

annual LGBTQ+ mixed gendered 

charity match and winning the 

Fans for Diversity award from the 

Football Supporters’ Association. 

A huge thank you also goes 

to the committee who are all 

voluntary and give up their time 

to help move the group forward 

and help us realise our ambitions 

and continue to achieve more 

every year. 

Thanks also need to go to our 

sponsors, Urbana Town Planning, 

Bond Bryan, Whittam Cox, 

ActionCOACH Sheffield & Ant 

Marketing, without their support 

we wouldn’t be able to create such 

professional and positive films such 

as the Trans film from November. 

Once again, the bar is high and 

2023 will be another big year. If 

you would like to support Rainbow 

Blades and keep up to date, please 

do sign up and become a member. 

For those of you who celebrate 

at this time of the year, Happy 

Christmas and New Year. 

If you would like to find out more 

and join Rainbow Blades, please 

follow the links below... 

FACEBOOK FACEBOOK: /BladesRainbow 

TWITTER TWITTER: @rainbow_blades 

INSTAGRA INSTAGRAM: @rainbowblades 

Membership sign up: bit.ly/joinrainbowblades 

Website: rainbowblades.com 


68 UTB 

Sheffield United Community Foundation is a charity working in the areas of education and training, health and 

wellbeing and participation and inclusion. For more community news, follow us on social media @CommunitySUFC, 

visit www.sufc-community.com, email enquiries@sufc-community.co.uk or call 0114 253 7200 (OPTION 6)... 

TALENT INCLUSION PROGRAMME TO HELP BOOST 

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LIONESSES 

Thousands of young women and girls 

from across the country will have the 

opportunity to walk in the footsteps of 

the Lionesses, following an expansion 

of a programme between the EFL Trust 

and The FA. 

The Talent Inclusion Programme helps 

identify talented female participants from 

all parts of the community and will now 

be run across 54 EFL clubs. The aim of 

the programme is to ensure social class, 

ethnicity and demographics are not a 

barrier to success. 

The programme aims to create a 

pathway for young women and girls from 

local communities, no matter what their 

background, to full England Women’s 

honours with EFL clubs encouraged to 

develop tailored activity based on their 

local area. Those that show promise 

can then referred into The FA Women’s 

England Talent Pathway and their progress 

will be monitored. 

In the last two years, 32 EFL clubs who 

are already taking part in the programme 

have made 123 referrals to the FA 

Women’s England Talent Pathway: 

One of those referrals has been called 

up to represent England Women at 

Under 15s. 

19% are continuing to be monitored with 

two already on national talent camps 

34% of players referred are from low 

social economic communities 

16% of players referred are from an 

ethnically diverse background 


UTB 69 

FOUNDATION RELEASE 

IMPACT REPORT 

The Community Foundation are 

pleased to release our Impact Report 

for 2021-2022. The report highlights 

the delivery and impact the Foundation 

has made across our 21 dedicated 

programmes. 

Chris Bailey, our head of foundation, 

said: “I’m proud to lead Sheffield United 

Community Foundation as we embark 

on our 2022-2025 strategic journey. 

The Foundation is uniquely placed 

to tackle some of the key issues that 

our community is facing, alongside 

combating broader societal challenges, 

and supporting national agendas. 

“Through the engagement of over 

1,700 individuals on average each week, 

the Foundation positively impacts our 

communities by providing opportunities 

for people to become the best version 

of themselves. Ongoing partnership 

development is key to our strategy and 

together we can help our communities 

be healthy, empowered, and inclusive. 

“Thank you for taking the time to read 

our Impact Report, we are extremely 

grateful to our partners for their support 

during the year and thank all who 

attended our programmes. We remain 

committed to our vision of a healthy, 

empowered and inclusive community 

and look forward to developing new 

initiatives to help achieve this.” 

You can read our Impact Report at 

sufc-community.com. 

PREMIER LEAGUE 

INSPIRES 

We’ve been in Parkwood Academy 

recently for our Premier League 

Inspires programme and recently 

we’ve been helping the children 

do litter picks in the local area. We 

also had the opportunity to create 

Christmas cards and deliver them to a 

local care home where we spent time 

with the residents. 


70 UTB 

RY CITY CO 

Y COVENTRY CITY C 

TRY CITY COVENTR 

TY COVENTRY CITY 

NTRY CITY COVENT 

ITY COVENTRY CIT 

ENTRY CITY COVEN 

CITY COVENTRY CI 

VENTRY CITY COVE 

Y CITY COVENTRY C 

RY CITY COV 

RY 

— OPPOSITION FOCUS 

FOUNDED: 1883 

NICKNAME: THE SKY BLUES 

GROUND: COVENTRY BUILDING 

SOCIETY ARENA 

CAPACITY: 32,609 

LAST FINISH: 12/24 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP 


O 

Y CITY COV 

COVENTRY CITY CO 

RY CITY COVENTRY 








Y CITY COVE 

The World Cup break could not 

have come at a worse moment for 

Coventry City, with Mark Robins’ 

side in sparkling form before the 

shutdown. 

Four straight wins in the Championship 

and seven wins in nine matches were 

the impressive statistics put together 

by Coventry through to the middle 

of November, with Robins voicing his 

frustration that his side’s glittering progress 

was stopped in its tracks. 

A seven-game winless start to the 

Championship campaign put pressure on 

Robins and his players, but this Sky Blues 

squad have proved they can string wins 

together in succession as they look towards 

a bright new year. 

This game at Bramall Lane will be 

followed by home matches against 

Swansea and West Bromwich Albion, with a 

healthy harvest of points the perfect way to 

head into 2023. 

UTB 71 


72 UTB 

RY CITY CO 










RY CITY COV 

RY 


STAR MAN 

After a challenging start to 

the season, the goals of 

Viktor Gyokeres have helped 

to fire Coventry up the 

Championship table. 

This 24-year-old is a senior Swedish 

international who has made a big 

impression with his energy and goals 

since sealing a permanent move to 

the Sky Blues in the summer of 2021. 

He fired 17 Championship goals last 

season and is well on course to better 

that total this term, with manager Mark 

Robins delighted with what he brings 

to his team. 

“Viktor’s done really well for us,” 

states the Coventry boss. “The 

team allows players to flourish, 

or not, so everyone deserves 

credit. Viktor is, rightly so, at the 

forefront because he’s been 

the one taking the brunt and 

the pressure and scored some 

really good goals, and long may 

that continue. There’s still a 

lot to come from him.” 

There has inevitably 

been rumours that 

Gyokeres will be a 

target for rival clubs in 

next month’s transfer 

window, but Robins 

has made it clear that 

his star man will not 

be leaving. 


Viktor GYOKERES 

17 PREVIOUS 

DATE OF BIRTH: 04/06/98 

POSITION: FORWARD 

CLUB: BRIGHTON. 

“I haven’t asked for any 

reassurances, but I am just saying 

there’s absolutely zero chance that 

he will be sold in January,” added the 

Coventry boss. 

Gyokeres was named the Sky Bet 

Championship Player of the Month for 

November and he was delighted to 

claim the award. 

“It was a tough start to the 

season, but I think you could 

see that when we are playing 

regularly it helps a lot and 

we were able to get into a 

rhythm and start firing,” said 

the Swede. 

“All of my teammates 

have helped me 

to win this award 

and all of the 

supporters, who 

are incredible 

and show 

their fantastic 

support 

week in and 

week out.”

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Liam KELLY 

6 

THE CAPTAIN... 

Date of Birth: 10/02/90 

Previous club: Leyton Orient 

The Scotland international 

lists Kilmarnock, Bristol 

City, Oldham and Leyton 

Orient as his former 

clubs, but Coventry have 

provided him with the 

platform to take his career 

to the next level. A fine 

leader for the Sky Blues, 

the 32-year-old is a model 

of consistency and his 

absence through injury this 

season has been felt. 

Josh ECCLES 

28 

YOUNG GUN... 


Previous club: – 

LAST TIME WE MET... 

Martyn WAGHORN 

9 

A graduate of the Coventry 

youth team set-up, Eccles 

has made his mark in the 

first team since making his 

league debut in August 

2019. He has emerged as 

a key figure for Coventry 

boss Mark Robins this 

season after nailing down 

a regular spot in his side. 

COVENTRY CITY 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED 

Wednesday 19th October 2022 

Martyn Waghorn fired his first Coventry goal for 

over a year as the Sky Blues moved off the bottom 

of the Sky Bet Championship with a 1-0 win over 

Sheffield United. The well-travelled striker came 

off the bench to score a penalty in the 87th minute 

to make it back-to-back wins for Mark Robins’ men 

for the first time since April this year. 

ONE TO WATCH... 


Previous club: Derby 

UTB 73 

With Matty Godden 

sidelined due to injury, 

Coventry need to find 

goalscoring support for 

Gyokeres and Waghorn 

has the experience to do 

just that. The striker who 

fired the winning goal 

against Sheffield United in 

October lists Sunderland, 

Leicester, Wigan, Rangers, 

and Derby among his 

former clubs. 


74 UTB 

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NUMBERS COUNT... 

9 

25 

— 

75 

— 

182 

— 

601 

— 

— The number of season’s 

Coventry have spent in the 

Premier League since its 

formation in 1992, but they 

have not played in the top 

flight since 2001. 

The longest unbeaten run 

pieced together by a Coventry 

side between November 1966 

and May 1967. 

The most points collected 

by Coventry in a season, as 

they claimed promotion from 

League Two via the play-offs. 

Clarrie Bourton set a 

scoring record for Coventry 

in a Sky Blues career that 

spanned between 1931 and 

1937. 

Steve Ogrizovic holds 

the appearance record for 

Coventry after making 601 

appearances between 1984 

and 2000. 


S teve Ogrizovic 

COVENTRY LEGEND... 

A figure who is reserved a special 

place in the hearts of all Coventry 

fans, Ogrizovic holds the appearance 

record with 601 appearances in the Sky 

Blues goal. The solid ‘keeper has two 

European Cup winning medals from his 

time at Liverpool and he was also in goal 

for Coventry as they claimed an FA Cup 

final win against Tottenham in 1987.

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Mark Robins 

FROM THE TOUCHLINE 

Mark Robins claimed the Sky That’s the biggest challenge for 

Bet Championship Manager anybody. You can tell people have 

of the Month award just as changed a bit since the lockdown. 

the league was shut down for the They’re more anxious and uptight. But 

World Cup break. 

the players have been magnificent. 

It was unfortunate timing for a 

“I’m immensely proud of everything 

Coventry side who were in terrific we’ve done and of everyone that has 

form, with the former Manchester worked here. Things always change 

United striker eager to get his side over time, personnel and players and 

back into a winning run over this such, but everyone who has been 

hectic festive period. 

here has played their part from that 

“You needed a break because moment. Also, the fans deserve a lot 

the players were dead on their feet of credit for any success we have. 

playing so many matches, but then They are the biggest constant and 

you don’t want it because we were on have been magnificent. 

such a good run,” said Robins, who “They enable you to do your 

will take charge of his 290th game as job properly. That cannot be 

Coventry boss today. 

underestimated. They’re behind 

“The break was the longest month everything that gets done, and all the 

of our lives but I think, if you ask the difficulties. 

majority of the players, they needed a “They’ve been here and lived 

breather, at all clubs. 

through all the issues of the last 15 

“Now the challenge is to get back years or so. I’ve been here nearly six 

into it and what is always a hectic time years, it’s been tough but the players, 

of the year over Christmas.” 

the staff, the supporters, they all make 

In charge at Coventry since 2017, it worthwhile.” 

Robins is closing in on six years in Robins scored a famous goal at the 

charge at the club and he is pleased back end of the Christmas fixture list 

with the progress he has made after in 1990 that many believe kept Sir Alex 

re-establishing the Sky Blues in the Ferguson in his job as Manchester 

Championship after two promotion United manager. 

successes. 

Now he will be hoping some of his 

“From my perspective, it’s just about players serve up some goals that 

the health of the players and the staff,” ensure this is a happy festive season 

he added. “Mentally and physically. for Coventry fans. 

UTB 75 


76 UTB 

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Coventry City's 

NON-LEAGUE NUGGETS 

Football historian LEIGH EDWARDS profiles six notable Coventry players signed from non-League clubs... 

GEORGE CURTIS 

One of Coventry 

City’s finest servants, 

tough-tackling central 

defender George Curtis 

skippered Sky Blues 

from the Third Division 

to First under Jimmy 

Hill. Moving to Coventry 

from Snowdown CW in 

October 1955, the ‘Iron 

Man’ missed just six 

games in 10 seasons and 

was twice ‘Player of the 

Year’. He netted 11 goals 

in a then club record 

487 League games for 

Coventry prior to joining 

Aston Villa in December 

1969. Returning to Sky 

Blues as commercial 

manager in July 1974, 

he became managing 

director in September 

1983 and his partnership 

with John Sillett inspired 

the 1987 FA Cup final 

triumph. He died in 

July 2021. 


ERNIE MACHIN 

Midfielder Ernie Machin 

was a key figure in the 

‘Sky Blue Revolution’ 

during ten years at 

Highfield Road. Starting 

with Nelson, he moved to 

Coventry in March 1962 

and starred as they won 

the Third Division title 

in 1963-64 and Second 

Division title in 1966- 

67. He also helped the 

Sky Blues qualify for 

the Fairs Cup in 1969- 

70 and netted 33 goals 

in 257 League games 

before joining Plymouth 

Argyle in December 

1972, skippering them to 

the League Cup semifinals 

in 1973-74. Moving 

to Brighton in August 

1974, he briefly re-joined 

Coventry as youth coach 

and was later a storeman 

and driver in Coventry. 

He died in July 2012. 

JOHN TUDOR 

Striker John Tudor 

helped Coventry City 

win the Second Division 

title in 1966-67. Starting 

with hometown Ilkeston, 

he joined Coventry in 

January 1965 and netted 

13 goals in 69 League 

games before being sold 

to Sheffield United for 

£65,000 in December 

1968. He moved to 

Newcastle United in 

exchange for John 

Hope and David Ford in 

January 1971, forming 

a fine partnership with 

Malcolm Macdonald. 

Top scorer in 1972-73, he 

was an FA Cup finalist in 

1974 and later played for 

Stoke City and AC Ghent. 

He coached North 

Shields, Gateshead and 

Bedlington Terriers, then 

was a publican before 

coaching in Minnesota.

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George Curtis & 

S tuart Pearce 

STUART PEARCE 

Inspirational left-back 

Stuart Pearce was 

capped 78 times by 

England after leaving 

Coventry City. Initially 

with Wealdstone, he 

starred in their 1981-82 

Southern League and 

Cup ‘double’ success 

and moved to Coventry 

in October 1983. Noted 

for his thunderous freekicks, 

‘Psycho’ netted 

four goals in 52 League 

games before joining 

Nottingham Forest in 

May 1985. He skippered 

them to two League 

Cup final triumphs, the 

1991 FA Cup final and 

promotion in 1993-94. 

Moving to Newcastle 

United in July 1997, then 

West Ham, he has since 

managed Manchester 

City, England U-21s, 

Olympic Team GB 

and Forest. 

SEAN FLYNN 

Midfielder Sean Flynn 

played for Coventry 

City in the Premier 

League. Starting with 

Bromsgrove Rovers, he 

joined Halesowen Town 

in July 1988 and was 

‘Player of the Year’ in 

their 1989-90 Southern 

League Midland Division 

title triumph. He joined 

Coventry in December 

1991 and scored nine 

times in 97 League games 

before sold to Derby 

County for £250,000 in 

August 1995. Starring as 

they regained top-flight 

status in 1995-96, he 

moved to West Brom for 

£260,000 in August 1997, 

then Tranmere Rovers, 

Kidderminster, Evesham, 

Redditch, Bodmin, 

Falmouth and Penzance. 

He has since run a 

caravan park in Cornwall. 

DAVID BUSST 

UTB 77 

Central defender David 

Busst appeared regularly 

for Coventry City in the 

Premier League. He 

impressed with Moor 

Green while working in 

insurance, helping to 

win the Midland Floodlit 

Cup in 1991. Moving to 

Coventry in January 

1992, he was given his 

Premier League debut in 

their 1-1 draw at Norwich 

City a year later. He 

replaced Andy Pearce in 

the heart of defence and 

netted four goals in 50 

Premier League games 

until his career was 

ended by a badly broken 

leg at Manchester United 

in April 1996. Given 

a testimonial match 

against Manchester 

United in May 1997, 

he later managed 

Solihull Borough and 

Evesham United. 


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THE LOWDOWN... 

...on Coventry City 

Each week UTB takes an alternative look over our opponents... 

SINGING CITY… 

Coventry were formed 

as Singers FC in 1883 

following a general 

meeting of the Singer 

Factory Gentleman’s club. 

They adopted their current 

name in 1898 and joined 

the Southern League in 

1908, before being elected 

to the Football League 

in 1919. 

MOST LOSSES IN A SEASON... 

The Sky Blues were 

relegated from League 

One in a season to forget 

in 2016-17. They set a new 

record, losing 25 league 

matches in the campaign 

and finished second 

bottom with 39 points from 

46 games. 

A FAMILIAR FORMER FACE... 

Coventry stopper Simon 

Moore was signed by Chris 

Wilder and a near ever 

present in United’s recordbreaking 

title winning 

team that registered over 

100 points in League 

One, whilst former United 

striker Leon Clarke once 

had a deadly partnership 

with current Newcastle 

marksman Callum Wilson. 

BOOMING THIRTIES... 

The 1930s were a 

golden period for the 

Bantams, as the club 

was then nicknamed, 

under manager Harry 

Storer. Despite City being 

substantially in the red, 

Storer developed a side 

JIMMY’S REVOLUTION 

UTB 79 

which scored 100 goals in 

four seasons out of five, 

with the club’s greatest 

ever goalscorer Clarrie 

Bourton netting 49 

goals in 1932 and 40 the 

following season. 

The arrival of Jimmy Hill as manager in 1961 

sparked the revolution at the club. A new sky blue 

kit was unveiled and the nickname was changed. 

The team enjoyed a run to the quarter-finals 

of the FA Cup, but the season after they were 

champions of Division Three. Hill led City to further 

promotions and to the promised land in 1967. 


80 UTB 

AWAY 

TICKETS & 

TRAVEL 

OPENING HOURS 

Monday-Friday: 9am–5pm 

Saturday (Non-Matchday): 9am–12noon 

Saturday (Matchday): 9am–half time 

Matchday (Evening): 9am–kick off 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Tel: 0114 253 7200 (option 1) 

Visit: tickets.sufc.co.uk Email: boxoffice@sufc.co.uk 

*A £1 booking fee applies to all telephone and online orders 

AWAY BLADE 

Coach Travel – Under-16s Policy 

Sheffield United continue to ensure that the club 

complies with safeguarding procedures and to 

make sure that all young supporters travelling 

on the official Away Blade transport are properly 

supervised. Therefore, juniors, aged U16, will not 

be allowed to travel on the Away Blade coaches 

without a responsible adult, aged 25 or above. 

A maximum of two juniors U16 may travel with a 

responsible adult. For more information contact 

0114 253 7200. 

2022-23 MATCHDAY PRICES 

STAND TYPE CAT. A* CAT. A CAT. B 

KOP STAND 

CHERRY STREET 

SOUTH STAND 

& JOHN STREET 

FAMILY ENCLOSURE 

& FAMILY CORNER 

BRAMALL LANE 

UPPER CORNER & 

BRAMALL LANE 

UPPER TIER 

ADULT £35 £31 £26 

OVER 60 / DISABLED £29 £24 £20 

YA U22 / STUDENT £24 £20 £17 

UNDER 18 £17 £14 £12 

JUNIOR BLADES £15 £12 £10 

ADULT £40 £35 £31 

OVER 60 / DISABLED £32 £27 £23 

YA U22 / STUDENT £26 £21 £20 

UNDER 18 £21 £17 £14 


ADULT £37 £33 £29 

OVER 60 / DISABLED £31 £26 £21 

YA U22 / STUDENT £25 £21 £18 

UNDER 18 £20 £16 £13 


vs BLACKPOOL 

Thursday 29th December 

Sky Bet Championship 

Kick off 8.15pm 

This match is ALL TICKET for 

Blades supporters. We have 

been allocated 3,474 tickets. 

Tickets now on general 

sale. 100 loyalty points will 

be awarded to supporters 

purchasing tickets. 

TICKET PRICES: 

Adults: ......................................£29 

Seniors (65+): .........................£25 

Young Adult (18-21): ............£25 

Under 18: .................................£13 

Under 12: ...................................£9 

Q DISABLED TICKET INFORMATION 

Seven pairs of wheelchair/ 

personal assistant tickets 

are available at the ageappropriate 

price with the 

personal assistant FOC. 

Ambulant tickets are available 

out of the main allocation at 

the age-appropriate price with 

the personal assistant FOC 

(subject to qualification). 

AWAY BLADES COACH TRAVEL 

Price: £26 

Departing Bramall Lane at 

1:00pm, prompt. 

AWAY 

vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS 

Monday 2nd January 


Kick off 8pm 




Restricted view seats will not 

be sold until all clear view seats 

have gone. Tickets are now on 

general sale. 150 loyalty points 


UTB 81 

will be awarded to supporters 


TICKET PRICES: 

SCHOOL END UPPER TIER GOLD 

Adults: ......................................£36 

Junior U18: ............................. £18 

Young Adult (U23)*: .............£26 

Senior Over 61: .....................£26 

Ambulant Disabled: .............£26 

SCHOOL END UPPER TIER GOLD – 

RESTRICTED VIEW 

Adults: ......................................£34 

Junior U18: ..............................£17 

Young Adult (U23)*: .............£25 

Senior Over 61: .....................£25 


SCHOOL END UPPER TIER GOLD – 

RAILED SEATING 

Adults: ......................................£36 

Junior U18: ............................. £18 

Young Adult (U23)*: .............£26 

Senior Over 61: .....................£26 


SCHOOL END UPPER TIER SILVER 

Adults .......................................£30 

Junior U18 .............................. £15 

Young Adult (U23)*: ............. £21 

Senior Over 61 ...................... £21 

Ambulant Disabled .............. £21 

Kids U8 accompanied by an 

adult FREE – Not available 

online 

SCHOOL END UPPER TIER SILVER – 

RESTRICTED VIEW 

Adults .......................................£28 

Junior U18 ...............................£14 

Young Adult (U23)*: .............£20 

Senior Over 61: .....................£20 

Ambulant Disabled ..............£20 


adult FREE – Not available 

online 

SCHOOL END UPPER TIER SILVER – 

RAILED SEATING 

Adults: ......................................£30 

Junior U18: ............................. £15 

Young Adult (U23)*: ............. £21 

Senior Over 61: ..................... £21 

Ambulant Disabled: ............. £21 


Adult FREE – Not available 

online 

*ID required 


Ten pairs of wheelchair tickets 

are available at £21 with a 

FOC personal assistant, 

the entrance for wheelchair 

supporters is via Ellerslie 

Road, Block 1. Ambulant 

tickets are available from the 

main allocation at the above 

prices, supporters must be on 

Medium/High level for DLA 

or PIP to qualify for a FOC 

personal assistant. There is 

no lift to the upper tier and 

no availability for moving on 

the day. Recommended easy 

access seats upper tier: Y6, 

Row B, 77-86. Y2, Row B, 179- 

190 & 196 – 203. 


Price: £40 


1.30pm, prompt. 

AWAY 

vs MILLWALL 

Saturday 7th January 

FA Cup Third Round 





Tickets now on general 

sale. 150 loyalty points will 

be awarded to supporters 


SEASON TICKET HOLDER PRICES: 

Adults: ...................................... £10 

Senior (63+): ..............................£7 

Young Adult (18-21): ...............£7 

Under 18: ..................................£3 

NON-SEASON TICKET PRICES: 

Adults: ...................................... £15 

Senior (63+): ........................... £10 

Young Adult (18-21): ............ £10 

Under 18: ..................................£5 


10 pairs of wheelchair tickets 

are available at the ageappropriate 

price with a FOC 

personal assistant. Ambulant 

tickets are available from the 

main allocation at the ageappropriate 

prices, supporters 

must be on Medium/High level 

for DLA or PIP to qualify for a 

FOC personal assistant. 


Price: £40 


8am, prompt. 

HOME 

vs STOKE CITY 

Saturday 14th January 



This match is a Category A 

fixture. Tickets now on general 

sale. 

TICKETS ARE PRICED FROM: 

Adults: ...................................... £31 

Seniors: ....................................£24 

Young Adults / Students: ...£20 

Juniors: .....................................£14 

Junior Blade Members: .......£12 

HOME 

vs HULL CITY 

Friday 20th January 


Kick Off 7.45pm 

This match is a Category B 

fixture. Tickets now on general 

sale. 

TICKETS ARE PRICED FROM: 

Adults: ......................................£26 

Seniors: ....................................£20 

Young Adults / Students: ....£17 

Juniors: .....................................£12 

Junior Blade Members: ...... £10 

Information correct at the time 

of going to print. Please check 

www.sufc.co.uk for up-to-date 

information. 


82 UTB 

THE EX-FILES 

David McGoldrick 

EACH WEEK UTB CATCHES UP WITH THE PROGRESS OF SOME OF THE NAMES WHO ONCE 

GRACED BRAMALL LANE, BUT ARE NOW CONTINUING THEIR CAREER ELSEWHERE… 

David McGoldrick is off the mark 

for his new club Derby County 

after scoring a dramatic stoppage 

time winner recently against 

Peterborough United. 

Trailing 1-0 and down to 10 men, 

things looked bleak for the Rams 

until an equaliser from Jason 

Knight on 88 minutes was followed 

up by McGoldrick’s winner from 

12 yards. 

After missing the first four games 

of the campaign through injury, 

McGoldrick is now finding his 

feet at Pride Park after his highly 

successful stint at Bramall Lane 

came to an end at the conclusion 

of last season. 

“As a striker you enjoy your 

goals, and especially when 

they come as a winner as well,” 

McGoldrick said of his first strike. 

“We hadn’t scored for a few 

games, so to get two right at the 

end was nice. It was a pleasing day 

all around and it’s always special 

to turn it around late on. 

“We are all together as one in 

the dressing room and it helps with 

the team bonding too, celebrating 

together at the end, especially 

as quite a few of us have come 

through the door this summer. 

The changing room was very 

happy after.” 

Grateful to be back fit again after 

recovering from the injury which 

curtailed his final season in S2, the 

ex-Forest front man is now focused 

on a strong run in the side. 

He added: “I feel I am getting 

fitter. I came here after a four or 

five-month spell out, following an 

operation. I’ve been building my 

fitness up and I had a setback by 

doing too much too soon, but now 

I am building things up slowly.” 

▲ Didzy celebrates his first for Derby 

against Peterborough 


UTB 83 

FAVOURITES 

with Oli McBurnie 

IN EVERY EDITION OF UTB THIS SEASON, 

WE TALK TO A CURRENT MEMBER OF 

UNITED’S FIRST TEAM SQUAD TO FIND OUT 

SOME OF THEIR FAVOURITE THINGS... 

FAVOURITE... 

BAND OR ARTIST... Tough one. I listen to a lot of different music, but 

I’ll say Arctic Monkeys just because no matter what mood 

I’m in I can put them on and just listen to the full thing. 

BOX SET/TV SERIES... There’s so many good ones but I’ll say 

Game of Thrones. 

FILM... That’ll be Scarface. 

PHONE APP... I’ll say Instagram. 

BOOK... I read Steven Gerrard’s 

autobiography and I really 

enjoyed that one. 

HOLIDAY DESTINATION... I really 

liked Toronto when I went 

there a few years back when 

the NBA play-off finals were on. 

OTHER SPORT TO PLAY... Has to 

be paddle tennis. Obviously, I’ve not 

been able to play much with the injuries! 

OTHER SPORT TO WATCH... Tough again. I’ll have to give you my 

favourite four which is boxing, UFC, basketball and NFL. 

SPORTSMAN... Koby Bryant. 

COMEDIAN... Dave Chappelle. 

CELEBRITY... I like Eddie Hearn. 

CURRENT TEAMMATE... There’s going to be some 

hurt feelings here! I’ll say Jack Robinson. 

GROUND TO PLAY AT... Villa Park was good. 

MEAL... Something involving chocolate. 

CHOCOLATE BAR... I go through spells of different 

ones so at the moment it is Galaxy. 

KARAOKE SONG… Mario, Let Me Love You.

KIT SPONSORS 

Do you want to sponsor a player’s kit? Contact us at 0114 253 7200 (option 2) or email commercial@sufc.co.uk. 

A player kit sponsorship package is priced at £700 plus VAT per player and includes the following: 

Match worn kit of your chosen player — Video message from your chosen player 

Christmas card from your chosen player — Invitation to annual sponsor training event 

Advertising on club website — Stadium big screen and within the matchday programme 

DAVIES 

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UTB 85 

UNITED IN BUSINESS 

Head of Commercial PAUL REEVES provides UTB with the latest 

corporate news. To discuss how you could benefit from our opportunities 

to develop your business, contact Paul on 07983 425066… 

May we start off by wishing all sponsors 

and corporate members a very Merry 

Christmas. 

Our first main match sponsor for the visit of 

Coventry today is Balfour Carpets. They are a 

business that have been stalwart commercial 

supporters of the club now for a good number of 

seasons and are now an official partner. They are 

a well-established carpet and flooring business 

located in Darnall and Chapeltown. Providing great 

customer service and quality flooring at affordable 

prices, all the flooring is fitted by their team of 

experienced fitters. Supplying and fitting to the 

domestic, residential and commercial market, no 

job is too big or too small. All quotes are provided 

free and include a measuring and planning service. 

For more details visit balfourcarpets.com 

Today’s second match sponsor is Sunfish 

Services. Midlands based and established in 2004, 

they have an expert team of engineers that install, 

maintain and repair a host of commercial and 

residential building systems including fire alarm 

systems, CCTV systems, access control systems, 

emergency lighting, refuge systems, and intruder 

alarms. Their team has the expertise to work with 

the majority of manufacturers equipment and all 

installations meet British Standards. For details visit 

sunfishservices.com 

Our programme sponsor is GD Woodworking. 

Founded by Glyn Ducker in 1988, G D Woodworking 

have been producing timber windows, doorsets 

and staircases for private and commercial clients, 

for over 25 years now. Throughout this time their 

family business has grown into a team of over 50 

people, with a solid reputation built on honest hard 

work, exceptional service and top-quality product. 

For more details visit gdwoodworking.co.uk 

Finally, our match ball sponsor is Datagraphic 

Group Limited. Datagraphic is the UK document 

automation company helping people achieve 

more at work by automating the production 

and distribution of customer, employee and 

supplier facing documents. Every year millions 

of people receive time-critical digital and printed 

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safely, by Datagraphic. For more details visit 

datagraphic.co.uk 

We hope that you all enjoy your afternoon, 

and we wish you all a prosperous and healthy 

2023. UTB! 

Paul Reeves 

Head of Commercial 

⊳ Thanks to our 

sponsors for the 

game against 

Rotherham 


86 UTB 

MATCH ACTION 

1 - 0 

SHARP 15 

– 

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER — SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP — VENUE: BRAMALL LANE 

BLADES: FODERINGHAM, BALDOCK, STEVENS, SHARP (KHADRA 80), 

EGAN, AHMEDHODŽIĆ, NORWOOD, OSBORN, CLARK, Mc AT E E , N D I AY E 

(Mc BURNIE 80). UNUSED: DAVIES, BASHAM, LOWE, BOGLE. 

The skipper congratulated by Iliman Ndiaye 


UTB 87 

Billy Sharp nets his first of the season 

Sander Berge returns after a spell on the sidelines 

Reda Khadra holds off a challenge 

John Egan is commanding in the air 


88 UTB 

ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT 

PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING 

SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE 

AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN. 

‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’ 

A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour 

To mark the new season, we want to 

make you aware of new measures 

being taken across all of football 

to ensure everyone can have a safe 

and enjoyable experience. We are 

supporting strong action from the 

FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle 

anti-social and criminal behaviours 

that put all of us at risk. 

This reflects the seriousness of 

the risks to fans and staff – pyros 

can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius 

and cause lifechanging injuries, 

while entering the pitch endangers 

players, managers and match 

officials. 

We know those who commit these 

illegal acts do not represent the 

majority of supporters. 

#LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame 


UTB 89 

T he Story So Far... 

Catching up and recording events from Bramall Lane… 

— SUNDAY 27th NOVEMBER 

United Women are defeated 3-0 in their 

Continental Cup group stage clash with 

Everton. 

— MONDAY 28th NOVEMBER 

United’s U21s defeat Newcastle in the 

Premier League Cup with goals from 

Frankie Maguire and Owen Hampson. 

United draw Millwall away in the FA Cup 

third round. 

— SUNDAY 4th DECEMBER 

United Women are defeated 1-0 by 

Charlton in the Women’s Championship. 

— MONDAY 5th DECEMBER 

It’s another win for United’s U21s against 

Newcastle in the Premier League Cup 

with Leo Gaxha netting the winner in a 

1-0 success. 

— THURSDAY 8th DECEMBER 

United Women are defeated 2-1 by WSL 

side Aston Villa in the Continental Cup 

with Mia Enderby scoring for the Blades. 

— SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 

CHAMPIONSHIP 

SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 

SHARP 15 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 

– 

Blades: Foderingham, Baldock, Stevens, Sharp 

(Khadra 80), Egan, Ahmedhodžić, Norwood, Osborn, 

Clark, McAtee, Ndiaye (McBurnie 80). Unused: Davies, 

Basham, Lowe, Bogle. 

Huddersfield: Nicholls, Thomas, Boyle, Ruffels 

(Rhodes 88), Kesler-Hayden (Simpson 78), Kasumu 

(Hogg 45), Holmes (Diarra 65), Rudoni, Ward, Lees, 

Helik. Unused: Bilokapic, Jackson, Ayina. 

Referee: D. Bond Attendance: 27,794 

United return from the World Cup break 

with a win after a 1-0 success over 

Huddersfield Town. Billy Sharp’s first of 

the season on 15 minutes proves to be 

the winner as United dominated the first 

45 before holding the Terriers at bay in 

the second half. 

— MONDAY 12th DECEMBER 

United Women or Nottingham Forest 

have been drawn against Manchester 

City in the fourth round of the women’s 

FA Cup. 

⊳ Billy Sharp celebrates the 

winner against Huddersfield 


HERE’S 

A ST AT 

I BET 

YOU 

DIDN’T 

KN 

W

OVER HALF A MILLION 

SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS 

TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. 

THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 

6 WEMBLEYS. 

201 ALLY PALLYS. 

OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. 

(THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED) 

ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS 

HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. 

SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, 

SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU 

AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. 

DEPOSIT LIMITS 

THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

92 UTB 

FACTS&FIGURES 2022-23 

SHEFFIELD UNITED 2022-23 ROLLCALL 

2022-23 

LEAGUE 

2022-23 

CUP 

UNITED 

CAREER 

2022-23 

RECORD 

Player DOB POB App Sub Gls App Sub Gls App Sub Gls Assists ■ ■ 

1 ADAM DAVIES 17.07.92 RINTEIN, GER 3 - - - - - 3 - - - - - 

2 GEORGE BALDOCK 09.03.93 BUCKINGHAM 22 - 1 - - - 180 8 6 2 4 - 

3 ENDA STEVENS 09.07.90 DUBLIN 6 2 - - - - 192 5 9 1 2 - 

4 JOHN FLECK 24.08.91 GLASGOW 9 2 - 1 - - 238 19 15 2 2 - 

5 JACK O’CONNELL 29.03.94 LIVERPOOL - - - - - - 172 5 9 - - - 

6 CHRIS BASHAM 30.05.88 PETERBOROUGH 12 5 - - - - 344 23 14 - - - 

7 RHIAN BREWSTER 01.04.00 CHADWELL HEATH 5 11 1 1 - - 31 32 5 1 1 - 

8 SANDER BERGE 14.02.98 ASKER 13 1 3 - 1 - 65 16 11 3 1 - 

9 OLI McBURNIE 04.06.96 LEEDS 12 7 9 - - - 61 53 17 1 6 - 

10 BILLY SHARP 05.02.86 SHEFFIELD 7 10 2 - 1 - 262 88 128 2 5 - 

11 REDA KHADRA 04.07.01 BERLIN 4 11 1 1 - - 5 11 1 - - - 

12 JOHN EGAN 22.10.92 CORK 23 - 1 1 - - 189 1 6 2 4 - 

13 MAX LOWE 11.05.97 SOUTH NORMANTON 6 1 1 1 - - 16 3 1 2 1 - 

15 ANEL AHMEDHODŽIĆ 26.03.99 MALMO, SWE 15 2 4 1 - - 16 2 4 2 6 - 

16 OLLIE NORWOOD 12.04.91 BURNLEY 23 - 2 1 - - 183 12 9 5 5 - 

17 ISMAILA COULIBALY 25.12.00 MALI - - - - - - - - - - - - 

18 WES FODERINGHAM 14.01.91 HAMMERSMITH 20 - - 1 - - 58 - - 1 - 1 

19 JACK ROBINSON 01.09.93 WARRINGTON 4 1 1 - - - 52 6 4 - - - 

20 JAYDEN BOGLE 27.07.00 READING 1 1 - - - - 38 7 6 - 1 - 

22 TOMMY DOYLE 17.10.01 MANCHESTER 9 5 - - 1 - 9 6 - 1 1 - 

23 BEN OSBORN 05.08.94 DERBY 9 3 1 - 1 - 64 33 5 1 - - 

26 CIARAN CLARK 26.09.89 HARROW 4 2 - - 1 - 4 3 - - 4 - 

28 JAMES McATEE 18.10.02 SALFORD 7 10 1 1 - - 8 10 1 3 4 - 

29 ILIMAN NDIAYE 06.03.00 ROUEN, FRA 21 2 9 - - - 47 12 16 5 3 - 

30 OLIVER ARBLASTER 08.01.04 SHEFFIELD 1 3 - 1 - - 2 3 - - - - 

32 WILL OSULA 04.08.03 COPENHAGEN - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 

33 RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES 22.04.99 RIYADH, SAU 15 - - - - - 38 3 - - 3 - 

34 KYRON GORDON 24.05.02 SHEFFIELD 1 - - 1 - - 9 1 - - - - 

35 ANDRE BROOKS 20.08.03 SHEFFIELD - 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - 

36 DANIEL JEBBISON 13.08.03 OAKVILLE, CAN 1 2 - - - - 6 12 1 - - - 

37 JORDAN AMISSAH 02.08.01 HERNE - 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - 

39 SAI SACHDEV 09.03.05 LEICESTER - 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - 

OWN GOALS: 1 

SHEFFIELD UNITED ON THE ROAD 2022-23 

BIRMINGHAM CITY 2,714 - - 

BLACKBURN ROVERS 1,536 - - 

BLACKPOOL 1,499 - - 

BRISTOL CITY - 781 356 

BURNLEY 2,683 - - 

CARDIFF CITY - 1,769 388 

COVENTRY CITY - 1,857 168 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1,430 - - 

HULL CITY - 2,288 132 

GOAL TIMES 

F A 

0-15 7 4 

16-30 6 3 

31-45 3 4 

46-60 6 4 

61-75 11 3 

76-90 5 3 

EXTRA-TIME - - 

LEAGUE RECORD 

LUTON TOWN - 1,032 258 

NORWICH CITY 2,643 - - 

MIDDLESBROUGH - 2,183 202 

MILLWALL 1,270 - - 

PRESTON NORTH END - 4,428 150 

QUEENS PARK RANGERS 668 - - 

READING 566 - - 

ROTHERHAM UNITED 2,687 - - 

STOKE CITY - 2,553 144 

HOME AWAY TOTAL 

P 2479 2480 4959 

W 1319 679 1998 

D 617 609 1226 

L 543 1192 1735 

F 4538 2991 7529 

A 2709 4294 7003 

STAT SNIPPET... 

Ciaran Clark started his first game since August 6th recently 

when he was part of the line-up for the 1-0 win against 

Huddersfield Town last time out at Bramall Lane. 

GOALS THE BREAKDOWN 

SHOTS 30 

HEADERS 7 

PENALTIES - 

OWN GOALS 1 

OTHERS - 

SUNDERLAND 2,572 - - 

SWANSEA CITY - 560 462 

WATFORD - 1,908 292 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION - 1,936 180 

WIGAN ATHLETIC - 2,225 128 

CARABAO CUP 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION - 739 174 

● AWAY FANS AT THE LANE ● BLADES AWAY FANS 

● ROUND TRIP (MILES) 


UTB 93 

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 5s 2022-23 

GOALS 

VIKTOR GYOKERES 

Coventry City 10 

ILIMAN NDIAYE 

Sheffield United 9 

OLI McBURNIE 


JERRY YATES 

Blackpool 9 

JAY RODRIGUEZ 

Burnley 9 

ASSISTS 

DAN BARLASER 

Rotherham United 6 

SORBA THOMAS 

Huddersfield Town 6 

ILIAS CHAIR 

Queens Park Rangers 6 

JACK CLARKE 

Sunderland 6 

STEFAN JOHANSEN 

Queens Park Rangers 6 

CLEAN SHEETS 

FREDDIE WOODMAN 

Preston North End 11 

BEN WILSON 

Coventry City 10 

DANIEL BACHMANN 

Watford 10 

WES FODERINGHAM 


THOMAS KAMINSKI 

Blackburn Rovers 9 

GOALS FROM THE BENCH 

MANUEL BENSON 

Burnley 3 

OLIVIER NTCHAM 

Swansea City 3 

BRANDON THOMAS-ASANTE 

West Bromwich Albion 3 

LUCAS JOAO 

Reading 3 

ANTOINE SEMENYO 

Bristol City 3 

OLDEST PLAYERS THIS SEASON 

PHIL JAGIELKA 

Stoke City 

RICHARD WOOD 

40y4m 

Rotherham Utd. 37y5m 

BILLY SHARP 

Sheffield Utd. 36y10m 

CAMERON JEROME 

Luton Town 

JOHN RUDDY 

36y3m 

Birmingham City36y1m 

GOALS SCORED BY TEAM 

BURNLEY 

46 

SHEFFIELD 

UNITED 38 

MIDDLESBROUGH 

32 

SUNDERLAND 

31 

BRISTOL 

CITY 31 


94 UTB 


UTB 95 

FACTS&FIGURES 

HOME 

AWAY 

P TEAM P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS 

1 BURNLEY 23 8 4 0 26 11 5 4 2 20 13 +22 47 

2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 23 6 3 2 23 11 7 2 3 15 9 +18 44 

3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 23 8 0 3 18 11 5 0 7 9 15 +1 39 

4 WATFORD 23 6 2 3 17 10 4 5 3 13 12 +8 37 

5 NORWICH CITY 23 5 3 4 18 14 5 2 4 12 11 +5 35 

6 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 23 5 2 4 15 13 5 2 5 12 14 0 34 

7 PRESTON NORTH END 23 3 4 5 7 12 6 3 2 15 10 0 34 

8 BIRMINGHAM CITY 23 4 5 3 16 12 4 3 4 10 10 +4 32 

9 MILLWALL 22 7 2 2 17 8 2 3 6 10 18 +1 32 

10 SWANSEA CITY 23 5 2 4 15 14 3 6 3 15 18 -2 32 

11 READING 23 7 1 3 16 11 3 1 8 10 22 -7 32 

12 SUNDERLAND 23 3 4 4 14 12 5 3 4 17 14 +5 31 

13 MIDDLESBROUGH 23 4 5 2 13 11 4 1 7 19 19 +2 30 

14 COVENTRY CITY 21 5 2 3 13 9 3 4 4 11 13 +2 30 

15 LUTON TOWN 22 2 7 2 14 12 5 2 4 10 12 0 30 

16 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 22 4 4 4 17 14 3 4 3 12 11 +4 29 

17 STOKE CITY 23 3 3 5 13 16 5 2 5 13 14 -4 29 

18 BRISTOL CITY 23 4 3 5 14 12 3 3 5 17 20 -1 27 

19 ROTHERHAM UNITED 23 4 3 4 18 15 2 5 5 8 17 -6 26 

20 CARDIFF CITY 23 4 3 5 10 11 3 2 6 10 17 -8 26 

21 HULL CITY 23 4 1 7 12 21 3 4 4 14 19 -14 26 

22 BLACKPOOL 23 3 2 6 12 16 3 4 5 13 18 -9 24 

23 WIGAN ATHLETIC 23 2 3 7 9 20 4 3 4 14 14 -11 24 

24 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 22 4 2 6 10 12 1 2 7 9 17 -10 19 

FA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2022-23 

P TEAM P W D L F A GD PTS 

1 LONDON CITY LIONESSES 10 6 3 1 20 7 13 21 

2 BRISTOL CITY 9 6 2 1 14 4 10 20 

3 CHARLTON ATHLETIC 10 6 1 3 19 14 5 19 

4 SOUTHAMPTON 10 5 4 1 13 8 5 19 

5 BIRMINGHAM CITY 9 5 1 3 14 10 4 16 

6 CRYSTAL PALACE 9 5 0 4 11 10 1 15 

7 LEWES 9 3 4 2 9 8 1 13 

8 BLACKBURN ROVERS 10 3 3 4 10 15 -5 12 

9 DURHAM 9 3 2 4 13 13 0 11 

10 SHEFFIELD UNITED 9 2 1 6 14 12 2 7 

11 SUNDERLAND 10 2 1 7 10 14 -4 7 

12 COVENTRY UNITED 10 0 0 10 5 37 -32 0 

LEAGUE 

TABLES 

2022-23 

U21 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE NORTH 2022-23* 



2 WIGAN ATHLETIC 15 6 2 7 24 25 -1 20 

3 BURNLEY 14 6 2 6 24 29 -5 20 

4 HULL CITY 13 6 1 6 31 23 8 19 

5 BIRMINGHAM CITY 13 4 4 5 21 21 0 16 

6 PETERBOROUGH UNITED 14 4 4 6 26 29 -3 16 

7 COVENTRY CITY 13 4 2 7 20 24 -4 14 

8 CREWE ALEXANDRA 12 3 4 5 14 20 -6 13 

9 BARNSLEY 13 3 3 7 20 24 -4 12 

10 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 15 4 0 11 14 35 -21 12 

U18 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE NORTH 2022-23* 


1 BARNSLEY 9 6 1 2 24 15 9 19 


3 PETERBOROUGH UNITED 12 5 1 6 23 29 -6 16 

4 BURNLEY 12 4 3 5 22 24 -2 15 

5 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 10 3 4 3 12 11 1 13 

6 BIRMINGHAM CITY 10 4 1 5 20 22 -2 13 

7 WIGAN ATHLETIC 11 3 1 7 16 20 -4 10 

8 HULL CITY 11 3 1 7 17 34 -17 10 

9 COVENTRY CITY 10 2 3 5 18 21 -3 9 

10 CREWE ALEXANDRA 10 2 3 5 13 17 -4 9 

*PLEASE NOTE, GAMES AGAINST TEAMS FROM THE SOUTH LEAGUE CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS NORTH TABLE 

UPDATED AS OF 19/12/22 


96 UTB 

SEASON STATS 

2022-23 

AUG 

SEP 

OCT 

NOV 

DEC 

M 

APR 

MAR 

FEB 

JAN 

DATE KO OPPOSITION F-A ATT POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

MON 1 20:00 WATFORD 0-1 19,536 (1,908) 23 FOD’HAM BALDOCK CLARK EGAN N’-DAVIES STEVENS BERGE 

SAT 6 15:00 MILLWALL 2-0 27,738 (1,270) 7 FOD’HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN CLARK N’-DAVIES BERGE 1 

THU 11 20:00 WEST BROM CC1 0-1 6,747 (739) – FOD’HAM GORDON AHMED’ZIC EGAN LOWE NORWOOD ARBLASTER 

SUN 14 14:00 MIDDLESBROUGH 2-2 26,056 (2,183) 9 FOD’HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN N’-DAVIES LOWE BERGE 1 

WED 17 20:00 SUNDERLAND 2-1 28,597 (2,572) 4 FOD’HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC 1 EGAN N’-DAVIES LOWE 1 BERGE 

SAT 20 15:00 BLACKBURN ROVERS 3-0 27,859 (1,536) 1 FOD’HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN N’-DAVIES LOWE BERGE 

FRI 26 20:00 LUTON TOWN 1-1 9,882 (1,032) 2 FOD’HAM BALDOCK BASHAM EGAN N’-DAVIES LOWE BERGE 

TUE 30 19:45 READING 4-0 27,810 (566) 1 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED'ZIC 2 EGAN N'-DAVIES LOWE BERGE 

SUN 4 15:00 HULL CITY 2-0 20,426 (2,288) 1 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN N'-DAVIES LOWE BERGE 1 

TUE 13 19:45 SWANSEA CITY 1-0 15,458 (560) 1 FOD'HAM BALDOCK BASHAM EGAN AHMED’ZIC N'-DAVIES BERGE 

SAT 17 15:00 PRESTON NORTH END 2-0 18,412 (4,428) 1 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED'ZIC EGAN BASHAM N'-DAVIES BERGE 

SAT 1 15:00 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1-1 29,927 (2,714) 1 FOD'HAM BALDOCK BASHAM EGAN N'-DAVIES KHADRA BERGE 

TUE 4 19:45 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0-1 26,666 (668) 1 FOD'HAM BALDOCK BASHAM EGAN N'-DAVIES BOGLE BERGE 

SAT 8 15:00 STOKE CITY 1-3 22,008 (2,553) 1 FOD'HAM GORDON BASHAM EGAN N’-DAVIES DOYLE NORWOOD 

SAT 15 15:00 BLACKPOOL 3-3 28,455 (1,499) 2 FOD'HAM BALDOCK BASHAM EGAN N'-DAVIES OSBORN DOYLE 

WED 19 19:45 COVENTRY CITY 0-1 17,913 (1,857) 4 DAVIES BALDOCK AHMED'ZIC EGAN BASHAM N'-DAVIES OSBORN 

SAT 22 15:00 NORWICH CITY 2-2 30,035 (2,643) 5 DAVIES BALDOCK AHMED'ZIC EGAN BASHAM OSBORN 1 FLECK 

SAT 29 12:30 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2-0 22,270 (1,936) 4 DAVIES BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN BASHAM OSBORN FLECK 

TUE 1 20:00 BRISTOL CITY 1-0 17,437 (781) 3 FOD'HAM BALDOCK BASHAM EGAN ROBINSON OSBORN FLECK 

SAT 5 12:30 BURNLEY 5-2 28,924 (2,683) 3 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED'ZIC 1 EGAN ROBINSON 1 STEVENS FLECK 

TUE 8 19:45 ROTHERHAM UNITED 0-1 30,700 (2,687) 3 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED'ZIC EGAN ROBINSON STEVENS FLECK 

SAT 12 15:00 CARDIFF CITY 1-0 18,700 (1,769) 2 FOD'HAM BALDOCK 1 BASHAM EGAN ROBINSON STEVENS ARBLASTER 

SAT 10 15:00 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1-0 27,794 (1,430) 2 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN CLARK STEVENS McATEE 

MON 19 20:00 WIGAN ATHLETIC 2-1 11,556 (2,225) 2 FOD'HAM BALDOCK AHMED’ZIC EGAN 1 CLARK STEVENS McATEE 

MON 26 15:00 COVENTRY CITY 

THU 29 20:15 BLACKPOOL 

MON 2 20:00 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 

SAT 7 15:00 MILLWALL FAC3 

SAT 14 15:00 STOKE CITY 

FRI 20 19:45 HULL CITY 

SAT 28 15:00 READING 

SAT 4 15:00 ROTHERHAM UNITED 

SAT 11 15:00 SWANSEA CITY 

WED 15 19:45 MIDDLESBROUGH 

SAT 18 15:00 MILLWALL 

SAT 25 15:00 WATFORD 

SAT 4 15:00 BLACKBURN ROVERS 

SAT 11 15:00 LUTON TOWN 

WED 15 19:45 SUNDERLAND 

SAT 18 15:00 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 

SAT 1 15:00 NORWICH CITY 

FRI 7 15:00 WIGAN ATHLETIC 

MON 10 15:00 BURNLEY 

SAT 15 15:00 CARDIFF CITY 

TUE 18 19:45 BRISTOL CITY 

SAT 22 15:00 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 

SAT 29 15:00 PRESTON NORTH END 

SAT 6 15:00 BIRMINGHAM CITY 

LET IT SNOW… Bramall Lane received a dusting of snow recently 

as the blast of cold weather through December saw our Women’s 

FA Cup fixture against Nottingham Forest called off. 


UTB 97 

HOME GAMES IN BOLD 

1 NUMBER SIGNIFIES GOALS SCORED 

OG = INDICATES AN OWN GOAL – P = PENALTY 

BOOKED – SENT-OFF 

(9) = SUBSTITUTE USED (NUMBER DENOTES PLAYER REPLACED) 

8 9 10 11 SUBSTITUTES REFEREE 

NORWOOD FLECK JEBBISON NDIAYE LOWE (6), BREWSTER (10), KHADRA (3), OSBORN (8), SHARP (11), GORDON, AMISSAH J. SMITH 

NORWOOD FLECK BREWSTER NIDAYE 1 SHARP (10), JEBBISON (11), OSBORN (9), LOWE, KHADRA, McATEE, AMISSAH D. COOTE 

FLECK McATEE KHADRA BREWSTER OSBORN (8), CLARK (3), DOYLE (9), SHARP (10), BERGE (12), BALDOCK, N’-DAVIES, JEBBISON, AMISSAH D. WEBB 

NORWOOD FLECK SHARP NDIAYE BREWSTER (10), McBURNIE (11), GORDON, DOYLE, KHADRA, McATEE, AMISSAH OG A. MARRINER 

NORWOOD McATEE BREWSTER NDIAYE FLECK (9), KHADRA (10), McBURNIE (11), DOYLE, BASHAM, JEBBISON, AMISSAH J. LININGTON 

NORWOOD 1 FLECK KHADRA McBURNIE NDIAYE (10) 2 , BASHAM (2), BREWSTER (11), DOYLE (7), McATEE, JEBBISON, AMISSAH L. DOUGHTY 

NORWOOD McATEE McBURNIE 1 NDIAYE DOYLE (9), AMISSAH (1), AHMEDHODZIC (5), BREWSTER (11), ARBLASTER, OSULA, JEBBISON D. WEBB 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE 1 NDIAYE 1 KHADRA (11), BREWSTER (10), BASHAM (2), McATEE (9), ARBLASTER, JEBBISON, AMISSAH G. WARD 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE 1 NDIAYE BASHAM (6), BREWSTER (10) , McATEE (7), ARBLASTER (9), KHADRA, GORDON, AMISSAH M. DONOHUE 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE NDIAYE McATEE (9), BREWSTER (10), KHADRA (11) 1, JEBBISON, BROOKS, GORDON, AMISSAH D. BOND 

NORWOOD NDIAYE 1 McBURNIE 1 BREWSTER DOYLE (11), SHARP (10), McATEE (9), KHADRA, BROOKS, GORDON, AMISSAH J. SIMPSON 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE 1 NDIAYE BOGLE (6), BREWSTER (9), SHARP (10), McATEE (11), ARBLASTER, GORDON, DAVIES D. BOND 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE NDIAYE KHADRA (2), BREWSTER (9), SHARP (10), McATEE (6), ARBLASTER, GORDON, DAVIES J. LININGTON 

McATEE NDIAYE KHADRA BREWSTER 1 SHARP (10), ARBLASTER (8), SACHDEV (2), JEBBISON (11), OSBORN (6), BROOKS, DAVIES P. BANKES 

NORWOOD 1 McATEE 1 SHARP NDIAYE 1 BREWSTER (10), McBURNIE (6), AHMEDHODZIC (9), KHADRA (2), ARBLASTER, ROBINSON, DAVIES D. WEBB 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE NIDAYE McATEE (6), FLECK (9), SHARP (5), KHADRA, BREWSTER, ROBINSON, AMISSAH K. STROUD 

NORWOOD McATEE SHARP BREWSTER NDIAYE (9), DOYLE (7), McBURNIE (11) 1, KHADRA (10), BUYABU, ROBINSON, AMISSAH J. SMITH 

NORWOOD DOYLE McBURNIE 1 NDIAYE 1 BREWSTER (7), SHARP (12), ROBINSON (2), STEVENS (5), KHADRA, McATEE, AMISSAH D. WHITESTONE 

NORWOOD NDIAYE 1 SHARP KHADRA McATEE (11), McBURNIE (10), STEVENS (7), CLARK (3), SACHDEV, BROOKS, DAVIES S. MARTIN 

NORWOOD OSBORN McBURNIE 2 NDIAYE 1 BASHAM (6), SHARP (10), ARBLASTER (7), BROOKS (2), CLARK, KHADRA, DAVIES D. BOND 

NORWOOD OSBORN McBURNIE NDIAYE McATEE (7), BASHAM (3), SHARP (6) , KHADRA (12), CLARK, ARBLASTER, DAVIES K. STROUD 

NORWOOD OSBORN SHARP NDIAYE CLARK (5), McATEE (7), KHADRA (11), BROOKS, SACHDEV, AMISSAH, DAVIES M. DONOHUE 

NORWOOD OSBORN SHARP 1 NDIAYE BERGE (7), McBURNIE (11), KHADRA (10), BASHAM, LOWE, BOGLE, DAVIES D. BOND 

NORWOOD BERGE SHARP 1 NDIAYE DOYLE (7), McBURNIE (10), KHADRA (11), BASHAM, LOWE, BOGLE, DAVIES D. WHITESTONE 


98 UTB 

BLADES STATISTICIAN ANDREW KIRKHAM DELVES INTO THE 

ARCHIVES TO ENLIGHTEN UNITEDITES WITH TOPICAL FIGURES… 

CHRISTMAS DAY... 

Not since 1958 have United played 

a football match on Christmas Day 

but, before then, it was a common 

occurrence. Between 1889 (United’s 

first ever Christmas) and 1958 United 

played 51 games on 25th December. 

37 were Football League games, 10 

wartime league games, one in the 

Midland Counties League and three 

were friendlies. Coventry City were 

our Christmas Day visitors in 1937, the 

Blades winning 3-2. 

UNITED’S CHRISTMAS DAY 

FOOTBALL LEAGUE RECORD 

P W D L F A 

Home.............23......11...... 9....... 3..... 47.....20 

Away..............14....... 5...... 1....... 8......15.....28 

Total...............37..... 16.....10......11..... 62.....48 

CHRISTMAS DAY LEAGUE GAMES 

FACTS AND FIGURES 

First games: 

H L 1-4 vs Derby County 1894 

A L 1-4 vs Burnley 1893 

Last games: 

H W 2-0 vs Lincoln City 1956 

A W 2-1 vs Grimsby Town 1958 

Record wins: 

H W 6-1 vs Brentford 1938 

A W 3-1 vs Swansea Town 1935 

Record defeats: 

H L 1-4 vs Derby County 1894 

A L 0-6 vs Burnley 1920 

Highest Attendances: 

H 50,080 vs Cardiff City 1923 (D 1-1) 

A 45,000 vs Tottenham H. 1922 (L 1-2) 

Lowest Attendances: 

H 12,000 vs Derby County 1894 (L 1-4) 

A 8,000 vs Burnley 1893 (L 1-4) 

Hat Tricks: 

Jock Dodds at Swansea Town, 

W 3-1, 1935 

Penalties: Harold Brook scored our only 

Christmas Day penalty in the 1953 home 

2-2 draw with Manchester City. Bill Toner 

had his attempt saved but the referee 

ruled that the ‘keeper had moved and 

Brook took the second attempt. 

Sendings off: No United nor opposition 

player was sent off on the 25th December. 

ALSO BOXING DAY 

27 times a Christmas Day game was 

followed by one on Boxing Day and 18 

times we played the same club both days. 

The first time, in 1908-09, we lost 0-1 at 

Hillsborough but beat Wednesday 2-1 at 

the Lane the following day. Perhaps the 

most surprising opposition was in 1935. 

Having won 3-1 at Swansea the clubs had 

to travel to Sheffield (by train) in less than 

22 hours which necessitated an overnight 

stay in Manchester. 

United did win 4-1. 

⊲ ‘Jock’ Dodds netted a 

hat-trick on Christmas 

Day back in 1935 


SHEFFIELD UNITED 

1 O Adam DAVIES 

2 O George BALDOCK 

3 O Enda STEVENS 

4 O John FLECK 

5 O Jack O’CONNELL 

6 O Chris BASHAM 

7 O Rhian BREWSTER 

8 O Sander BERGE 

9 O Oli McBURNIE 

10 O Billy SHARP 

11 O Reda KHADRA 

12 O John EGAN 

13 O Max LOWE 

15 O Anel AHMEDHODŽIĆ 

16 O Ollie NORWOOD 

17 O Ismaila COULIBALY 

18 O Wes FODERINGHAM 

19 O Jack ROBINSON 

20 O Jayden BOGLE 

22 O Tommy DOYLE 

23 O Ben OSBORN 

26 O Ciaran CLARK 

28 O James McATEE 

29 O Iliman NDIAYE 

30 O Oliver ARBLASTER 

33 O Rhys NORRINGTON-DAVIES 

34 O Kyron GORDON 

35 O Andre BROOKS 

36 O Daniel JEBBISON 

37 O Jordan AMISSAH 

39 O Sai SACHDEV 

COVENTRY CITY 

1 O Simon MOORE 

2 O Jonathan PANZO 

3 O Callum DOYLE 

4 O Michael ROSE 

5 O Kyle McFADZEAN 

6 O Liam KELLY 

8 O Jamie ALLEN 

9 O Martyn WAGHORN 

10 O Callum O’HARE 

13 O Ben WILSON 

14 O Ben SHEAF 

17 O Viktor GYÖKERES 

19 O Tyler WALKER 

20 O Todd KANE 

22 O Josh REID 

23 O Fankaty DABO 

24 O Matt GODDEN 

27 O Jake BIDWELL 

28 O Josh ECCLES 

30 O Fábio TAVARES 

32 O Jack BURROUGHS 

36 O Ryan HOWLEY 

38 O Gustavo HAMER 

45 O Kasey PALMER 

REFEREE 

MATTHEW DONOHUE 

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 

CRAIG TAYLOR 

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 

GEORGE BYRNE 

FOURTH OFFICIAL 

CARL BOYESON 

MAIN MATCH SPONSOR: BALFOUR CARPETS — SUNFISH SERVICES 

PROGRAMME SPONSOR: GD WOODWORKING — MATCH BALL SPONSOR: DATAGRAPHIC 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: 

In the event of any emergency you will hear a safety 

message over the PA system. Remain where you are 

and listen carefully to the announcement. Comply 

immediately if it affects your area. Stewards, Police 

Officers and Officials will direct you to safe areas, 

which may be through Exit Doors/Gates to the street 

or on to the playing area. If you are disabled or 

feel unsafe in a large crowd, remain where you are 

until stewards assist you. Remain calm and do not 

move unless the announcement affects your area.

Sheffield United vs Coventry City

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