On to Bratfud

[Blade for Sale]

After the choppiest of starts to the season the good ship SUFC rides high on a tidal wave of optimism up the M1 to what looks like one of the biggest tests of the season, away to our Yorkshire neighbours Bradford City. In so far as such a thing is possible, Bradford are probably my second team. I’ve plenty of mates who support them (and support them through thick and thin as well), nice stadium, good crowds, excellent beer and of course, fantastic bhunage.

We have a great record against them home and away, the only defeats I can recall in the last 20 years are a Nakhi Wells inspired loss in the early days of David Wier’s reign (shudder) and then on pens in the Tin Pot Trinket Trophy. After a great start (unbeaten in their first 12 games), they’ve had a stutter with only 1 point from the last 2 matches. They were supposedly poor last night v Southend, but they still sit pretty in 2nd and will be bang up for this match.

They have a big ex-Blades contingent, namely Nicky Law, Billy Clarke, Marc McNulty (still ours of course), Matt Kilgallon, Tony McMahon and Stuart McCall in the hotseat, a legend up there and highly regarded by SUFC fans for a distinguished spell at the end of his career. Our manager too is a former SUFC and BCFC player, I’m not sure how often both managers in a match can have played for both teams? I’m sure our resident anoraks will have a clue.

For me the key battle may well be Fleck v Vincelot in midfield. Teammates at Coventry last season, they will know each other inside out. By all accounts Vincelot has been immense for City so far. Fleck has also been an important player for us and he will need to be at his tigerish best in what promises to be a tough Yorkshire battle.

Interestingly, in playing the current no. 2 in the league on Sat, we will have played all but 1 of the top 10 after only 14 matches, leaving us with, on paper at least, a more comfortable run to the end of 2016.

I’d take a draw to be honest but I’m sure Wilder will send his team for the win which would lift us into the automatic places, what with Bolton playing Monday. I’ll be in with the Bradford fans for this one, looking forward to it although it’s always a strange experience.

Prediction BCFC 1-3 SUFC (Sharp, Fleck, EEL)

COYRAWW!!!!!

 

[boo radley]

You may take a draw. Me and quite a lot of others won't.

 

[Revolution]

We have a great record against them home and away, the only defeats I can recall in the last 20 years are a Nakhi Wells inspired loss in the early days of David Wier’s reign (shudder) and then on pens in the Tin Pot Trinket Trophy.

I think that's their only league win over us since they did the double over us in 1988.

 

[Chali 2na]

After the choppiest of starts to the season the good ship SUFC rides high on a tidal wave of optimism up the M1 to what looks like one of the biggest tests of the season, away to our Yorkshire neighbours Bradford City. In so far as such a thing is possible, Bradford are probably my second team. I’ve plenty of mates who support them (and support them through thick and thin as well), nice stadium, good crowds, excellent beer and of course, fantastic bhunage.

We have a great record against them home and away, the only defeats I can recall in the last 20 years are a Nakhi Wells inspired loss in the early days of David Wier’s reign (shudder) and then on pens in the Tin Pot Trinket Trophy. After a great start (unbeaten in their first 12 games), they’ve had a stutter with only 1 point from the last 2 matches. They were supposedly poor last night v Southend, but they still sit pretty in 2nd and will be bang up for this match.

They have a big ex-Blades contingent, namely Nicky Law, Billy Clarke, Marc McNulty (still ours of course), Matt Kilgallon, Tony McMahon and Stuart McCall in the hotseat, a legend up there and highly regarded by SUFC fans for a distinguished spell at the end of his career. Our manager too is a former SUFC and BCFC player, I’m not sure how often both managers in a match can have played for both teams? I’m sure our resident anoraks will have a clue.

For me the key battle may well be Fleck v Vincelot in midfield. Teammates at Coventry last season, they will know each other inside out. By all accounts Vincelot has been immense for City so far. Fleck has also been an important player for us and he will need to be at his tigerish best in what promises to be a tough Yorkshire battle.

Interestingly, in playing the current no. 2 in the league on Sat, we will have played all but 1 of the top 10 after only 14 matches, leaving us with, on paper at least, a more comfortable run to the end of 2016.

I’d take a draw to be honest but I’m sure Wilder will send his team for the win which would lift us into the automatic places, what with Bolton playing Monday. I’ll be in with the Bradford fans for this one, looking forward to it although it’s always a strange experience.

Prediction BCFC 1-3 SUFC (Sharp, Fleck, EEL)

COYRAWW!!!!!

Good post mate. Didn't realise they had Vincelot, always rated him when he was at Orient.

 

[Ricky]

Bradford will be worried about us and I can guarantee you that any 'would take a draw' sentiments will be more prevalent from their end.

We should go there to win and we will go there to win. But I would be satisfied with a draw, to make it 10 unbeaten.

Hopefully O'Connell's back. Important player, especially for a game like this. We were noticeably less convincing without him in the side last night.

As for Vincelot, I think he's been playing centre half most of the time, but it looks like he moved to midfield last night. Kilgallon started for one of the first times, so maybe he'll play against us. Seems like Tony McShithouse must be injured, I hope he is.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Mentioned this elsewhere but very similar to the 4th Division promotion season when we went to the, then, top of the League Bradford at Valley Parade. Almost to the date as well.

A great day out that was and an interesting pie fight over the kop if memory serves

 

[Sheffsteel]

Mentioned this elsewhere but very similar to the 4th Division promotion season when we went to the, then, top of the League Bradford at Valley Parade. Almost to the date as well.

A great day out that was and an interesting pie fight over the kop if memory serves

Shame we can't take 5,000 like we did in that 4th division match.
I went to that game on the train. We took 2 football special trains, brilliant atmosphere.
Bradford were only averaging 5,000 that season but had 13,700 for that game, their highest for over 10 years.

 

[bladesmanluke]

UNIIIIITED

 

[Grecian2000]

Mentioned this elsewhere but very similar to the 4th Division promotion season when we went to the, then, top of the League Bradford at Valley Parade. Almost to the date as well.

A great day out that was and an interesting pie fight over the kop if memory serves

Watched the video just last week, complete with the worst presenting performance (Derek Dougan) in the history of football.
Only watched it because I was showing someone my late dad who is clearly visible on the Bradford side of the Kop every time a goal kick is taken. I'd moved over to the other side prior to kick off but wish I'd stayed put now and had a lasting video of the two of us.
They were one of our closest rivals all season but we completely bossed them that day. Hope for the same this week-end.

 

[Grappler]

Bradford will be worried about us and I can guarantee you that any 'would take a draw' sentiments will be more prevalent from their end.

We should go there to win and we will go there to win. But I would be satisfied with a draw, to make it 10 unbeaten.

Hopefully O'Connell's back. Important player, especially for a game like this. We were noticeably less convincing without him in the side last night.

As for Vincelot, I think he's been playing centre half most of the time, but it looks like he moved to midfield last night. Kilgallon started for one of the first times, so maybe he'll play against us. Seems like Tony McShithouse must be injured, I hope he is.

We will soon see what he is made of when he gets clattered by EEL, racing into the box to get on the end of a corner

 

[Sheffsteel]

A really great and incredible stat for you Blades out there.

Let's go back to a freezing cold night on 30th March 1982. I was there and remember it well.

4th Divison game
Blades 1 Bradford 1 attendance 24,593 our biggest crowd of the season.

The same night the reigning European champions and best team in world football were playing.
1st Division game
Liverpool 3 Birmingham 1 attendance 24,224 their lowest crowd of the season.

Hard to believe that on a night in 1982 there was more watching us play in the bottom tier
compared to watching the best team in world football play at the mighty Anfield in the top tier.

 

[blade too long]

if we avoid defeat on saturday blades will, know they've played away at scunny top bolton 2nd and bradford 3rd , so will have played all our very hardest games against teams above us

only easier games left

 

[Iceybabey]

Bradfrord will be shitting themselves. UTB!!!!!!!!!

 

[DazBlade88]

Hopefully O'Connell's back. Important player, especially for a game like this. We were noticeably less convincing without him in the side last night.

Agreed. Jake Wright is a solid enough defender, but didn't look as comfortable on the left of the three last night because he needed to be better on the ball. Not a criticism, it's just not his game.

This has turned into a much bigger game than it looked before the weekend, I can't wait now. I wouldn't be disappointed with a draw but I think we're more than capable of beating anyone in the league on current form. I'm genuinely excited about going to watch United again, rather than just going out of habit.

 

[Godbeblade]

A convincing win against Bradford and I shall be buying myself a ticket for the Sheffield United promotion hysteria bandwagon
UTB

 

[dublin 10 blade]

A really great and incredible stat for you Blades out there.

Let's go back to a freezing cold night on 30th March 1982. I was there and remember it well.

4th Divison game
Blades 1 Bradford 1 attendance 24,593 our biggest crowd of the season.

The same night the reigning European champions and best team in world football were playing.
1st Division game
Liverpool 3 Birmingham 1 attendance 24,224 their lowest crowd of the season.

Hard to believe that on a night in 1982 there was more watching us play in the bottom tier
compared to watching the best team in world football play at the mighty Anfield in the top tier.

When I was younger and used to take the ferry over from Dublin ( yeah even to 4th division games ) , arrived home to Sheffield only to be told the game was off , we decided to go and " support " toytown v Newcastle .
Whose game went ahead 6 and a bit miles up the road .

 

[Balham]

Agreed. Jake Wright is a solid enough defender, but didn't look as comfortable on the left of the three last night because he needed to be better on the ball. Not a criticism, it's just not his game.

This has turned into a much bigger game than it looked before the weekend, I can't wait now. I wouldn't be disappointed with a draw but I think we're more than capable of beating anyone in the league on current form. I'm genuinely excited about going to watch United again, rather than just going out of habit.

On your first point - would Basham not have been a better choice on the left of the 3?

 

[DazBlade88]

On your first point - would Basham not have been a better choice on the left of the 3?

Possibly, but it is better for balance to have a left footer on that side.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

We will soon see what he is made of when he gets clattered by EEL, racing into the box to get on the end of a corner

That will be a penalty then.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

if we avoid defeat on saturday blades will, know they've played away at scunny top bolton 2nd and bradford 3rd , so will have played all our very hardest games against teams above us

only easier games left

Symmetrically, a Blades win would be better

 

[Roygbiv]

Bradford will be worried about us and I can guarantee you that any 'would take a draw' sentiments will be more prevalent from their end.

We should go there to win and we will go there to win. But I would be satisfied with a draw, to make it 10 unbeaten.

Hopefully O'Connell's back. Important player, especially for a game like this. We were noticeably less convincing without him in the side last night.

As for Vincelot, I think he's been playing centre half most of the time, but it looks like he moved to midfield last night. Kilgallon started for one of the first times, so maybe he'll play against us. Seems like Tony McShithouse must be injured, I hope he is.

McMahon has been dropped i think. Their fans are wanting him back for Saturday anyway

Also Wilder singled out Basham for praise last night so I wouldnt be that surprised if O Connell started on the bench although that's not something I agree with

 

[finlaytheblade]

Possibly, but it is better for balance to have a left footer on that side.

Wilder will have noticed the problems Wright had playing left side of a back three,Calum Semple has been doing really well in the 23s
any time Jack O,conner is not available he may go with him ,only 17 but capt of 23s and highly rated.

 

[finlaytheblade]

McMahon has been dropped i think. Their fans are wanting him back for Saturday anyway

Also Wilder singled out Basham for praise last night so I wouldnt be that surprised if O Connell started on the bench although that's not something I agree with

No way Roy ,,Wilder has already said he wants to play him in midfield.the regular back three will start Saturday if all fit ,Bash will have to make do with the bench,yesterday was a one off due to injury.

 

[Marcus Aurelias]

Good post mate. Didn't realise they had Vincelot, always rated him when he was at Orient.

I always liked his brother, Lancelot. He was a real battler, the stuff of legend. Always used to like going to the (ahem) knight matches when he was playing...

 

[PokerBlade]

No way Roy ,,Wilder has already said he wants to play him in midfield.the regular back three will start Saturday if all fit ,Bash will have to make do with the bench,yesterday was a one off due to injury.

Said it was an illness didn't they? Something like flu could still have him out. I agree Wilder will go with him if possible. Could be a game for Basham back into the middle depending on how they set up.

As for the game itself, a win would be huge. A point would be very good. Unless they somehow totally outclass us a loss wouldn't concern me too much. It's not a game I look at the same as Shrewsbury or Vale where you feel it's a must win for promotion hopefuls. Any positive result away to a rival, on the other hand, is a big blow to them. And short term, the boost we'd get from moving into a top two spot would do wonders the growing buzz around the club right now.

We're the team to fear right now and Wilder won't accept anything but the best his players can do. Looking forward to every game right now.

 

[Kenilworth]

I always liked his brother, Lancelot. He was a real battler, the stuff of legend. Always used to like going to the (ahem) knight matches when he was playing...

Ah, but it got a bit feisty when he started shagging the boss's Mrs

 

[moDtheGod]

Hard to believe that on a night in 1982 there was more watching us play in the bottom tier
compared to watching the best team in world football play at the mighty Anfield in the top tier.

Very hard to believe. What's the reason they had so few fans that night?

 

[Kenilworth]

Very hard to believe. What's the reason they had so few fans that night?

Brum

 

[GroovyBrad]

Off to my Dad's stag do this weekend so I wont be making the trip to Bradford! Will be keeping a drunk, squinted eye on the score though thats for sure!

 

[Grecian2000]

Very hard to believe. What's the reason they had so few fans that night?

Were they setting fire to Toxteth?