Deadbat
Well-Known Member
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*Written before Adkins left
Strikers
Billy Sharp The one player I summarise with glowing praise. Sure he did miss some chances and could have had more goals. He had some poor games too (Barnsley at home was shocking) but overall he gave 100% most weeks, kept plugging away with little service and was always a threat. Held it up well and showed what an intelligent and mature footballer he has become. Scored a range of goals with some long range crackers, clever finishes and the classic one on one/six yard box goal. Had a few partners in Adams, Done and Sammon. None were that consistent and it was only at the end of the season he had a run with Adams and started to link well. Got 20 goals in a poor side with little to no service. Never scored a brace which showed all season he could not go on and score more goals in a game but also never had a dry spell. Goals came quite consistently really.
He looked a very complete player in terms of being able to link with others, deceptively strong and also quicker than you think when it mattered over a few yards, at least to get into key areas to finish. A talisman in a poor side and one that may have not said anything publically but you got sense he seemed frustrated at what was happening around him.
I must admit I was not sure about him coming back. He had failed in two previous spells but he has done really well. He ought to be captain really and deservedly took all the player of the year awards. Comfortably our best player and quite consistent all season. It was not just about his goals but his effort, off the ball play and chasing lost causes. Cares so much about the club and will hope that the manager can surround him with better players so he can help us get promoted next season.
Grade A-
Che Adams A talent that had shown glimpses after signing from Ilkeston, he really came to fore with the two goals against Spurs and suddenly was linked with big clubs very quickly. He only scored another few goals and was in and out as Clough brought him along slowly but you could see talent (the great goal he scored at Swindon) and should have been used more really. This season Adkins came in and had involved more heavily and he has started 29 league games and scored 11 goals. He began the season more wide left but as season has gone on has become a starter most weeks down the middle. This was after a daft sending off in the cup against Oldham. He came back after a period out and ended up as a central striker most games. Very strong and still quick (although may have lost some pace with suggestions he has maybe overdone some of upper body strength work and this may need looking at) he always is direct and causes defenders problems with strong running. Skilful player who has a box of tricks.
At times would overplay and try and do too much but I always felt something might happen when he had it. One of few players you could say that about. Still quite inconsistent but he did get stronger as the season went on and felt he had many more good games than poor one and his partnership with Sharp started to develop. His touch at times was a bit of a mixed back. Sometimes killing it instantly and turning and running at defenders but others times would bounce off. Still got a lot to learn in terms of when to run and where to run and seems still quite raw. There is definitely a player in there though and anyone with pace, athleticism, strength and goal threat will have bigger clubs having a look. Fortunately in a way he still has quite a bit to learn and improve on. A big season next season as he will now have to show he can do it every week and really start to show he is a proper centre forward who can be a consistent goal threat. One that other teams will not want to face despite his frustrating play at times and a piece to build around when we have so many other gaps.
Grade B- (Last season B-)
Michael Higdon Higdon played twice in the Cup games and came on twice in the League at Swindon and against Bury at the Lane. The previous year he had started well against Bristol City but quickly ended up out of favour after a red card at Chesterfield and looked a really poor signing. Adkins had him around the bench early on but then let him join Oldham and he scored 5 goals in 13 games on loan. Oldham fans felt he put himself about but said the same as us. He lacked any kind of mobility, looked badly overweight and had a poor first and second touch! He was released in February by mutual agreement and ended up in non-league with Tranmere. He scored a few goals but even Tranmere fans felt he looked physically out of shape. Another (thread here to this!) awful signing that was simply never in any kind of shape to play let along fact he had limited to no ability. Clough made some shocking signings but he was right up near the top. To think he signed him and made him captain too!
Grade F (Last season E)
Marc McNulty A mixed first season where he actually scored 13 goals and I think was our leading scorer in all competitions. Showed he could finish and would get in right areas but also had some poor games and Clough lambasted him for effort. Recall one great game v Southampton where he led line as lone striker, ran all day and led line brilliantly. That was as good as it got. He was frustrating as he was lacklustre in games, did not always offer what you want in terms of defending from the front. Clough really seemed to pick him out as a scapegoat at times and maybe very harshly and McNulty will probably have been glad to see a new manager coming in. Still with Billy Sharp coming in and also Connor Sammon you wondered where he would fit in especially with Che Adams also involved. He had a few cup appearances and then scored a cracker against Blackpool to seal the win. However, he only started one game at Bradford and was less than impressive. After this he was restricted to sub appearances and was discussed more on forums for his antics on nights out round Sheffield rather than his footballing form.
Adkins saw same faults that Clough did. With Sharp doing well and them being similar types; you felt he would struggle to get in but with Adams inconsistent and Sammon poor, you did wonder if he should have still given Sharp and McNulty a run up front together. In November and not really getting a look in, he was allowed to join Portsmouth and did well initially but even down there he got mixed reviews and was in and out. Slightly worrying that even at this level he could not hold down a regular place. He scored 10 goals in 28 games for Pompey and some decent finishes with head and feet. Reports suggest Paul Cook would like to sign him. I don’t see a big clamour for him to return from many fans and if we go with Sharp/Adams (with a big lad and maybe Done as competition) not sure we need him. Another who probably needs to move on but again I am not sure he is any better than League Two or Scottish First Division (much the same).
Grade E- (Last season C-)
Connor Sammon A player that had moved for around a million twice (to Wigan and Derby) he had lost his way and loan spells at Ipswich and Rotherham had not yield a return to form or sealed him a permanent move. With a year left on his Derby deal he seemed surplus to requirements. You felt the loan move to United had a whiff of Clough being involved, due to past connections but Adkins said all the right things to maybe try and convince otherwise. A season long loan that if you felt went well would lead to him staying longer term at United. I thought at this level his all action, work ethic and graft he had shown when I had seen him before would be an asset even though traditionally he had not scored many goals.
He has ended up only making 15 starts with many of them early in the season. He actually began ok and played well in games at the Lane against Chesterfield and also at Peterbrough and shows signs of building a good partnership with Sharp as Adams initially played wide left. However, the goals dried up and his performances deteriorated. His initial non-stop running eased off and his touch and hold up became very poor. He ended up in and out of the side and slowly started to look a player that you could see why had been moved on so much in recent years. He showed an awful first touch, barely held it up and was terrible in the air for such a big guy. For a biggish forward with decent physique he was so weak and lost so many challenges. He never seemed to win a header. He had another brief spell of goals around Christmas but the few games he started Peterborough, Blackpool, Wigan, Man Utd and Millwall in 2016 saw no victories and very little impact.
After this he did not even make the bench in some games as Adkins preferred some of the younger lads. That summed it up. He was not even seen as a nuisance value. Sadly, a really poor footballer who has somehow had spells higher up the leagues based on one good spell of form and goals at Kilmarnock but in around 180 games he has scored 18 goals over a 5 season span. That is truly awful for a striker averaging 1 in 10. Maybe you could cope if he put a real shift in, or held it up or assisted by winning headers or flick ons but this lad does nothing. A dreadful player who I cannot be bothered to write anymore about. Will now be a free agent and do well to secure a contract anywhere. He will I am sure end up back in Scotland; the only place where he may look even remotely creditable.
Grade E-
Matty Done A breath of fresh air when he came in from Rochdale. Ran and ran, scored goals and showed a composure when in front of goal. Had a few injuries but one of few leading lights post January and fans really took to him. Simply did not know when to quit. A bit headless chicken maybe but with so much lethargy around him, you admired his effort and work ethic. With strikers being signed you were unsure whether Adkins really fancied him and this nagging feeling never went away. He got a shoulder/arm injury pre-season and was out for a while but came back end of October and got a few goals including a cracker at Oldham and played up top and also wide left. Adkins tried to shoe horn him into the team but did not give him and Sharp a spell till post Xmas when they did well in a few games and scored goals between them but then Adkins left him out again. I felt they deserved a longer run together. His actual performances were mixed with some poor misses and performances in amongst same tireless running. When he came back into the team he ended up wide left and then as a left wing back and did ok for a period, especially at home with a few great games as he got up and down assisting on goals and showing same zest and energy.
Defensively he looked lost at times and this was shown in some games, especially away. I am unsure this is his position long term but with Adkins having preferences up front, he has suddenly become a bit of a utility player but not nailed down a spot anywhere. I love his enthusiasm and efforts but not sure he has consistently done enough in the wing back position and took a step back in striking role. I still think centre forward due to effort and never giving defenders a moment, is his best position but sadly can only see him as cover in this area. Still get feeling Adkins is not sure about him but then did play him most weeks in run in, even if un unfamiliar position. Like Basham will be in and around the side somewhere but long term future at the Lane I am unsure about despite being one of few who really cared and gave everything on the field. Maybe his season at Rochdale was a purple patch and he is not the answer long term but he is a handy lad to have around I feel and would keep him for the effort/endeavour side and example it should set to others.
Grade C- (Last season B-)
Dominic Calvert Lewin Had been pushed forward in pre-season by Adkins who enthused about his running and freshness in games in the West Country. Clearly caught the eye but was allowed to link up with former Blade Chris Wilder at Northampton. He scored 5 goals in 20 games for the eventual champions and impressed down there. He was not a regular and was in and out but fans felt he showed some real promise and wanted him to remain.
He was expected to stay but Adkins brought him back and involved him in the first team squad and gave him his bow at Doncaster where he did ok. Was poor at Bury and hooked at half time and only given one further start against Fleetwood. He was given games off the bench but I saw nothing that convincing as he looked more Bambi on Ice than a promising striker. He got caught offside a lot and made some poor decisions on and off the ball. His first touch was not great and he just ran around a lot without achieving anything. Not convinced by him at all and he may need further games out on loan. I certainly do not see him being a starter or even someone we can count on off the bench to change games next season and seems some way off being good enough at this level as harsh as that may seem.
Grade D (Last season Grade C+
Diego De Girolamo A write off of a season. As Clough departed it seemed he would move on as he had turned down contract offers. It seemed he was not exactly beating off potential suitors though and as Adkins came in, they agreed a new 2-year deal. This season he has had some injuries but he has been barely involved even for the u21’s until the closing stages when he started to play and did score some goals. No longer part of any of the Italian International squads, his star has waned considerably and from rumours of Juventus and Arsenal being interested in him a few years ago; he now has a challenge just to make it as a footballer; certainly professionally.
Adkins has made some digs about his attitude saying he needs to train hard and show something in training. This is the second manager to do this. This suggests there is something in it. He seems a bit of a show pony in games I have seen and does not always get his head up. If he was out of contract he would be gone but will remain and has to massively improve to give himself any chance of being involved in any way at the Lane. It may be for the best if he moves on this summer but not sure if he too may have to go down to the Non-League and work his way back up. It seems Adkins does not really see him as being part of things at all. Probably a mistake us giving him a further two years as he had not done anything to earn an extension.
Grade F (Last season D+)
The rest
Jake Wright had been prolific on loan spells at Hallam and has been a regular for the under 21 side. He has not maybe scored as many goals as he would have liked but his strong running, work ethic and commitment has seen him get another year. Could maybe do with another loan spell a bit higher up the pyramid (than Hallam) next year. Not that tall or fast but is a hard running forward who closes down and chases lost causes. Decent hold up player but will need to really improve if he wants to remain beyond another season as he turns 20 when the season starts and normally by that age you would be around the first team if you are going to make it.
Daniel Cockerline is a big, burly striker who came via the Bury youth set up a few years ago. He seemed to do well in the u21’s last season but this year he has not pushed on or featured at this level. Ended up at Curzon Athletic in the National League North. He will leave United when his contract expires.
Kimarni Smith and Connor Hall have also been given pro deals. Both have been played as wide/striking roles in the under 21’s. Smith joined from Basford United and has been scoring goals at the younger levels. Hall also impressed on trial and has done well in the academy sides. He looked very impressive in the final that I saw against Charlton. A younger lad who is only a second year scholar is Jordan Hallam who has been prolific in the Academy team scoring a lot of goals and one to watch out or moving forward.
Next season
Sharp and Adams will return as will Done but the latter may still be used in other areas. McNulty I think will move on. Calvert Lewin still to be convinced about but he has another 2 years and Adkins rates him but I feel another loan spell will benefit him maybe. Still needs to bulk up and learnt the game. De Girolamo I feel should probably be released. It is not happening for him. Wright is another that is a bit away for me and also needs a loan spell whether it be Conference or if a League Two club may give him some experience but doubt that as he has not even scored many at under 21 level.
The striking area for me is one of better set (only one) of team as Sharp and Adams even though both have faults, there is a pair there that have and will score goals. Would like to see us sign a genuine big lad who can take pressure off both. It maybe Adams plays some games wide or is rested at times but feel even though they have stated to build a decent partnership and understanding, we need that presence. Sammon did not offer it. Someone who sometimes you can knock it up to relieve pressure and flick it on or hold it up. To give a different kind of physical threat. At times Sharp and Adams are so small compared to some of the big centre backs at this level and can be hard to pass way through. I think if we sign that sort of player with Sharp, Adams and Done we probably have enough for League One level. I expect Sharp and Adams to replicate or better the goals tally of this season if we improve the midfield and get the big lad up top in.
Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires)
Forwards
Dominic Calvert Lewin 2 years (2018)
Che Adams 2 years (2018)
Billy Sharp 1 year (2017)
Marc McNulty 1 year (2017)
Matty Done 1 year (2017 – has option year to 2018)
Jake Wright 1 year (2017)
Diego De Girolamo 1 year (2017)
Kimarni Smith 1 year (2017)
Connor Hall 1 year (2017)
Dan Cockerline Out of contract (2016)
Loan returnees
Connor Sammon to Derby (out of contract)
The fans
I cannot say enough about the loyalty of our fans. To average close to 20,000 fans in a 5th successive year at this level is incredible. We have been served up some utter dross in performances, results and overall entertainment. Still fans kept coming. United continued to receive impressive backing away from home despite novelty maybe wearing off somewhat now at this 5th season at this level! Maybe the volume and backing has been muted at times but you can understand that with such garbage in front of them.
I think United fans have been incredibly patient and the odd ‘You are not fit to wear the shirt’ was inevitable. There has been boos at half and full time but often deservedly so. Fans have become frustrated on forums and on radio phone ins but I do think there could have been much more anger. There has been a great deal of apathy replacing any ire at what is happening. A general malaise and feeling of being powerless has started to seep in. However, they keep attending and the fact 11,500+ have already committed to renewing means we will probably be not far off again in terms of crowds next season. The paucity of fans at the end of the final game for the lap of appreciation summed up how fed up everyone was.
The main negative against the fans has to be against a small section whom have taken part in some ridiculous behaviour at away games with the usual flares/smoke bombs, now added to by fans jumping on and breaking steel girders and having tugs of war with plastic sheeting at games. Maybe it is boredom about what they have seen on the pitch but the reality is this is really poor behaviour and slightly embarrassing and sadly from videos I have seen it is not all young kids who have had a few too many cold drinks.
Overall I have to say though the incredible passion and loyalty of the Blades fans is really something else. I look at what has happened at Leicester, even Bournemouth, Watford, Burnley and many smaller clubs in terms of fan support / club size / history and think why cannot we just have some of that type of success? Maybe one day we will but for now we keep trooping to the Lane and keep hoping for any kind of change in our fortunes. I hope next season when I write this summary I finally have some positivity about a promotion and an upward movement that these great supporters are long overdue.
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Grade A-
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Have a good summer. See you all next season.
Up the Blades
Twitter - @Deadbat_DB
Strikers
Billy Sharp The one player I summarise with glowing praise. Sure he did miss some chances and could have had more goals. He had some poor games too (Barnsley at home was shocking) but overall he gave 100% most weeks, kept plugging away with little service and was always a threat. Held it up well and showed what an intelligent and mature footballer he has become. Scored a range of goals with some long range crackers, clever finishes and the classic one on one/six yard box goal. Had a few partners in Adams, Done and Sammon. None were that consistent and it was only at the end of the season he had a run with Adams and started to link well. Got 20 goals in a poor side with little to no service. Never scored a brace which showed all season he could not go on and score more goals in a game but also never had a dry spell. Goals came quite consistently really.
He looked a very complete player in terms of being able to link with others, deceptively strong and also quicker than you think when it mattered over a few yards, at least to get into key areas to finish. A talisman in a poor side and one that may have not said anything publically but you got sense he seemed frustrated at what was happening around him.
I must admit I was not sure about him coming back. He had failed in two previous spells but he has done really well. He ought to be captain really and deservedly took all the player of the year awards. Comfortably our best player and quite consistent all season. It was not just about his goals but his effort, off the ball play and chasing lost causes. Cares so much about the club and will hope that the manager can surround him with better players so he can help us get promoted next season.
Grade A-
Che Adams A talent that had shown glimpses after signing from Ilkeston, he really came to fore with the two goals against Spurs and suddenly was linked with big clubs very quickly. He only scored another few goals and was in and out as Clough brought him along slowly but you could see talent (the great goal he scored at Swindon) and should have been used more really. This season Adkins came in and had involved more heavily and he has started 29 league games and scored 11 goals. He began the season more wide left but as season has gone on has become a starter most weeks down the middle. This was after a daft sending off in the cup against Oldham. He came back after a period out and ended up as a central striker most games. Very strong and still quick (although may have lost some pace with suggestions he has maybe overdone some of upper body strength work and this may need looking at) he always is direct and causes defenders problems with strong running. Skilful player who has a box of tricks.
At times would overplay and try and do too much but I always felt something might happen when he had it. One of few players you could say that about. Still quite inconsistent but he did get stronger as the season went on and felt he had many more good games than poor one and his partnership with Sharp started to develop. His touch at times was a bit of a mixed back. Sometimes killing it instantly and turning and running at defenders but others times would bounce off. Still got a lot to learn in terms of when to run and where to run and seems still quite raw. There is definitely a player in there though and anyone with pace, athleticism, strength and goal threat will have bigger clubs having a look. Fortunately in a way he still has quite a bit to learn and improve on. A big season next season as he will now have to show he can do it every week and really start to show he is a proper centre forward who can be a consistent goal threat. One that other teams will not want to face despite his frustrating play at times and a piece to build around when we have so many other gaps.
Grade B- (Last season B-)
Michael Higdon Higdon played twice in the Cup games and came on twice in the League at Swindon and against Bury at the Lane. The previous year he had started well against Bristol City but quickly ended up out of favour after a red card at Chesterfield and looked a really poor signing. Adkins had him around the bench early on but then let him join Oldham and he scored 5 goals in 13 games on loan. Oldham fans felt he put himself about but said the same as us. He lacked any kind of mobility, looked badly overweight and had a poor first and second touch! He was released in February by mutual agreement and ended up in non-league with Tranmere. He scored a few goals but even Tranmere fans felt he looked physically out of shape. Another (thread here to this!) awful signing that was simply never in any kind of shape to play let along fact he had limited to no ability. Clough made some shocking signings but he was right up near the top. To think he signed him and made him captain too!
Grade F (Last season E)
Marc McNulty A mixed first season where he actually scored 13 goals and I think was our leading scorer in all competitions. Showed he could finish and would get in right areas but also had some poor games and Clough lambasted him for effort. Recall one great game v Southampton where he led line as lone striker, ran all day and led line brilliantly. That was as good as it got. He was frustrating as he was lacklustre in games, did not always offer what you want in terms of defending from the front. Clough really seemed to pick him out as a scapegoat at times and maybe very harshly and McNulty will probably have been glad to see a new manager coming in. Still with Billy Sharp coming in and also Connor Sammon you wondered where he would fit in especially with Che Adams also involved. He had a few cup appearances and then scored a cracker against Blackpool to seal the win. However, he only started one game at Bradford and was less than impressive. After this he was restricted to sub appearances and was discussed more on forums for his antics on nights out round Sheffield rather than his footballing form.
Adkins saw same faults that Clough did. With Sharp doing well and them being similar types; you felt he would struggle to get in but with Adams inconsistent and Sammon poor, you did wonder if he should have still given Sharp and McNulty a run up front together. In November and not really getting a look in, he was allowed to join Portsmouth and did well initially but even down there he got mixed reviews and was in and out. Slightly worrying that even at this level he could not hold down a regular place. He scored 10 goals in 28 games for Pompey and some decent finishes with head and feet. Reports suggest Paul Cook would like to sign him. I don’t see a big clamour for him to return from many fans and if we go with Sharp/Adams (with a big lad and maybe Done as competition) not sure we need him. Another who probably needs to move on but again I am not sure he is any better than League Two or Scottish First Division (much the same).
Grade E- (Last season C-)
Connor Sammon A player that had moved for around a million twice (to Wigan and Derby) he had lost his way and loan spells at Ipswich and Rotherham had not yield a return to form or sealed him a permanent move. With a year left on his Derby deal he seemed surplus to requirements. You felt the loan move to United had a whiff of Clough being involved, due to past connections but Adkins said all the right things to maybe try and convince otherwise. A season long loan that if you felt went well would lead to him staying longer term at United. I thought at this level his all action, work ethic and graft he had shown when I had seen him before would be an asset even though traditionally he had not scored many goals.
He has ended up only making 15 starts with many of them early in the season. He actually began ok and played well in games at the Lane against Chesterfield and also at Peterbrough and shows signs of building a good partnership with Sharp as Adams initially played wide left. However, the goals dried up and his performances deteriorated. His initial non-stop running eased off and his touch and hold up became very poor. He ended up in and out of the side and slowly started to look a player that you could see why had been moved on so much in recent years. He showed an awful first touch, barely held it up and was terrible in the air for such a big guy. For a biggish forward with decent physique he was so weak and lost so many challenges. He never seemed to win a header. He had another brief spell of goals around Christmas but the few games he started Peterborough, Blackpool, Wigan, Man Utd and Millwall in 2016 saw no victories and very little impact.
After this he did not even make the bench in some games as Adkins preferred some of the younger lads. That summed it up. He was not even seen as a nuisance value. Sadly, a really poor footballer who has somehow had spells higher up the leagues based on one good spell of form and goals at Kilmarnock but in around 180 games he has scored 18 goals over a 5 season span. That is truly awful for a striker averaging 1 in 10. Maybe you could cope if he put a real shift in, or held it up or assisted by winning headers or flick ons but this lad does nothing. A dreadful player who I cannot be bothered to write anymore about. Will now be a free agent and do well to secure a contract anywhere. He will I am sure end up back in Scotland; the only place where he may look even remotely creditable.
Grade E-
Matty Done A breath of fresh air when he came in from Rochdale. Ran and ran, scored goals and showed a composure when in front of goal. Had a few injuries but one of few leading lights post January and fans really took to him. Simply did not know when to quit. A bit headless chicken maybe but with so much lethargy around him, you admired his effort and work ethic. With strikers being signed you were unsure whether Adkins really fancied him and this nagging feeling never went away. He got a shoulder/arm injury pre-season and was out for a while but came back end of October and got a few goals including a cracker at Oldham and played up top and also wide left. Adkins tried to shoe horn him into the team but did not give him and Sharp a spell till post Xmas when they did well in a few games and scored goals between them but then Adkins left him out again. I felt they deserved a longer run together. His actual performances were mixed with some poor misses and performances in amongst same tireless running. When he came back into the team he ended up wide left and then as a left wing back and did ok for a period, especially at home with a few great games as he got up and down assisting on goals and showing same zest and energy.
Defensively he looked lost at times and this was shown in some games, especially away. I am unsure this is his position long term but with Adkins having preferences up front, he has suddenly become a bit of a utility player but not nailed down a spot anywhere. I love his enthusiasm and efforts but not sure he has consistently done enough in the wing back position and took a step back in striking role. I still think centre forward due to effort and never giving defenders a moment, is his best position but sadly can only see him as cover in this area. Still get feeling Adkins is not sure about him but then did play him most weeks in run in, even if un unfamiliar position. Like Basham will be in and around the side somewhere but long term future at the Lane I am unsure about despite being one of few who really cared and gave everything on the field. Maybe his season at Rochdale was a purple patch and he is not the answer long term but he is a handy lad to have around I feel and would keep him for the effort/endeavour side and example it should set to others.
Grade C- (Last season B-)
Dominic Calvert Lewin Had been pushed forward in pre-season by Adkins who enthused about his running and freshness in games in the West Country. Clearly caught the eye but was allowed to link up with former Blade Chris Wilder at Northampton. He scored 5 goals in 20 games for the eventual champions and impressed down there. He was not a regular and was in and out but fans felt he showed some real promise and wanted him to remain.
He was expected to stay but Adkins brought him back and involved him in the first team squad and gave him his bow at Doncaster where he did ok. Was poor at Bury and hooked at half time and only given one further start against Fleetwood. He was given games off the bench but I saw nothing that convincing as he looked more Bambi on Ice than a promising striker. He got caught offside a lot and made some poor decisions on and off the ball. His first touch was not great and he just ran around a lot without achieving anything. Not convinced by him at all and he may need further games out on loan. I certainly do not see him being a starter or even someone we can count on off the bench to change games next season and seems some way off being good enough at this level as harsh as that may seem.
Grade D (Last season Grade C+
Diego De Girolamo A write off of a season. As Clough departed it seemed he would move on as he had turned down contract offers. It seemed he was not exactly beating off potential suitors though and as Adkins came in, they agreed a new 2-year deal. This season he has had some injuries but he has been barely involved even for the u21’s until the closing stages when he started to play and did score some goals. No longer part of any of the Italian International squads, his star has waned considerably and from rumours of Juventus and Arsenal being interested in him a few years ago; he now has a challenge just to make it as a footballer; certainly professionally.
Adkins has made some digs about his attitude saying he needs to train hard and show something in training. This is the second manager to do this. This suggests there is something in it. He seems a bit of a show pony in games I have seen and does not always get his head up. If he was out of contract he would be gone but will remain and has to massively improve to give himself any chance of being involved in any way at the Lane. It may be for the best if he moves on this summer but not sure if he too may have to go down to the Non-League and work his way back up. It seems Adkins does not really see him as being part of things at all. Probably a mistake us giving him a further two years as he had not done anything to earn an extension.
Grade F (Last season D+)
The rest
Jake Wright had been prolific on loan spells at Hallam and has been a regular for the under 21 side. He has not maybe scored as many goals as he would have liked but his strong running, work ethic and commitment has seen him get another year. Could maybe do with another loan spell a bit higher up the pyramid (than Hallam) next year. Not that tall or fast but is a hard running forward who closes down and chases lost causes. Decent hold up player but will need to really improve if he wants to remain beyond another season as he turns 20 when the season starts and normally by that age you would be around the first team if you are going to make it.
Daniel Cockerline is a big, burly striker who came via the Bury youth set up a few years ago. He seemed to do well in the u21’s last season but this year he has not pushed on or featured at this level. Ended up at Curzon Athletic in the National League North. He will leave United when his contract expires.
Kimarni Smith and Connor Hall have also been given pro deals. Both have been played as wide/striking roles in the under 21’s. Smith joined from Basford United and has been scoring goals at the younger levels. Hall also impressed on trial and has done well in the academy sides. He looked very impressive in the final that I saw against Charlton. A younger lad who is only a second year scholar is Jordan Hallam who has been prolific in the Academy team scoring a lot of goals and one to watch out or moving forward.
Next season
Sharp and Adams will return as will Done but the latter may still be used in other areas. McNulty I think will move on. Calvert Lewin still to be convinced about but he has another 2 years and Adkins rates him but I feel another loan spell will benefit him maybe. Still needs to bulk up and learnt the game. De Girolamo I feel should probably be released. It is not happening for him. Wright is another that is a bit away for me and also needs a loan spell whether it be Conference or if a League Two club may give him some experience but doubt that as he has not even scored many at under 21 level.
The striking area for me is one of better set (only one) of team as Sharp and Adams even though both have faults, there is a pair there that have and will score goals. Would like to see us sign a genuine big lad who can take pressure off both. It maybe Adams plays some games wide or is rested at times but feel even though they have stated to build a decent partnership and understanding, we need that presence. Sammon did not offer it. Someone who sometimes you can knock it up to relieve pressure and flick it on or hold it up. To give a different kind of physical threat. At times Sharp and Adams are so small compared to some of the big centre backs at this level and can be hard to pass way through. I think if we sign that sort of player with Sharp, Adams and Done we probably have enough for League One level. I expect Sharp and Adams to replicate or better the goals tally of this season if we improve the midfield and get the big lad up top in.
Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires)
Forwards
Dominic Calvert Lewin 2 years (2018)
Che Adams 2 years (2018)
Billy Sharp 1 year (2017)
Marc McNulty 1 year (2017)
Matty Done 1 year (2017 – has option year to 2018)
Jake Wright 1 year (2017)
Diego De Girolamo 1 year (2017)
Kimarni Smith 1 year (2017)
Connor Hall 1 year (2017)
Dan Cockerline Out of contract (2016)
Loan returnees
Connor Sammon to Derby (out of contract)
The fans
I cannot say enough about the loyalty of our fans. To average close to 20,000 fans in a 5th successive year at this level is incredible. We have been served up some utter dross in performances, results and overall entertainment. Still fans kept coming. United continued to receive impressive backing away from home despite novelty maybe wearing off somewhat now at this 5th season at this level! Maybe the volume and backing has been muted at times but you can understand that with such garbage in front of them.
I think United fans have been incredibly patient and the odd ‘You are not fit to wear the shirt’ was inevitable. There has been boos at half and full time but often deservedly so. Fans have become frustrated on forums and on radio phone ins but I do think there could have been much more anger. There has been a great deal of apathy replacing any ire at what is happening. A general malaise and feeling of being powerless has started to seep in. However, they keep attending and the fact 11,500+ have already committed to renewing means we will probably be not far off again in terms of crowds next season. The paucity of fans at the end of the final game for the lap of appreciation summed up how fed up everyone was.
The main negative against the fans has to be against a small section whom have taken part in some ridiculous behaviour at away games with the usual flares/smoke bombs, now added to by fans jumping on and breaking steel girders and having tugs of war with plastic sheeting at games. Maybe it is boredom about what they have seen on the pitch but the reality is this is really poor behaviour and slightly embarrassing and sadly from videos I have seen it is not all young kids who have had a few too many cold drinks.
Overall I have to say though the incredible passion and loyalty of the Blades fans is really something else. I look at what has happened at Leicester, even Bournemouth, Watford, Burnley and many smaller clubs in terms of fan support / club size / history and think why cannot we just have some of that type of success? Maybe one day we will but for now we keep trooping to the Lane and keep hoping for any kind of change in our fortunes. I hope next season when I write this summary I finally have some positivity about a promotion and an upward movement that these great supporters are long overdue.
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Grade A-
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Have a good summer. See you all next season.
Up the Blades
Twitter - @Deadbat_DB
