Blades previewed ahead of new season
League One Preview:
Next on our list of previews is Sheffield United, after the fixtures were released at 9am this morning we now know that we will be playing the Blades at Bramall Lane on October 19 and be welcoming them to Vale Park for the last home match of the season on April 26. So what can we expect from the Blades?
Team: Sheffield United
Sheffield United suffered back-to-back heartache at Wembley as unfancied Yeovil Town beat them 2-0 in the Play-Off final to leave the Blades in League One for another season.
Danny Wilson was dismissed as manager in April and former captain Chris Morgan was put in temporary charge until the end of the season. With the season over former Everton player David Weir has been appointed as manager for the upcoming campaign.
Players:
With David Weir now in charge expect a host of ins and outs at Bramall Lane. One area he will look to strengthen is in the striker department as Nick Blackman who scored 14 goals in all competitions last term has returned to his parent-club Reading.
Midfielder Barry Robson has joined his hometown club Aberdeen on a free transfer.
United announced their retained list which would see the Blades part ways with Danny Coyne, Matthew Harriott, Lecsinel Jean-François and Dave Kitson.
However it was also announced that Aaron Barry, Jordan Chapell, Danny Higginbotham, Jordan Hodder, Terry Kennedy, Callum McFadzean, Jahmal Smith and Elliott Whitehouse had all taken the option to have their contracts extended
Manager: David Weir
The Sheffield United manager’s job represents David Weir’s first step into management after the former Everton and Rangers defender took the job at Bramall Lane.
Many could see this as a risk but the former Scotland international has been coaching Everton’s academy and reserves under the now Manchester United manager David Moyes. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright revealed that Weir was interviewed for the Everton vacancy after Moyes left for the Premier League champions but the job instead went to FA Cup winning manager Roberto Martinez.
Key Man: Harry Maguire
20-year-old Harry Maguire has impressed over the past two campaigns, so much so he has won Player of the Year two seasons running.
The 6ft 4in centre-back has also received international honours after being called up to the England Under 21s for a friendly against Northern Ireland.
For the past two season’s Maguire has missed four league games, this shows his importance to the team and such a young age.
Promotion Odds: 10/3