After a turbulent week at Bramall Lane, the Holme Lea Pub on Handsworth Road will tonight play host to a question and answer session with Sheffield United owner Kevin McCabe and football club chairman David Green.

Organised by the Handsworth Blades Supporters Club, over 150 tickets were made available with the proceeds from the ticket sales going to Weston Park Hospital. The event is a sell out so please do not arrive at the venue without a ticket.

As usual – technology and internet connection allowing – we’ll be providing coverage from the event, so if you can’t make it, join us here on the S24SU website or keep an eye on our twitter feed (http://twitter.com/s24su).

The Q&A is scheduled to begin at 19:00, so get yourselves comfortable and join us via the following link:

As ever, many of you will want to proffer your opinions and debate the evening with fellow Blades; whilst we’ll be a little busy covering proceedings to respond ourselves (though we occasionally do so during breaks!) you’ll be in good company on our forum – http://www.s24su.com/forum – where you can set the world to rights 24 hours a day.

Sheffield United are offering season ticket holders the chance to bring two family members or friends to either of  two of the upcoming home fixtures completely free of charge!

In an attempt to maximise the atmosphere and help inspire the players towards the goal of automatic promotion, the Blades will be giving tickets for the Bramall Lane Upper Tier to those taking up the offer.

The Blades hope to replicate the red hot atmosphere of an away day when forthcoming home games kick off at Bramall Lane.

Unitedites have travelled to away fixtures in tremendous numbers this season, the vocal backing assisting Danny Wilson’s team chalk up 11 victories on the road in an entertaining campaign.

The aim now is to create an away day feel inside the Lane… and in the process reward Season Ticket Holders for their loyalty.

For either of the Tuesday night home encounters with Crawley Town or Brentford, current Season Ticket Holders can claim two free tickets to bring family members or friends.

The free tickets will be in the Bramall Lane Upper Tier – the traditional away stand at S2, helping create an away day feel.

“Vociferous backing for Blades from all four stands at Bramall Lane will be an undoubted advantage,” said Operations Director, Dave McCarthy.

“This is a win-win situation, we can reward Season Ticket Holders by offering additional tickets for family and friends and create an unbelievable atmosphere – the only people who do not benefit is the opposition, who, we hope, will be stepping into a daunting arena.”

“The aim is to inspire both our players and fans – we all know the benefits should we reach our ultimate goal of promotion and everyone can play their part.”

KEY POINTS

• 2012/13 Season Ticket Holders can claim two complimentary tickets for Bramall Lane Upper Tier for EITHER the Crawley game on 9th April OR the Brentford fixture on 16th April. Tickets are strictly subject to availability and on a first come first serve basis.
• Season Tickets Holders can move their own Season Tickets into the Bramall Lane Upper Tier free of charge.
• This offer must be claimed before 5pm on Monday 8th April for our fixture against Crawley and 5pm on Monday 15th April for our fixture against Brentford.

Ticket Office opening times – Friday 5th April 9am-5pm, Saturday 6th April 9am-12noon, Monday 8th April 9am-5pm.

Tickets can only be claimed in person at Blades Ticket Office or by calling 0871 995 1889 (option 3). This offer is not available online.

May 9th 2013 sees Sheffield United and Bramall Lane have the great privilege of playing yet another massive part in the story of true Lane Legend Alan Hodgkinson’s life and career when it hosts the launch of his autobiography.

Written in tandem with author Les Green this is without a doubt the definitive story of a life given over to the beautiful game and what a story it is!

Born in Laughton Common, Hodgy came to the attention of Sheffield United as a youngster playing between the sticks for Worksop Town and a deal was struck that he could join the Bramall Lane outfit for the princely sum of £250 – how many times did he repay that fee down the years?

Part of the legendary defence that generations of Blades were nurtured on the stories of his name is synonymous with both Sheffield United FC and the specialist trade he plied.

The second highest league appearance maker in the club’s history tells its own story, 674 appearances altogether over 17 years also speaks volumes – in fact he missed just 17 games out of a possible 571 in the league.

A key figure in the promotion teams of 1961 and 1971 as well as the FA Cup Semi Final side that arguably should have taken the turf at Wembley v Spurs he also represented his country at U23 level as well as gracing the Football League representative side.

A successful spell on the coaching staff following hanging up his gloves was followed by a spell as part of the management team at Gillingham alongside Gerry Summers before becoming the world’s first specialist goalkeeping coach and mentoring, amongst others, David Seaman and the great Peter Schmeical as well as becoming an integral part of the Scotland Staff- he has never slowed down- the award of the MBE in January 2008 was a
reflection of what he has given to the game down the years.

Be a Part of History

To launch this fantastic book the Blades are hosting “An Evening with Alan Hodgkinson MBE”.

All attending on the night will receive a personally dedicated book from the man himself as part of their package – the doors to the Platinum Suite will open at 7 o’clock – there will be a free pint of house beer/ lager or a soft drink of your choice on arrival – your signature SUFC Home Made Pie, Peas and Gravy will be served at 7.30 prompt to table.

To mark its publication Alan will then take to the stage at 9.00pm for what should prove to be the Q&A to end all led by Club Historian John Garrett and “Between the Sticks” author Les Scott who will also invite questions from the floor.

The licensed bar will be open until late and Alan will be around for a chat as the evening ends!!

The cost for this superb evening is £45 per head including an exclusive, signed copy of “Between the Sticks” – Tables of 10 can be booked for £400 or you may simply come along for the event for £30 per head (a copy of the book is not included in this price) and tickets are booked directly through the Sheffield United Box Office or contact John Garrett on john.garrett@sufc.co.uk – please note – the exclusive personal signed copies will be available only to those attending on the night, so please book early to avoid any disappointment!

Please Note: Dress Code is Smart Casual for this event – Strictly no jeans or trainers.

Legends of the Lane are delighted to announce the next in the series: An evening with Carl Bradshaw.

“Bradders” is one of the biggest characters to pull on the famous shirt – a Sheffield lad through and through Carl has some fantastic and very funny stories to tell!

Not many begin their career across the City and go on to make cult status with the Lane Kop, but Carl is certainly one who made that transition seamlessly – a player definitely and rightly regarded as one of us.

With 148 starts in the red and white stripes (plus 27 as sub) his career here spanned the Bassett promotion team and the magic that was Leicester on the final day of the season, the formation of the Premier League (and a leading role in the Sky advert promoting it) and the agony of watching a semi final game that he should have run, from the stands at Wembley an incredible 20 years ago.

Carl still holds the record number of appearances for the Club in the Premier League and is, of course, one of our former Captains – possibly one of the proudest in recent times to take the armband.

“An Evening with Carl Bradshaw” will take place in Legends of the Lane on the evening of the 7th March 2013.

Doors open at 7.00pm and you can take the opportunity to have a picture taken with our special guest and the FA Cup before our signature home made steak pie, peas and gravy are served at 7.30pm

The Q&A session, led by Club Historian John Garrett will start at around 8.30pm and the audience will get a chance to put their questions to the man himself over the course of the evening.

The licensed bar will be open throughout the evening with table service during the Q&A.

The price is just £16 per head and the price includes a complimentary pint of house beer/ lager /glass of wine or standard soft drink on arrival!

To book simply contact the Ticket Office through the usual channels or contact JG on john.garrett@sufc.co.uk for further information.

As this is a Legends event there are a strictly limited number of tickets available – please book early to avoid disappointment!!        

Sheffield United are to start a “Memory Room” in the Legends of the Lane museum at the Lane.

Club Historian and Supporters Liaison Officer John Garrett will be holding the first “Fables and Folklore” evening in Legends of the Lane next week, following on from the success of the popular feature in the official match day programme.

These evenings will take a unique look at the history of Sheffield Football, the Blades and Bramall Lane through the eyes of John Garrett, the players who helped create the history and the shirts, caps, medals and trophies that they won.

Legends is one of the only dedicated museum facilities in the English game and its collection is second to none. The aim is to form a historical society, with fans getting together on a regular basis to share stories and memories of our “Lives at the Lane” and there will be also a chance to see vintage footage of the Blades dating from the early 20’s onwards. It is intended that guest speakers from all sides of Lane life will attend to tell their tales – a true “memory room”.

“Fables and Folkelore” will take place in Legends of the Lane at 7.30pm on the evening of Wednesday 12th December with bar facilities open should you fancy a beer or brew, or something stronger to warm you through.

Things will kick off with a chance to see vintage and rare footage of the Club from the 1920′s onwards talked through by JG – that will lead nicely into a look at some of our fantastic treasures and the stories that go with them. The evening should end no later than 9.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Sheffield United Ticket Office and are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

For further information please contact John Garrett via john.garrett@sufc.co.uk.

It has recently become evident that the club may have fans who are entering the ground fraudulently on concession tickets, thus watching games at an unfairly reduced rate. The club offers reasonable concession prices to various areas of our support and expect this to be respected.

As such, SUFC are reintroducing concession checks at the turnstiles from Saturday’s home FA Cup 2nd round fixture against Port Vale.

This will be a permanent initiative running at every home fixture and fans are reminded to bring the required concessionary proof, i.e proof of age, NUS card stating you are in full time education or DLA documentation.

Specific concession turnstiles are also in operation on the John Street and Kop stands. Turnstile numbers 28-31 and 40-43 on John Street and 49/50, 56/57 and 62-65 on the Kop. These are clearly marked with signage above. Please ensure if you are a concession
you enter via the correct turnstile. Adults accompanying concessions can also access the ground via these turnstiles.

Concession turnstiles are not in operation in other stands due to the smaller blocks of turnstiles however stewards will still be monitoring all turnstiles in these areas. Any supporter unable to provide the necessary evidence to confirm their concessionary status will be ejected from the stadium.

The club do not wish to inconvenience supporters and your co-operation is appreciated. To ensure speedy access to the stadium please have any required proof to hand for the stewards to validate.

Sheffield United suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Leicester City on a cold Saturday morning at Shirecliffe, despite taking the lead in the first half.

Jamie Hoyland made a number of changes to his side after Wednesday night’s cup game at Rochdale, with Gareth Owen taking the place of injured George Willis. Jason Paling, Kyle Scarisbrick, Ioan Evans and Elliot Ptak started as the entire back four was changed. Otis Khan, Connor Dimaio, Ben Whiteman and Joel Coustrain started in midfield with Jahmal Smith retaining his place up front, and he was joined by his replacement from that game, Owen Heather. Only four players made up the substitutes bench.

Despite the amount of changes made, it was the Blades who made the better start to the game. Owen Heather was heavily involved from the start as he charged down an attempted clearance 35 yards from goal, and he broke down the right before cutting back and crossing to the far post where Joel Coustrain latched onto it, only to be denied by a good save from the Leicester keeper. The next chance fell to Heather, as Khan’s free kick from the right hand side was headed back across goal, only for Heather to see his effort on the stretch go just wide of the post.

Leicester’s first attempt came in the 5th minute of the game, as their number 9 lifted the ball over Scarisbrick before hitting a good low volley on target, but Gareth Owen got down well to his right to tip the ball wide of the post and into the side netting. Their next chance came after 11 minutes, after some neat passing play saw the number 4 have his shot blocked well by Ben Whiteman after a good burst into the area from midfield.

For the home side, Ioan Evans was next to go close as his 14th minute header was over the bar from Otis Khan’s corner, which was won after good work down the right hand side between Jahmal Smith and full back Jason Paling, who was looking to bomb forward at every opportunity. And after being involved in this attack, it was JAHMAL SMITH who gave his side the lead in the 22nd minute after some excellent work. He picked the ball up on the right with 3 men round him, yet somehow managed to bulldoze his way through them showing great strength and power, before cutting onto his left foot in the penalty area and firing back across the wrong footed Foxes ‘keeper.

Just two minutes later, there was almost an exact replica of the first chance of the game. Owen Heather once again showed great persistence to close down an attempted clearance, before making tracks down the right and delaying the ball in to the box and finding Coustrain as he made a run into the area, the Irishman was unlucky to see his effort hit the outside of the post and go wide. The Blades were in complete control of the game up to this point and were keeping the ball well, whilst posing a constant threat.

The game quietened down considerably after that chance, with United being limited to long distance efforts from Heather and Khan respectively, testing the visitors’ keeper who saved both attempts with ease. However, his opposite number Gareth Owen made an absolutely fantastic save in the 41st minute to deny the Leicester number 11 an equaliser from just six yards out as he rose highest from a corner taken from the right.

United had a couple of chances to double their lead in the next few minutes, with the impressive Heather involved yet again. Firstly, he beat two men on the right hand side before squaring the ball to Ben Whiteman, who met the ball perfectly with a stunning 30 yard drive with his left foot, and he was unfortunate to see the ball go just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Heather then won a header to divert the ball perfectly into Khan’s path, and he was denied well by the keeper’s right leg as he looked to place the ball underneath him.

The Blades must have thought they’d done enough to hold their advantage until the break, but it wasn’t to be as City forced a corner down the right hand side in stoppage time and grabbed an equaliser right on the half time whistle. The corner was sent to the back post and met by the head of number 3, who bulleted his header past Owen who could have done little to stop it. This turned out to be a decisive factor in the game as the momentum shifted to the visitors massively in the second period.

Leicester started much the better side in the second half, and seemed to use the size and strength of the players at their disposal to their advantage a lot more. They had a penalty appeal rightly turned down in the first minute of the half after a challenge by Elliot Ptak, and forced a couple of early corners but they couldn’t test Gareth Owen until a ball over the top saw the number 8 with a chance to put his side in front as the Welsh keeper looked to rush out and clear the ball, only to see his attempted lob saved by the outstretched right arm of Owen.

Owen was made to work again moments later as he did well to tip over a volley from the Foxes’ number 4, who volleyed from a ridiculous angle at the right edge of the penalty area about 8 yards from the touchline. From this corner, the number 3 managed to bag his second of the game in very similar fashion to the first goal. The corner was delivered from the right, and it was met by the head of the Leicester left back 6 yards out to give the visitors the lead in the 53rd minute.

The first Blades attempt of the half came from midfield as Whiteman met the ball from 30 yards out on the volley, and despite being well struck it was a good five yards over the bar so the keeper wasn’t tested. Sadly, it wasn’t long until the home side were back under pressure as Kyle Scarisbrick put his body on the line with an excellent block to prevent the Foxes from doubling their lead, after Owen could only parry a vicious shot into the middle of the area.

With the Blades on the back foot, Hoyland reacted by introducing Tyler Williams at left back in place of Elliot Ptak. This seemed to work initially as they pressed forward and almost managed an equaliser courtesy of Owen Heather, who saw his thunderous right footed drive go just wide of the keeper’s right hand post. Jamie-Dean McDonagh was brought on for Joel Coustrain in the 64th minute, and in the 66th minute it was Connor Dimaio looking to replicate his efforts on Wednesday night at Rochdale. It was a great effort from the United captain for the day, as he picked it up in midfield before a fantastic dipping, swerving shot missed the left hand post by inches with the City keeper beaten at full stretch.

Unfortunately, this would be the last real attacking threat from the home side as Leicester controlled the last quarter of the game. They could have gone 3-1 in front as the giant number 8′s header beat Owen, only for Kyle Scarisbrick to get back brilliantly and clear the ball just before it crossed the line. Their next chance was from a counter attack, and the number 8 was again involved, displaying great pace to break down the left before squaring to the on-rushing number 4 who, to his disbelief, put his shot well wide from 10 yards out. It didn’t matter though, as less than a minute later the number 8 was rewarded for good work to beat Paling by slotting underneath Owen as he looked to narrow the angle, and give his side a two goal lead with 76 minutes on the clock. During the celebrations, Otis Khan was brought off for an under 16 player who is called Jake, but sadly I don’t know his surname.

This goal seemed to kill the game off completely, and a very quiet last 14 minutes was only interrupted by a fourth goal for the Foxes in the 80th minute. Their number 7 found space on the right wing, and delivered brilliantly to the back post where two Leicester players were unmarked, and they managed to bundle the ball home between them and put the result beyond doubt. United looked to get a consolation goal but it wasn’t to be as they didn’t create a real opportunity in the closing stages, leaving a damaging scoreline which was pretty harsh on the home side considering their dominance in the first half.

Despite the result, a very young United team showed some encouraging signs today, especially in the first half. Most of the Blades side from Wednesday night were rested in anticipation of the under 21 fixture against Leicester on Monday.

Sheffield United U18: Owen, Paling, Scarisbrick, Evans, Ptak (T Williams), Khan (Jake ?), Whiteman, Dimaio, Coustrain (McDonagh), Heather, Smith

Unused Substitutes: Lynch

Report by DazBlade88, photo by Foxy

Sheffield United’s FA Youth Cup venture was a short one this year as they were beaten 2-1 by Rochdale at Spotland on Wednesday night, despite a spirited performance after being reduced to ten men early in the game.

Jamie Hoyland named a strong line up for the visitors; George Willis was in goal after his spell on the substitutes bench with the first team and he had a back four of Jordan Hodder, Chris Salt, Josh Williams and Tyler Williams in front of him, all of whom have represented the under 21 side this season. Jamie-Dean McDonagh was given a starting spot on the right wing, with Joel Coustrain starting on the left. Otis Khan and Max Pemberton started the game in central midfield with Jahmal Smith, and recently turned pro Diego DeGirolamo resuming their partnership up front.

Despite the strength of the Blades side, it was Rochdale that started the game much brighter as central midfielder Andrew Cannon tested Willis early on with a shot from distance, but it was a tame effort and the keeper saved with ease. Willis would be involved again not long after, as a ball over the top looked to free Logan before Willis rushed out and cleared the ball for a throw in. From that throw, Tanser would create a chance to cross the ball for Daniel Whitehall but he couldn’t divert his header goalwards and the Blades keeper could watch the ball go over his crossbar.

George Willis was still heavily involved, and was unfortunately injured in the 6th minute of the game. After good work down the left by Joel Logan, his low cross was bravely cut out by Willis who unfortunately collided with Dale striker Dimitri Tuanzebe. After a few minutes of treatment, it looked like he may be able to continue but he was forced off in the 14th minute and helped down the tunnel by the physio and goalkeeping coach as he was seemingly very concussed following the incident. Wales under 16 international Gareth Owen came on in his place.

Between the initial injury and the substitution, the Blades had their first half chances of the game. First up, Diego DeGirolamo was involved as he attempted a volley on the turn from 30 yards out but it was quite comfortably saved by Aaron Ashley. The next potential chance was for Otis Khan, after Tyler Williams broke forward from left back before delivering a teasing cross to the back post, causing hesitation between Ashley and the Rochdale defence. Khan challenged between keeper and defender and looked to have the better of them, but fortunately for the home side, Ashley was able to recover the situation and keep the scores level.

The first goal of the game came in the 20th minute from a Rochdale corner from the right hand side. Left back Scott Tanser’s delivery had already caused problems for United and it did so on this occasion as his whipping cross was met by the head of CALLUM CAMPS 10 yards out, leaving sub keeper Owen very little opportunity to make the save and giving the home side a deserved lead after a slow start from the team wearing red and white.

This wouldn’t be end of United’s first half troubles. Just two minutes later, Andrew Cannon’s bursting run through midfield saw him ease into the penalty area before a last ditch tackle by Chris Salt was badly mistimed, upending the impressive Rochdale midfielder and giving the referee an easy decision to give a penalty. Salt was given a straight red card, which may have been a little harsh, meaning the visitors were down to 10 men after just 22 minutes.

It was a long wait before the penalty was taken, as Cannon received treatment following the challenge from Salt. Scott Tanser was the man with the opportunity to put the hosts two goals ahead, but he was brilliantly prevented by a low save from Owen who also managed to divert the ball away from the net and keep the deficit at just one goal, giving United a glimmer of hope despite being a man down.

Hoyland used the next break in play to make his second substitution of the game in just the 28th minute. Joel Coustrain was the unfortunate one to be sacrificed, and he made way for central midfielder Connor Dimaio. This meant a tactical switch for United with Max Pemberton, who was being watched by recently departed John Pemberton and family, dropping to centre half, Jahmal Smith being moved on to the left hand side of midfield and Diego DeGirolamo playing as the only striker in a 4-4-1 formation.

This seemed to work almost immediately as the Blades forced a corner on the left hand side thanks to good work by Tyler Williams getting forward from left back once again. Otis Khan came across to take the corner, and he went for the short option with a pass to CONNOR DIMAIO who was unmarked; He took the ball to the corner of the penalty area before curling the ball in off the underside of the bar exquisitely to draw his side level in the 31st minute despite being a man down.

Rochdale reacted extremely well to this set back however, and caused their Yorkshire opponents a few moments of panic in the closing stages of the first half. Straight from the kick off from the equalising goal, Cannon managed to worm his way through the United defence to get to the byline before shooting past Owen, only to see his shot his the outside of the post and behind for a goal kick. Joel Logan was the next with a chance for the hosts, but he was denied by a good challenge from Josh Williams as he looked to be through on goal. Callum Hill also saw his header go just over the bar from yet another brilliant corner from Scott Tanser, who was another player to go close as he saw his 25 yard free kick go a yard wide of Owen’s left hand post.

Despite all this, United would somehow hang on until half time and they would go in level despite being on the back foot for much of the first half.

United got the second half underway, but it was Rochdale again on the attack. Logan was a constant threat and he caused problems for the Blades defence twice in the opening stages of the half. Firstly, he went on a good run down the left hand side, leaving Pemberton for dead before delivering a low back post cross which Tyler Williams did well to clear away. The second was a real chance, this time from the right as he cut inside and drilled a low shot which Owen did well to save and concede a corner.

These two chances were either side of a rare dangerous moment from the visitors, as Northern Irishman Jamie-Dean McDonagh went on a fantastic run from the halfway line. He beat three men quite easily before a last ditch block prevented him from testing Ashley in the Dale net.

It wasn’t long until Rochdale were on the front foot again, as they began to make the numerical advantage pay on the big pitch at Spotland. Dimitri Tuanzebe started to influence the game a bit more, and he set up Daniel Whitehall as he tested Owen’s handling with a good first time effort. Thankfully for the Blades, Owen was up to the task. The next effort fell to Tuanzebe with 64 minutes on the clock, who somehow managed to poke the ball wide from just four yards out with an empty net gaping. It was an excellent run and cross by the ever dangerous Logan to set up the chance, but United would hold on for a little bit longer.

And it would only be a little bit longer, as Rochdale deservedly took a 2-1 lead in the 69th minute of the game, albeit in slightly fortuitous circumstances. The ball fell kindly for Andrew Cannon on the edge of the box, and his low drive was instinctively blocked by Tyler Williams before rebounding perfectly into the path of DANIEL WHITEHALL, who made no mistake from 8 yards out. And Whitehall should have been on the scoresheet again two minutes later, Scott Tanser again the provider as Whitehall headed wide despite being unmarked at the back post.

The hosts looked to kill the game off against the tiring legs of the United players, who had worked their socks off for very little reward up to this point in terms of attacking opportunities which must have been very frustrating. This probably told as DeGirolamo attempted an overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area in the 80th minute, but it summed up the Blades’ night as he couldn’t quite connect and the ball sailed over the bar.

Jamie Hoyland brought on Owen Heather in place of Jahmal Smith in the 85th minute, looking for a late equaliser as Connor Martin replaced Andrew Cannon for the hosts. I’d just like to point out for anyone who recognises the name, that this isn’t the same Connor Martin that was involved in United’s run to the Youth Cup Final two seasons ago.

This substitution didn’t initially have the desired effect as Tanser pushed forward from left back once again, and his cross was met by Logan who was unfortunate to see Max Pemberton in the right place to clear off the line and keep his side in with a fighting chance as the game went into injury time. Owen Heather almost had a chance to get in behind the Dale defence as he looked to latch onto Gareth Owen’s kick, but unfortunately for him Callum Hill just got back in time to prevent any scoring chance.

The Blades won a free kick late on, and piled bodies forward to try and grab an equaliser but it came to nothing as the home side defended well and managed to clear the danger. It seemed to be the last chance for Hoyland’s men, until DeGirolamo found one last pass to play Otis Khan in behind the defence, but Khan couldn’t get the ball out of his feet enough to get the shot away and was forced wide before Darcy O’Connor cleared the danger, and the referee blew his whistle for full time to knock the Blades out of the competition.

Sheffield United will be looking to make amends on Saturday, 17th November at 11am as they host Leicester City at Shirecliffe.

Sheffield United: Willis (Owen), Hodder, Salt, Josh Williams, Tyler Williams, McDonagh, Pemberton, Khan, Coustrain (Dimaio), DeGirolamo, Smith (Heather).

Unused Substitutes: Paling, Whiteman.

Rochdale: Ashley, Hill, Tanser, Allen, O’Connor, Antoine-Clarke, Camps, Cannon (Martin), Whitehall, Logan, Tanzuebe

Unused Substitutes: Masirika, Bell, Akinwale-Samuels, Diba-Musangu

A familiar face amongst many Blades fans will be taking on a new role vital to communication with the fan-base.

In line with a major new UEFA directive, John Garrett will undertake the role of Supporter Liaison Officer for Sheffield United – an area in which he has been very active assisting and supporting colleagues in the past.

Long-serving staff member John has taken on the new role following a restructuring process at Bramall Lane.

“As part of the European football governing body’s new initiative, it will see it a mandatory requirement for all football clubs to have their own Supporter Liaison Officer,” remarks John, a lifelong Blade from Sheffield.

“I have been fortunate to have had the chance on many, many occasions to interact with the various Supporters’ Groups around Bramall Lane down the years and have played a part in many of the Fans Forum nights that have taken place over the past couple of years.

“A successful club has to have excellent two-way dialogue between itself and its supporters at all times and whilst I think that we all have to respect that opinions on all matters will vary from time to time, it is important to listen to each other more closely and find that common ground.

“The club is changing, as is football, and whilst I will not always be able to be an agent of change in all areas, I am delighted to have the opportunity to certainly put people, ideas and opinions together in the right way and at the right time.”

John is currently putting together a structure of communication with supporters, which it is hoped will again involve Fans Forums, and hopes to work closely with a number of supporter representatives, who will act as points of contact.

For more information, contact John at john.garrett@sufc.co.uk

As always, S24SU are happy to continue to put forward any issues, questions or comments, so let us know if there is anything we can raise on your behalf.

The Blades travelled to Brisbane Road (The Matchroom Stadium) looking to build on their midweek away win at struggling Hartlepool United, but didn’t have the luxury of naming an unchanged side with the most noticeable absence in the warm up being Neill Collins, who missed out after being admitted to hospital with a toe infection. With the Scot unavailable, Matt Hill moved into the the middle to partner Harry Maguire and Marcus Williams came into the side at left back.

Playing in the white change strip, the Blades found themselves with a half chance early doors when the ball dropped to Ryan Flynn in the Orient box, but just as the winger looked to get a shot away the keeper smothered the ball at his feet. With the Blades looking to make a positive impact in the opening stages, McMahon then had a shot from distance which cleared the home side’s crossbar.

The next action of any note was to be in the Blades goalmouth on 9 minutes, but it wasn’t Orient causing the Blades problems. Having touched the ball only a couple of times in the game, Mark Howard looked to be in discomfort taking a goal kick and immediately pulled up and signaled to the bench. It didn’t look good and after spending a short time laying in his penalty box clutching his thigh, the keeper was stretchered off with youngster George Long his replacement.

While Long acclimatised, the Blades put together a slick passing move down the left, before McDonald switched the ball to McMahon whose powerful cross evaded everyone. Shortly after, another McMahon cross was met by the swinging leg of Nick Blackman, but the striker saw his snatched effort land on the roof of the stand.

McMahon was again involved in the next attack, as after receiving the ball from Flynn he moved into the Orient penalty area only to go down under a challenge. The referee didn’t entertain his half hearted appeal however, and in fairness, it would have been a very harsh decision had he given anything.

The Blades were starting to put a bit of pressure on the hosts and after McMahon’s cross was headed down by Dave Kitson, Gallagher got the ball under control and shot from just inside the area. Sadly, an Orient defender threw himself in front of the loanee’s effort and deflected the ball for a corner.

Flynn was starting to get more involved in the game and after committing his man, knocking the ball past him and setting off down the line was unlucky to have play brought back, the referee choosing to give him a free kick for being pulled back rather than allowing him the advantage.

There was just enough time left in the first half for Dave Kitson to have a shot go wide either side of the Orient goal and as the referee blew his whistle, the Blades would have been fairly satisfied despite not really creating anything of note.

The second half began much in the same vein, with Ryan Flynn beating his man down the right hand side before seeing his cross cut out at the front post by an Orient defender.

After stoppages for first the treatment of an Orient player who was sat right on the byline and then the groundsman to come on and prod a sprinkler, the Blades gave the traveling fans something to shout about. The ball found it’s way to Nick Blackman towards the edge of the box and instead of playing the ball to the onrushing Gallagher, the striker opted to cooly bring the ball under control before firing past the helpless Allsopp and into the back of the net.

Shortly after, the home side were stretched again when Flynn once again beat his man and with the ball heading for the line cut it back inside to Gallagher who saw his near post effort kept out by the legs of the keeper.

Having had little to do since his unplanned introduction, George Long showed he was still concentrating with a fantastic reaction save from a point blank Lisbie header. With the chance looking like a goal all the way, Harry Maguire took advantage of a break in play to bear hug the young stopper in appreciation. Always proving a handful and having scored against United twice last season, some were relieved to see that being Lisbie’s last action of the game as he pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring problem while chasing down Matt Hill.

With United looking to see the game out, Danny Wilson opted for a double substitution with Kitson and Blackman being replaced by Porter and Cresswell for the final minutes of the game. The two strikers helped ensure there was no repeat of last years late, late equaliser and the Blades played out the five minutes of stoppage time unscathed.

Image Gallery:

Leyton Orient: Allsopp, Sawyer, Chorley, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Griffith, Smith (Symes 46), Cook, Rowlands (James 81), Lisbie (Brunt 78)
Unused Substitutes: Baudry, Laird, Odubajo, Mooney

Sheffield United: Howard (Long 9), Maguire, Hill, McMahon, Williams, Flynn, Doyle, McDonald, Gallagher, Blackman (Cresswell 83), Kitson (Porter 83)
Unused Substitutes: Westlake, McAllister, McFadzean, Miller

Attendance: 4882