Sheffield United: A New Beginning

Sheffield United: A New Beginning

The end of last season always felt like the end of an era. All the excitement of the previous season and promotion to the Premier League was quickly extinguished as the majority quickly realised we were, in simple terms, out of our depth.

The gap between the two top leagues in English football has perhaps never been wider. But the lack of any serious investment in the playing squad left Sheffield United with little hope of survival. It was a thoroughly depressing season, embarrassing even. The defence leaked goals like there was no tomorrow. The strikers couldn’t seem to score goals if they had played until tomorrow.

Our fate was sealed long before it was officially sealed. There were no surprises. No, Dave Bassett like miracles of escapism. Paul Heckingbottom was moved on. The euphoria of promotion just a few short months prior had long since gone. In truth, the departure of Heckingbottom could have come sooner. But the board hardly helped him. They almost certainly hindered him. Chris Wilder was drafted back in to try and repair the damage, but nothing much changed. The season limped on. Everyone concerned was resigned to their fate long before the final whistle.

Everyone knew we needed a rebuild. Players were moved on in mass. Great servants like Ollie Norwood, John Egan, and others left the club. The early part of the transfer window was incredibly frustrating. The players coming through the door were few and far between. The never-ending takeover saga dragged on without any resolution. It limited what business we could do. Only a few weeks ago, it didn’t look good.

But business, as they say, has picked up. The takeover is, thankfully, edging ever nearer. And new players are finally arriving.

The recent acquisition of Michael Cooper from Plymouth is an important one. An area where we have been lacking since the days of Dean Henderson. Cooper has been a long-term target. His signature has been a long time coming. You sense a vital piece of the puzzle.

Callum O’Hare looks like an insanely good piece of business. A player that excites. He could be a real gem of a player. A pivotal signing that could ignite and unlock everyone around him. At 26, his peak years are ahead of him. Hopefully, with Sheffield United.

Harrison Burrows was in much demand. The left-back choosing to play his football at Bramall Lane sends out a statement. Something is happening.

Cooper, O’Hare, Burrows, and the rest of the new signings will be complimented by the immensely talented youngsters already at the club. Sydie Peck, Louie Marsh, Andre Brooks, Femi Seriki, Oliver Arblaster, and others could be the future of the club. But they are also very much part of the present. The squad as a whole has youth, energy, and plenty of promise. Ambition also.

It’s a vitally important season for Rhian Brewster. A striker plagued by injuries since his big-money move from Liverpool and in the final year of his contract, it really is a case of now or never. But if he can stay injury-free, I still believe Brewster can flourish in a Blades shirt. If he finds his form and, more importantly, his confidence, the goals will come. Brewster could be like a new signing for us.

Another few quality additions to bulk up the numbers would give the squad some much-needed depth. Another striker would especially be welcome. The likes of Anel Ahmedhodžić, Vinícius Souza, and Gustavo Hamer have been linked elsewhere. But to maintain a strong promotion push, Sheffield United would be a better side with all three staying.

But after the abject failure of last season, it really does feel like a new beginning. After two games and two wins, the signs are looking good. Everything that went so disastrously wrong last season could very quickly be forgotten. You suspect that not many will be leaving early this season.

Photo Credit: Sheffield United