Deadbat
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2023/24 SUFC SEASON REVIEW / SCHOOL REPORT
As I have traditionally done at the end of the last few seasons; it is that time again when I write a review of the campaign, and also compile a school report for the different sections of the club. I will look at how they have fared and what are the prospects for next season for each respective department of the club.
If anyone wants a full copy in advance then DM me on twitter (Deadbat_DB) or on here send me your e mail address and I will gladly send over.
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I will begin with the review of the season and then tomorrow will be a breakdown of the club, board, and manager/s. Over the next week, I will then add to this looking at players. each area of the squad beginning with goalkeeper etc. I will look at contract situations (may be wrong with some of these so again come in if I have made mistakes) and what might happen to each area of the team. I will also look at the academy
---
Feel free to add comments/disagree/debate.....after each post I make.
I have graded the board, the manager, players and the fans; in a traditional school report style of A+ to F- (every player who started at least one game- think I may have graded a few others too).
I have had to grade players based on the games they did play so some players who played a lot more may still get a lower grade despite disproportionate number of games in comparison. I have also tried to discuss some of the U21/U18 players.
I have seen most games this season but there have been the odd ones I missed.
If I have missed anyone then please say. Feel free to weigh in with critique, opinions and even in some cases agreements!
*I wrote some of this a few weeks ago so elements might be a bit out of date/inaccurate and granted some player contracts/decisions on contracts might be made as I release this.
Season review
The previous campaign of course saw United promoted and reach an FA Cup Semi Final. It had been a fantastic campaign with the Blades going up with games to spare. As the summer months rolled on, the takeover talk continued with the rumours around Dozy Mmobousi still swirling despite some concerns over his background. Off the field, it was clear United’s biggest concern was keeping their better players and with many in their final year of contracts, this would dominate much of the paper talk over the summer. Despite the Blades going up, there was never going to be a spending splurge due to limited funds. Comparatively, the previous promotion to the top flight had seen United spend a fair bit of money as the likes of Freeman, Mousset, Robinson, McBurnie came in. This time we saw several veterans leave with legends like Sharp and Stevens moving on and Jack O’Connell sadly retiring. The Blades needed to hold onto what they had and try and make some smart signings without spending huge amounts of money – money the current owner simply does not possess – hence the ongoing takeover talk. As the months went on, we saw United linked with a number of players but as the season approached, the incomings were rather understated. Efforts to bring back Doyle and McAtee stalled. We saw Anis Slimane and Beni Traore come in from the Danish and Swedish leagues. Both were seen as development players more than definite starters. Yasser Larouci, a left back who had begun at Liverpool, then came in on loan from Troyes. We signed Auston Trusty, who had impressed on loan at Birmingham the previous season, from Arsenal. All for modest transfer fees in Premier League terms. Vini Souza arrived as one of the more eye-catching signings, reportedly for an eight-figure fee. He was seen as the midfield enforcer who would give us height and mobility in the centre of the park. He had impressed in previous loan spells on the continent and was part of the Man City group – with time spent at Lommel and Espanyol. Tom Davies came in from Everton, to give some Premier League experience.
As United went on their pre-season tour to Portugal, the rumours around Iliman Ndiaye continued and after an on-off saga that saw Marseille linked with him all summer, it seemed that he was finally set to stay with a contract video filmed. However, with just over a week to go before the start of the season, Ndiaye changed his mind and a deal was agreed with the French club. He quickly jetted off to the French south coast and was met by jubilant fans as he signed for his home town club. This body blow was shown up in sharp focus when the final pre-season game saw the Blades torn apart by Stuttgart at the Lane in a sorry performance. This was to prove to be Sander Berge’s final game as United unbelievable sold their second-best player in just over a week. Manager Paul Heckingbottom’s preparations for the season were in tatters. United did manage to sign Gus Hamer on the eve of the season but he was not registered in time. Later in the window, United did finally get a player they had courted for a long time, Cameron Archer in a unique deal that meant he would return to Villa, if the Blades went down. We also were forced into signing another left back on loan due to doubts over Larouci and Lowe’s fitness and form, so Luke Thomas took up a domestic loan spot. The other one went to the returning McAtee, who did finally come in, to give United some much-needed creativity.
As the season began, the euphoria of promotion seemed a distant memory as the realisation that United were going to be starting the Premier League with a side far worse than the one that went up. It looked like it was going to be a long, hard season for the Blades.
August
Opening day traditionally brings hope and excitement but as United kicked off against Crystal Palace, the starting line-up that featured veterans Norwood and Basham in midfield and development players Osula and Traore up front, brought the task into sharp focus. A poor performance saw Palace win the game rather comfortable 1-0. A week later and United put up a better fight with newcomers Souza and Hamer starting and the latter scored a terrific strike but a late Chris Wood goal saw the Blades defeated again. After the international break, United then had to take on the treble winners, Manchester City. Despite being battered most of the game, the Blades somehow remained in the game with a missed penalty and several chances being spurned as Wes Foderingham put in an impressive display. Haaland finally scored but incredibly Jayden Bogle scored late on sparking wild scenes inside the Lane. However, Larouci’s error saw Rodri fire home a winner and the Blades remained pointless. A League Cup defeat on penalties to Lincoln showed that the fringe players and development signings were probably a long way off being Premier League players as United struggled to create much at all against a League One side.
September
After Archer and Thomas arrived, United finally got on the board in an exciting 2-2 draw with fellow strugglers Everton. Archer scored one and had another shot go in via the post and Pickford as the Blades fought back to lead after trailing but sloppy defending saw the Toffees level. A game that went back and forth nearly swung United’s was as McBurnie was somehow denied with virtually the last kick/s of the game as the ball ricocheted off the Everton keeper and woodwork. Two weeks later and we were back on the road and a determined defensive showing saw us hold Spurs off for most of the game and Hamer scored again to seemingly give United an unlikely first win. The additional time of 14 minutes that ended up being played saw an incredible turnaround as the home side scored twice, with the final goal coming at 110 minutes. The Blades went from three points to zero the added insult to injury being the late dismissal of Oli McBurnie. The end to this game was an absolute killer blow and one that perhaps United, and certainly Heckingbottom, never recovered from. After another break, the Blades took on Newcastle at Bramall Lane and after some better showings, may have fancied their chances but it was the first of a number of humblings on their home turf as the Magpies scored EIGHT without replay in a chastening afternoon. A routine defeat at West Ham a week later kept United firmly at the foot of the table.
October
The first questions over Heckingbottom’s position had begun the previous month and another really poor showing, at Fulham, saw United beaten again with our goal being an own goal yet again. United did perform better at home to Manchester United but a wonder striker saw the visitors take the victory, despite United levelling and being well in the game. A trip to the Emirates was always going to be difficult but again after being in the game for much of the first half, United completely fell apart and ended up losing 5-0. The injuries had continued and Heckinbottom was struggling to put out a settled side with veterans Egan, Baldock and McBurnie now out compounding the difficulties.
November
Finally, United got a victory in an exciting second half against Wolves. Archer’s individual finish was equalised by a similarly good finish but at the death, a fortunate penalty was given and Norwood smashed home at the Kop end with virtually the last kick. The pressure was off the manager for now and the Blades followed this win up by getting a very good point on the road at Brighton – with, yes you guessed it, another own goal! However, the following week another abject home performance, against a side they would have been looking to get something from, saw them well beaten by Bournemouth. Even the players who had performed well to begin the season, such as Foderingham, were now making errors as the Blades rarely looked like scoring in games but were conceding at an alarming rate with set plays and crosses continually a concern.
December
After the 5-0 defeat at fellow struggles, Burnley, who had been as bad as United this season, it was the final straw for the board and Heckingbottom was removed a few days later. Rumours had linked Chris Wilder with a return after he has seemingly patched things up with the owner and his return was confirmed shortly after Heckingbottom departed. The first game saw a better effort but ultimately another loss, as Liverpool won 2-0 at the Lane but the home side had been in the game at least and looked more organised than they had been. The next weekend and Wilder got his first win as a really good performance, perhaps their best of the season, saw United deservedly beat Brentford 1-0 with McAtee scoring a sublime goal. Another loss on the road, at Chelsea, saw the Blades back down to earth in a game they never really threatened to get anything from. The tough run of fixtures continued with a Friday night game at Villa Park, as Villa could have gone top with a win but after riding their luck and having decisions go in their favour, Archer scored against his former/future club late on but once again stoppage time was United’s undoing. Foderingham failed to get to a cross and Villa headed in to salvage a draw. The final home game of the calendar year was a big one – Luton at home. United trailed but fought back to lead thanks to McBurnie and Ahmedhodzic, but threw it away and ended up losing 3-2. Like the Spurs game, this felt a significant loss and one that United could not afford, if they wanted to have a chance of staying up. The Blades lost 2-0 at Man City to end the year in a game that City barely got out of first gear as both teams almost settled for a routine scoreline almost from the off.
As I have traditionally done at the end of the last few seasons; it is that time again when I write a review of the campaign, and also compile a school report for the different sections of the club. I will look at how they have fared and what are the prospects for next season for each respective department of the club.
If anyone wants a full copy in advance then DM me on twitter (Deadbat_DB) or on here send me your e mail address and I will gladly send over.
---
I will begin with the review of the season and then tomorrow will be a breakdown of the club, board, and manager/s. Over the next week, I will then add to this looking at players. each area of the squad beginning with goalkeeper etc. I will look at contract situations (may be wrong with some of these so again come in if I have made mistakes) and what might happen to each area of the team. I will also look at the academy
---
Feel free to add comments/disagree/debate.....after each post I make.
I have graded the board, the manager, players and the fans; in a traditional school report style of A+ to F- (every player who started at least one game- think I may have graded a few others too).
I have had to grade players based on the games they did play so some players who played a lot more may still get a lower grade despite disproportionate number of games in comparison. I have also tried to discuss some of the U21/U18 players.
I have seen most games this season but there have been the odd ones I missed.
If I have missed anyone then please say. Feel free to weigh in with critique, opinions and even in some cases agreements!
*I wrote some of this a few weeks ago so elements might be a bit out of date/inaccurate and granted some player contracts/decisions on contracts might be made as I release this.
Season review
The previous campaign of course saw United promoted and reach an FA Cup Semi Final. It had been a fantastic campaign with the Blades going up with games to spare. As the summer months rolled on, the takeover talk continued with the rumours around Dozy Mmobousi still swirling despite some concerns over his background. Off the field, it was clear United’s biggest concern was keeping their better players and with many in their final year of contracts, this would dominate much of the paper talk over the summer. Despite the Blades going up, there was never going to be a spending splurge due to limited funds. Comparatively, the previous promotion to the top flight had seen United spend a fair bit of money as the likes of Freeman, Mousset, Robinson, McBurnie came in. This time we saw several veterans leave with legends like Sharp and Stevens moving on and Jack O’Connell sadly retiring. The Blades needed to hold onto what they had and try and make some smart signings without spending huge amounts of money – money the current owner simply does not possess – hence the ongoing takeover talk. As the months went on, we saw United linked with a number of players but as the season approached, the incomings were rather understated. Efforts to bring back Doyle and McAtee stalled. We saw Anis Slimane and Beni Traore come in from the Danish and Swedish leagues. Both were seen as development players more than definite starters. Yasser Larouci, a left back who had begun at Liverpool, then came in on loan from Troyes. We signed Auston Trusty, who had impressed on loan at Birmingham the previous season, from Arsenal. All for modest transfer fees in Premier League terms. Vini Souza arrived as one of the more eye-catching signings, reportedly for an eight-figure fee. He was seen as the midfield enforcer who would give us height and mobility in the centre of the park. He had impressed in previous loan spells on the continent and was part of the Man City group – with time spent at Lommel and Espanyol. Tom Davies came in from Everton, to give some Premier League experience.
As United went on their pre-season tour to Portugal, the rumours around Iliman Ndiaye continued and after an on-off saga that saw Marseille linked with him all summer, it seemed that he was finally set to stay with a contract video filmed. However, with just over a week to go before the start of the season, Ndiaye changed his mind and a deal was agreed with the French club. He quickly jetted off to the French south coast and was met by jubilant fans as he signed for his home town club. This body blow was shown up in sharp focus when the final pre-season game saw the Blades torn apart by Stuttgart at the Lane in a sorry performance. This was to prove to be Sander Berge’s final game as United unbelievable sold their second-best player in just over a week. Manager Paul Heckingbottom’s preparations for the season were in tatters. United did manage to sign Gus Hamer on the eve of the season but he was not registered in time. Later in the window, United did finally get a player they had courted for a long time, Cameron Archer in a unique deal that meant he would return to Villa, if the Blades went down. We also were forced into signing another left back on loan due to doubts over Larouci and Lowe’s fitness and form, so Luke Thomas took up a domestic loan spot. The other one went to the returning McAtee, who did finally come in, to give United some much-needed creativity.
As the season began, the euphoria of promotion seemed a distant memory as the realisation that United were going to be starting the Premier League with a side far worse than the one that went up. It looked like it was going to be a long, hard season for the Blades.
August
Opening day traditionally brings hope and excitement but as United kicked off against Crystal Palace, the starting line-up that featured veterans Norwood and Basham in midfield and development players Osula and Traore up front, brought the task into sharp focus. A poor performance saw Palace win the game rather comfortable 1-0. A week later and United put up a better fight with newcomers Souza and Hamer starting and the latter scored a terrific strike but a late Chris Wood goal saw the Blades defeated again. After the international break, United then had to take on the treble winners, Manchester City. Despite being battered most of the game, the Blades somehow remained in the game with a missed penalty and several chances being spurned as Wes Foderingham put in an impressive display. Haaland finally scored but incredibly Jayden Bogle scored late on sparking wild scenes inside the Lane. However, Larouci’s error saw Rodri fire home a winner and the Blades remained pointless. A League Cup defeat on penalties to Lincoln showed that the fringe players and development signings were probably a long way off being Premier League players as United struggled to create much at all against a League One side.
September
After Archer and Thomas arrived, United finally got on the board in an exciting 2-2 draw with fellow strugglers Everton. Archer scored one and had another shot go in via the post and Pickford as the Blades fought back to lead after trailing but sloppy defending saw the Toffees level. A game that went back and forth nearly swung United’s was as McBurnie was somehow denied with virtually the last kick/s of the game as the ball ricocheted off the Everton keeper and woodwork. Two weeks later and we were back on the road and a determined defensive showing saw us hold Spurs off for most of the game and Hamer scored again to seemingly give United an unlikely first win. The additional time of 14 minutes that ended up being played saw an incredible turnaround as the home side scored twice, with the final goal coming at 110 minutes. The Blades went from three points to zero the added insult to injury being the late dismissal of Oli McBurnie. The end to this game was an absolute killer blow and one that perhaps United, and certainly Heckingbottom, never recovered from. After another break, the Blades took on Newcastle at Bramall Lane and after some better showings, may have fancied their chances but it was the first of a number of humblings on their home turf as the Magpies scored EIGHT without replay in a chastening afternoon. A routine defeat at West Ham a week later kept United firmly at the foot of the table.
October
The first questions over Heckingbottom’s position had begun the previous month and another really poor showing, at Fulham, saw United beaten again with our goal being an own goal yet again. United did perform better at home to Manchester United but a wonder striker saw the visitors take the victory, despite United levelling and being well in the game. A trip to the Emirates was always going to be difficult but again after being in the game for much of the first half, United completely fell apart and ended up losing 5-0. The injuries had continued and Heckinbottom was struggling to put out a settled side with veterans Egan, Baldock and McBurnie now out compounding the difficulties.
November
Finally, United got a victory in an exciting second half against Wolves. Archer’s individual finish was equalised by a similarly good finish but at the death, a fortunate penalty was given and Norwood smashed home at the Kop end with virtually the last kick. The pressure was off the manager for now and the Blades followed this win up by getting a very good point on the road at Brighton – with, yes you guessed it, another own goal! However, the following week another abject home performance, against a side they would have been looking to get something from, saw them well beaten by Bournemouth. Even the players who had performed well to begin the season, such as Foderingham, were now making errors as the Blades rarely looked like scoring in games but were conceding at an alarming rate with set plays and crosses continually a concern.
December
After the 5-0 defeat at fellow struggles, Burnley, who had been as bad as United this season, it was the final straw for the board and Heckingbottom was removed a few days later. Rumours had linked Chris Wilder with a return after he has seemingly patched things up with the owner and his return was confirmed shortly after Heckingbottom departed. The first game saw a better effort but ultimately another loss, as Liverpool won 2-0 at the Lane but the home side had been in the game at least and looked more organised than they had been. The next weekend and Wilder got his first win as a really good performance, perhaps their best of the season, saw United deservedly beat Brentford 1-0 with McAtee scoring a sublime goal. Another loss on the road, at Chelsea, saw the Blades back down to earth in a game they never really threatened to get anything from. The tough run of fixtures continued with a Friday night game at Villa Park, as Villa could have gone top with a win but after riding their luck and having decisions go in their favour, Archer scored against his former/future club late on but once again stoppage time was United’s undoing. Foderingham failed to get to a cross and Villa headed in to salvage a draw. The final home game of the calendar year was a big one – Luton at home. United trailed but fought back to lead thanks to McBurnie and Ahmedhodzic, but threw it away and ended up losing 3-2. Like the Spurs game, this felt a significant loss and one that United could not afford, if they wanted to have a chance of staying up. The Blades lost 2-0 at Man City to end the year in a game that City barely got out of first gear as both teams almost settled for a routine scoreline almost from the off.
