Sheff Utd fans: we are finding our feet and heading for the top six
Sheff Utd fans are confident their side’s fortunes are on the up ahead of their game against Port Vale…
Please note: OVF editor Rob Fielding was away for a week so these replies were submitted over a week ahead of the game. Circumstances may mean some of the answers are slightly out of date. Thanks to REP for posing the questions
About the fans…
blade too long – I’m a 62 year old who watched us from being first division regulars to today’s low point.
1danewhitehouse – I’m 32 years old. I started following the Blades during the magical Bassett revival.
Rusty view – I’ve supported them since I can remember, I’ve been to close to 70 grounds, mainly to see defeats but hey, that comes with the territory.
About the opposition…
How do you expect your team to do this season?
blade too long – Under Chris Wilder I expect us to finish in the top six as a minimum.
1danewhitehouse – I think after a poor start, we’re finding our feet and I fancy us for the top six. I’ll go with fourth.
Rusty view – Initially mid table, but since the team have gelled probably third and the play-offs again. I’m dreaming of automatic promotion though.
What are your thoughts on the manager and his signings?
He’s a blade and he feels our pain. Top lad.
blade too long – He came in and had to start from scratch. He’s a blade and he feels our pain. Top lad.
1danewhitehouse – He’s had a big rebuild to do in the summer but seems to have got more right than wrong with the team looking to have been improved. He seems to have made three very good acquisitions in Simon Moore, Ethan Ebanks Landell and Jack O Connell. Billy Sharp is the obvious danger man along with Matt Done. Paul Coutts’ re-emergence in midfield has also been very welcome.
Rusty view – I’m worried about the volume of signings (too many) and in our first four games we suffered for this. But since then the football Blades fans recognise and like is returning and we are making good progress. We are on a solid run at the moment. The manager knows what Blades want, he respects it and is trying to get the passion back and make home a fortress again.
Your thoughts on the board?
They have plenty of money but not a lot of leadership…
1danewhitehouse – They have plenty of money but not a lot of leadership. They wasted huge money on the wrong managers and poor players and sold star players every year to balance the books. At least this time the sales (Adams and Calver-Lewin) weren’t integral to the first team and this manager seems a better appointment thus far.
Rusty view – I’m indifferent. While they are trying to back the board and believing there are reasons for their decisions, it’s sometime hard to understand player sales and a seemingly lack of investment, especially considering we a co-owned by a member of the Saudi Royal Family.
A score prediction and predicted away following?
blade too long – 2-1 win for us. Attendance will be 19,500 or thereabouts.
1danewhitehouse – 1-0 to the blades.
Rusty view – 3 -1 win for Blades. Attendance circa 19,000 – closer to 20 if there’s a good following from your boys.
About the Vale…
Where do you think Vale will finish?
blade too long – Sixth to tenth as usual.
1danewhitehouse – Not sure how the foreign imports will cope with the cold winter nights. I’ll go for ninth.
Rusty view – Mid-table.
A guide for Vale fans…
Can you tell us something about your side we may not know?
We eat copious amounts of chip butties!
blade too long – We play in the world’s oldest stadium that is used by a professional. We eat copious amounts of chip butties!
1danewhitehouse – We are the first United. Brian Deane scored the first ever Premier League Goal.
Rusty view – Our home ground is affectionately known as BDTBL (Beautiful Down Town Bramall Lane). Our ground has hosted an FA Cup match and an England Test match. Only the Kensington Oval can claim the same.
What about a recommended blog or forum?
blade too long – Bladesmad , its run by lunatics!
1danewhitehouse – Blades Mad was good but the admins ruined the functionality of the site meaning it’s now a ghost town.
Rusty view – S24SU seems the more reserved forum. Blades mad… well it’s in the name.
Any recommendations for pubs, food and parking?
blade too long – All our pubs are friendly we are very nice people.
1danewhitehouse – The Sheffield Tap (in the station). Good beer and always frequented by away fans arriving on the train.
Rusty view – Probably the Globe or Howard near the train station or Sheaf Island on Ecclesall Road.