Deadbat
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2022/23 SUFC SEASON REVIEW / SCHOOL REPORT
Strikers
Billy Sharp Sharp had a renaissance in the 21-22 season scoring 14 (15 all comps) as the Blades improved hugely under Hecky and his combination with the likes of Gibbs White and Ndiaye saw us get in the playoffs and just miss out. Oddly it was not so much his goals but his work rate and actually his set up play which impressed, as he showed other facets to his game. He looked like he was the fittest he had ever been. With Gibbs White going back and a number of strikers moving on, we did not have the funds to upgrade this area so you sensed he would be counted on again this season – maybe too much considering his advancing years? You also forget many thought McBurnie would be on his way and not seen as much of a threat. The feeling was Brewster would start with Ndiaye off him and that Sharp would not be a regular.
This is of course how it started although Billy played at Boro but got an injury and was out then until being back on the bench at Preston. He started against Blackpool and Norwich but we did better when others came on up front. He did play at Bristol City and Cardiff but by this time McBurnie and Ndiaye had formed the main partnership with the former really regaining form and Sharp knew he would be only used maybe when these two needed a rest (or were suspended). However Sharp had a good spell after the World Cup scoring his first goals of the season against Huddersfield and Wigan – two textbook Sharp finishes and scored a late goal against Wrexham in the replay too. His reaction after this game was a bit odd and not sure he needed to say what he did – he had let his feet do the talking after all.
He was used mostly as a sub in the run in but did start against Wigan and had a good cameo against Bristol City as he helped us get the late win. Fantastic to see him against Manchester City at Wembley. Did well too against West Brom in that important promotion sealing game. Started against Preston but did not have any chances and struggled more when starting games and did not really look like getting that 250th goal in appearances sadly despite trying to get on the end of things.
He has definitely contributed to the squad and like old timers Basham and Fleck, have played their part albeit not as regulars like they used to. He works hard and it means so much to him when he does play. However, for the most part the goals dried up and he missed some chances you would expect him to take in games but he has not been playing as much as the last campaign. He has done a job at times for the side when we have needed to rotate including some decent cameos from the bench – but generally he is not a game changing type player so sometimes his introduction has attracted some criticism from fans. His work ethic remains solid but he is hugely lacking pace and mobility and means if he does not score, often he is restricted to some hold up and winning free kicks. You do sometimes forget he is now 37! Most of his games he has played from the bench this season so hard to be too critical of his low scoring output. You do forget though that last season was a bit of an outlier with the goals return in terms of since we went up to the Premier League – as he has only scored 3, 3 and 2 in the other 4 seasons in the league – which kind of does not fit with the ‘Sharp scores goals.’
Hard one this summer, as the sentimental factor says retain him for a year, let him maybe do some coaching (know he has done lots of qualifications) with the academy at some level and let him bow out the end of next season (he would be 38) and then he can have his final season at Handsworth as he had wanted (said he wanted to have one year at his former club and with some of his pals). Although he might want to play more but if we do not give him a deal (I don’t have an issue if we do not as he is not going to play very much at all – odd cup game you think and that would, be it?) even though many may be critical but he will know he is not close to a Premier League player anymore and that United cannot just pay him for another year for what he has done in the past. Has he done enough this season to get another deal? Probably not as hard as it is to write that but you sense the likes of hm, Stevens and Fleck their time may be up nw. Sad as it is to write this., He may want to go to League 1 or 2 where he could still start and probably in the same way McGoldrick has done, go on and score lots of goals for another season or two maybe? Whatever happens I would not be too critical of the club and can live with whichever way they go. It seems that the rumours and his speech on the Town Hall suggests that it might be the end but we will see- but who could not be moved from watching him in tears and struggling to speak.
He will go down as a Blades great and a legend for what he has accomplished here. Another one that was a big part of a magical journey. To play around 300 games and score 129 goals (117 in the league I believe) in 3 spells is incredible and he is placed in the top 10 goal scorers of all time at the Lane. The stats are below which may be of some interest: 1. Harry Johnson – 201 goals. 2. Alan Woodward - 158. 3. Jimmy Dunne - 143. 4. Keith Edwards - 143. 5. Doc Pace - 140. 6. Fred Tunstall - 129. 7. Billy Gillespie - 127. 8. Jimmy Hagan - 117. 9 .Billy Sharp - 117 10. Jock Dodds - 113.
Grade C+ (Last season B+)
Iliman Ndiaye Had an excellent first season in the professional game and showed real moments of quality as he linked with Gibbs White, Sharp and others. He began really well before being in and out of the side a bit and even towards the end of the season he was not always starting but at Forest he was so close to putting his through. Overall, we saw a fantastically gifted footballer – he of course needed more games and to get fitter but talent wise we knew we had a top prospect. His combination play with Gibbs White of course would be missing and he would have to take more of a responsibility. We were still a little unsure if he was best as an out and out striker or as an attacking midfielder (10) or just off another striker. This season he has played a bit of everything but actually shown he can do well as an out and out forward getting in the box but also running from deep and going at teams. He has shown more than anything a phenomenal work rate and even when things have not gone his/our way he has knuckled down and always does a job for the team and will try and win the ball back.
He started the season at Watford as the whole team did not get going but scored a goal reminiscent of Tony Agana – in the game v Millwall as he shrugged off his man and finished calmly. He continued to get better and better and now was the main man with Gibbs White gone and took on the promise of last season to a whole new level. He came on against Blackburn as we rotated a bit early in the season and scored one off his backside but a goal of sheer quality as he ran from his own half, shrugging off challenge after challenge, putting in a step over and curling in an absolute beauty in one of the best individual goals I have ever seen at the Lane. The reaction of shock and delight was quickly followed by chattering on the terrace of how we had something really special in this lad. His excellent form continued and he scored more great goals – Reading at home and Preston away as he sort of takes his time and sits players down. . He repeated his now trademark cool, ‘I’ll do it in my own time’ goal at West Brom and then a different type of goal at Ashton Gate with a brave header. His now traditional twirling hand celebration often met with different chants the mans had created to acclaim their star boy! He showed his full range of tricks with some outrageous moments in the shellacking of Burnley in November.
We then had the World Cup where he advanced his reputation even more as he represented Senegal. He came off the bench and did well, before getting in the side and many of us of course wanted England to win but wanted him to do well when they met at the 2nd round stage. He has clearly impressed the coach there as now starts and scored his first goals recently in the last round of games. Playing with someone like Sadio Mane will of course only help him further.
After he came back, he maybe did not score as many goals or have as much direct influence on big moments but his work ethic remained high and he still performed at a good level. He only scored one goal versus Stoke as he hit a barren spell with only 1 in 15 either side of Xmas. The goal at Reading was more of a poacher’s goal and he did the same against Wigan. His performances started to get to the levels they had been as the season came to a close and a lovely goal against Cardiff and an assist against Bristol City and we saw the level of skill/form (work rate always there) we had although missed a big early chance against Manchester City. However, another brilliant performance and cool assist was a big contributor to the improved second half. His big smile and joy, coupled with his dancing in front of the Kop was something that will live long in the memory. Watching him toy with Preston in the game after was superb and he just looked unplayable at times.
I have just loved watching him play. It’s players like him and what he does why you want to watch football and the fact he plays for our team is fantastic. The most talented player ability wise I have ever seen at Bramall Lane in my near 40 years of watching. Others like Deane, Jagielka (for us) and Walker, Maguire have gone onto play Premier League level and excel and suppose we need to wait to see him do it at a higher level but I have no doubt he will. He is too good and works too hard too. A player that toils and can show all the skills and has the assets you look for in terms of ability on the ball, dribbling, strength, pace and shooting means he is surely a can’t miss in terms of going on to b an absolute star?
On top of his ability, seems a smashing kid. Always seems to be smiling (apart from the few times she loses it a bit with players – Nathan Tella and Kenny McClean – two he has fallen out with!) and seems to just love football and expressing himself. We saw the video of him growing up and doing all the juggling/skills in a park as he was a kid but he plays like that on the field too. Seems to not just want to entertain but wants to win.
He only has a year left of his contract. I personally would rather keep him and lose him if we have to next summer. We can put a price on him remaining here and contributing to us trying to stay up – he is 24 next summer but not sure we get compensation for him as he came from another youth set up at Boreham Wood? Even in January we would not get the fee that would be worth selling unless we dead and buried or completely safe! In an ideal world we would give him a longer deal, stay up next year and sell him for about 50 million! Not going to happen sadly. I think we all know we are very lucky and privileged to see a player like him and just got to enjoy and savour every game. It seems like his agent is touting around a bit and probably going to move him on – just hope he can stay with us a longer but would not be totally surprised if he does move on – even this summer.
Talents like him do not come along very often (huge credit for the scouting side for picking him up) and certainly not at the Lane. As I say just a joy to watch and a player, I have every confidence will go on and be a top player whether it be near the upper end of the Premier League or La Liga or for PSG/Bayern – he is that good and I have never said that about any player I have seen at the Lane before. He will end up playing in the Champions League and being a star if he continues to work hard and keep progressing and feel only injury or some poor career choices would stop that. The sort of player that feel you will say at the end of his career can you believe we saw him play for SUFC and at the Lane!
Grade A (Last season B)
Strikers
Billy Sharp Sharp had a renaissance in the 21-22 season scoring 14 (15 all comps) as the Blades improved hugely under Hecky and his combination with the likes of Gibbs White and Ndiaye saw us get in the playoffs and just miss out. Oddly it was not so much his goals but his work rate and actually his set up play which impressed, as he showed other facets to his game. He looked like he was the fittest he had ever been. With Gibbs White going back and a number of strikers moving on, we did not have the funds to upgrade this area so you sensed he would be counted on again this season – maybe too much considering his advancing years? You also forget many thought McBurnie would be on his way and not seen as much of a threat. The feeling was Brewster would start with Ndiaye off him and that Sharp would not be a regular.
This is of course how it started although Billy played at Boro but got an injury and was out then until being back on the bench at Preston. He started against Blackpool and Norwich but we did better when others came on up front. He did play at Bristol City and Cardiff but by this time McBurnie and Ndiaye had formed the main partnership with the former really regaining form and Sharp knew he would be only used maybe when these two needed a rest (or were suspended). However Sharp had a good spell after the World Cup scoring his first goals of the season against Huddersfield and Wigan – two textbook Sharp finishes and scored a late goal against Wrexham in the replay too. His reaction after this game was a bit odd and not sure he needed to say what he did – he had let his feet do the talking after all.
He was used mostly as a sub in the run in but did start against Wigan and had a good cameo against Bristol City as he helped us get the late win. Fantastic to see him against Manchester City at Wembley. Did well too against West Brom in that important promotion sealing game. Started against Preston but did not have any chances and struggled more when starting games and did not really look like getting that 250th goal in appearances sadly despite trying to get on the end of things.
He has definitely contributed to the squad and like old timers Basham and Fleck, have played their part albeit not as regulars like they used to. He works hard and it means so much to him when he does play. However, for the most part the goals dried up and he missed some chances you would expect him to take in games but he has not been playing as much as the last campaign. He has done a job at times for the side when we have needed to rotate including some decent cameos from the bench – but generally he is not a game changing type player so sometimes his introduction has attracted some criticism from fans. His work ethic remains solid but he is hugely lacking pace and mobility and means if he does not score, often he is restricted to some hold up and winning free kicks. You do sometimes forget he is now 37! Most of his games he has played from the bench this season so hard to be too critical of his low scoring output. You do forget though that last season was a bit of an outlier with the goals return in terms of since we went up to the Premier League – as he has only scored 3, 3 and 2 in the other 4 seasons in the league – which kind of does not fit with the ‘Sharp scores goals.’
Hard one this summer, as the sentimental factor says retain him for a year, let him maybe do some coaching (know he has done lots of qualifications) with the academy at some level and let him bow out the end of next season (he would be 38) and then he can have his final season at Handsworth as he had wanted (said he wanted to have one year at his former club and with some of his pals). Although he might want to play more but if we do not give him a deal (I don’t have an issue if we do not as he is not going to play very much at all – odd cup game you think and that would, be it?) even though many may be critical but he will know he is not close to a Premier League player anymore and that United cannot just pay him for another year for what he has done in the past. Has he done enough this season to get another deal? Probably not as hard as it is to write that but you sense the likes of hm, Stevens and Fleck their time may be up nw. Sad as it is to write this., He may want to go to League 1 or 2 where he could still start and probably in the same way McGoldrick has done, go on and score lots of goals for another season or two maybe? Whatever happens I would not be too critical of the club and can live with whichever way they go. It seems that the rumours and his speech on the Town Hall suggests that it might be the end but we will see- but who could not be moved from watching him in tears and struggling to speak.
He will go down as a Blades great and a legend for what he has accomplished here. Another one that was a big part of a magical journey. To play around 300 games and score 129 goals (117 in the league I believe) in 3 spells is incredible and he is placed in the top 10 goal scorers of all time at the Lane. The stats are below which may be of some interest: 1. Harry Johnson – 201 goals. 2. Alan Woodward - 158. 3. Jimmy Dunne - 143. 4. Keith Edwards - 143. 5. Doc Pace - 140. 6. Fred Tunstall - 129. 7. Billy Gillespie - 127. 8. Jimmy Hagan - 117. 9 .Billy Sharp - 117 10. Jock Dodds - 113.
Grade C+ (Last season B+)
Iliman Ndiaye Had an excellent first season in the professional game and showed real moments of quality as he linked with Gibbs White, Sharp and others. He began really well before being in and out of the side a bit and even towards the end of the season he was not always starting but at Forest he was so close to putting his through. Overall, we saw a fantastically gifted footballer – he of course needed more games and to get fitter but talent wise we knew we had a top prospect. His combination play with Gibbs White of course would be missing and he would have to take more of a responsibility. We were still a little unsure if he was best as an out and out striker or as an attacking midfielder (10) or just off another striker. This season he has played a bit of everything but actually shown he can do well as an out and out forward getting in the box but also running from deep and going at teams. He has shown more than anything a phenomenal work rate and even when things have not gone his/our way he has knuckled down and always does a job for the team and will try and win the ball back.
He started the season at Watford as the whole team did not get going but scored a goal reminiscent of Tony Agana – in the game v Millwall as he shrugged off his man and finished calmly. He continued to get better and better and now was the main man with Gibbs White gone and took on the promise of last season to a whole new level. He came on against Blackburn as we rotated a bit early in the season and scored one off his backside but a goal of sheer quality as he ran from his own half, shrugging off challenge after challenge, putting in a step over and curling in an absolute beauty in one of the best individual goals I have ever seen at the Lane. The reaction of shock and delight was quickly followed by chattering on the terrace of how we had something really special in this lad. His excellent form continued and he scored more great goals – Reading at home and Preston away as he sort of takes his time and sits players down. . He repeated his now trademark cool, ‘I’ll do it in my own time’ goal at West Brom and then a different type of goal at Ashton Gate with a brave header. His now traditional twirling hand celebration often met with different chants the mans had created to acclaim their star boy! He showed his full range of tricks with some outrageous moments in the shellacking of Burnley in November.
We then had the World Cup where he advanced his reputation even more as he represented Senegal. He came off the bench and did well, before getting in the side and many of us of course wanted England to win but wanted him to do well when they met at the 2nd round stage. He has clearly impressed the coach there as now starts and scored his first goals recently in the last round of games. Playing with someone like Sadio Mane will of course only help him further.
After he came back, he maybe did not score as many goals or have as much direct influence on big moments but his work ethic remained high and he still performed at a good level. He only scored one goal versus Stoke as he hit a barren spell with only 1 in 15 either side of Xmas. The goal at Reading was more of a poacher’s goal and he did the same against Wigan. His performances started to get to the levels they had been as the season came to a close and a lovely goal against Cardiff and an assist against Bristol City and we saw the level of skill/form (work rate always there) we had although missed a big early chance against Manchester City. However, another brilliant performance and cool assist was a big contributor to the improved second half. His big smile and joy, coupled with his dancing in front of the Kop was something that will live long in the memory. Watching him toy with Preston in the game after was superb and he just looked unplayable at times.
I have just loved watching him play. It’s players like him and what he does why you want to watch football and the fact he plays for our team is fantastic. The most talented player ability wise I have ever seen at Bramall Lane in my near 40 years of watching. Others like Deane, Jagielka (for us) and Walker, Maguire have gone onto play Premier League level and excel and suppose we need to wait to see him do it at a higher level but I have no doubt he will. He is too good and works too hard too. A player that toils and can show all the skills and has the assets you look for in terms of ability on the ball, dribbling, strength, pace and shooting means he is surely a can’t miss in terms of going on to b an absolute star?
On top of his ability, seems a smashing kid. Always seems to be smiling (apart from the few times she loses it a bit with players – Nathan Tella and Kenny McClean – two he has fallen out with!) and seems to just love football and expressing himself. We saw the video of him growing up and doing all the juggling/skills in a park as he was a kid but he plays like that on the field too. Seems to not just want to entertain but wants to win.
He only has a year left of his contract. I personally would rather keep him and lose him if we have to next summer. We can put a price on him remaining here and contributing to us trying to stay up – he is 24 next summer but not sure we get compensation for him as he came from another youth set up at Boreham Wood? Even in January we would not get the fee that would be worth selling unless we dead and buried or completely safe! In an ideal world we would give him a longer deal, stay up next year and sell him for about 50 million! Not going to happen sadly. I think we all know we are very lucky and privileged to see a player like him and just got to enjoy and savour every game. It seems like his agent is touting around a bit and probably going to move him on – just hope he can stay with us a longer but would not be totally surprised if he does move on – even this summer.
Talents like him do not come along very often (huge credit for the scouting side for picking him up) and certainly not at the Lane. As I say just a joy to watch and a player, I have every confidence will go on and be a top player whether it be near the upper end of the Premier League or La Liga or for PSG/Bayern – he is that good and I have never said that about any player I have seen at the Lane before. He will end up playing in the Champions League and being a star if he continues to work hard and keep progressing and feel only injury or some poor career choices would stop that. The sort of player that feel you will say at the end of his career can you believe we saw him play for SUFC and at the Lane!
Grade A (Last season B)
