BladesPod - The Sheffield United Podcast

Ben and Andrew react to today's news that Chris Wilder has been sacked as manager of Sheffield United. We discuss why it might have happened, what we think of the timing, and whether we think it's the right decision, plus look back on Wilder's legacy and what a new man could mean for the club going forward. As always, thanks for listening and UTB! === Women of Steel, a free newsletter about Sheffield United Women: http://womenofsteel.substack.com Who Remembers, Andrew (and Liam)'s UK nostalgia podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507764/episodes

Ben and Andrew emerge from under their respective rocks and remove their fingers from their respective ears to acknowledge that a playoff final took place two weeks ago. We do our best not to discuss that in any particular detail and instead appraise how we're feeling about United heading into the off-season and another year in the Championship. Thanks for your patience and for listening! Ben's newsletter on Sheffield United Women can be found at WOMEN OF STEEL: http://womenofsteel.substack.com Andrew and Leeroy's rebranded nostalgia podcast WHO REMEMBERS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507764

The time for talking is almost over, but until then Ben and Andrew blurt out some nervously-excited / excitedly-nervous thoughts ahead of United's 5th attempt to win a playoff final. Does Sunderland's form matter? Do our two league meetings have any significance? Can we keep our cool? How much of a difference will Wilder make? All this and more covered in an amount of detail greater than zero. Thanks for listening and for one last time this season, UTB!

Ben and Andrew savour a smooth semi-final victory for the Blades, who repeat the scoreline of the first leg and beat Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate. We discuss a brilliant atmosphere and a memorable George Baldock moment, the great position the squad is in, how we're feeling heading to Wembley to face Sunderland, and the farce around the delayed kickoff announcement. Back with a preview of the match itself next week, in the meantime thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew have a brief but giddy review of United's fantastic 3-0 win over Bristol City in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals, as Callum O'Hare and forgotten man Andre Brooks give the Blades a healthy cushion following Harrison Burrows' first half penalty. We talk about two big refereeing decisions, wily Wilder, the value of Kieffer Moore and a few other odds and ends ahead of Monday's second leg. Thanks for listening and UTB!

It's time for our old friend the playoffs, and Ben and Andrew are feeling optimistic (well, mainly Ben). We look ahead at the two games to come with Bristol City, including how both sides are shaping up and the fact United actually having a strong squad to pick from for once in a playoff campaign. Finally, with the regular season over, we revisit our Chip Butty Predictions from the start of the campaign to find who owes who a tasty carb-based meal. Thanks for listening and UTB!

With the Blades about to try and win the playoffs at the 10th attempt, Ben and Andrew look back through history to see what went wrong in every previous campaign and what lessons we can (hopefully) learn that'll help Chris Wilder's class of 2025 finally giving us that sweet sweet Wembley win we've been waiting 100 years for. Thanks for listening and UTB!

With United's status as the third men of the Championship confirmed, Ben and Andrew look at what needs to happen over the next few weeks to get the squad as ready as possible for the knockout fun of the playoffs. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew lament a dreadful defeat at Plymouth that means it'll almost certainly be the playoffs for United this season. We look at where it's gone wrong, what we'd like to see next, and whether there is still more than a glimmer of hope for the top two... Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew take a deep breath and talk through two terrible results for United that sees them falter in the race for automatic promotion despite not really playing that differently to the rest of the season. There's some encouragement in that, but also a fair dose of frustration of course as the fun of they playoffs nudges closer. We also look ahead to what is now a huge game at Plymouth on Saturday. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben is joined by Anna Kent of Rainbow Blades to discuss United's impressive win over Coventry (with a few minutes revisiting the derby win, because why not), the rise of Rhian Brewster, and the promotion run-in. Finally, we turn our attention to United Women and their battle against relegation - any chance of a happy outcome for both United teams by the time we reach May? Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew savour a Steel City derby double, as the Blades win 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday. Rhian Brewster (!!!) grabs the headlines as youngsters Femi Seriki and Sydie Peck impress, while Michael Cooper remains the calmest man in Sheffield. We also dissect Chris Wilder's post-match interview and the reaction to it, the legacy of a derby double, and plenty more from a very fine Sunday at Hillsborough. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew talk about the Blades getting four points from two home games against Paul Heckingbottom's Preston and an impressive Bristol City. Tyrese Campbell stars again and Rob Holding looks good on his first start, but United end up getting stung for playing another close game. We then pause thoughts of promotion briefly for the upcoming derby match on Sunday. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew recap another away win for the Blades as Ben Brereton Diaz and Tyrese Campbell give United the points at Loftus Road and keep us in the top two. We also look ahead to Preston this weekend and the return to Bramall Lane of Paul Heckingbottom. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew are feeling fairly upbeat in defeat after Monday night's loss to Leeds, with plenty of encouragement from United's performance against the league leaders. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew review a messy but important win for the Blades over Luton, with Anel Ahmedhodzic settling it late on. We discuss the latest edition of the "performances vs results" debate, the state of the promotion race, and our upcoming match against Leeds. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew discuss United's dismantling of Middlesbrough with a fantastic performance, including a star turn from Sydie Peck and impressive displays from Gustavo Hamer (obviously), Callum O'Hare and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. We also discuss the less-impressive Matthew Donohue and look briefly ahead to Luton this weekend.

Ben and Andrew discuss United somehow stealing three points from an impressive Portsmouth side in last weekend's game, although the introduction of Sydie Peck certainly had a lot to do with it - as did the perpetually-outstanding Gustavo Hamer. We also look ahead to the visit of Middlesbrough tomorrow night. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Lots for Ben and Andrew to get through this week, including United's drab but important 1-0 win at Derby County, plus the signings of Harry Clarke, Rob Holding, Jefferson Caceres and Christian Nwachukwu as part of a frantic deadline day. We discuss the window as a whole and where it leaves the squad before looking ahead to Portsmouth on Saturday and a word on Chris Wilder's new contract. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew react to a miserable night at the Lane as Ruben Selles' Hull "do a job" on the Blades in a frustrating performance. We discuss Tom Cannon's debut, the welcome return of Vini Souza, how new signing Hamza Choudhury will fit into the team - and how we might shape the team around him - and look ahead to Derby County on Saturday. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew review the Blades downing Canaries and Swans in quick succession, despite more patch-up teamsheets - three goals in a week for Harrison Burrows and a welcome strike for Rhian Brewster are enough to give the Blades six points. We also talk about the return of Ben Brereton-Diaz, a few other moves that sound like they're in the works, and the visit of Hull City on Friday. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew tick off the Cardiff cup game and the latest January transfer activity before taking a long look back at the 11 years of Prince Abdullah's joint- and sole-ownership of Sheffield United FC - the good, the bad, and the lucky. One thing's for sure, it was some ride. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew are impressed with United's resolve in a good performance at Sunderland and an even better one at Watford, as the Blades' depleted squad powers through to stay in touch at the top of the league - with reinforcements hopefully on the way before our next league fixture. We have plenty of praise for Peck, Davies and O'Hare, and also look ahead to the cup game with Cardiff on Thursday. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew catch up on a trio of festive games as United's squad is stretched to breaking point: we touch on the completion of the takeover, Harry Souttar's season-ending injury, and the need for patience heading into January. We also discuss Andre Brooks returning to the fold against WBA - and bagging his first Blades goal - and a few players who've put in a shift and a half over this period of matches. Plus, a look ahead to Sunderland tomorrow night. Thanks very much for listening, and happy new to year from us to you.

Pilgrim Up North - Plymouth Recap, Cardiff Preview by

Ben and Andrew have some quick thoughts on an impressive win at Millwall, including Rhian Brewster's first goal for two years, and look ahead to Plymouth Argyle's visit to the Lane tomorrow. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew react to an entertaining 2-2 draw at West Brom as United score twice in a minute but eventually have to settle for a point via Tom Fellows' wind-assisted fluke. We also look ahead to a (very) tough game with Millwall, made even more difficult by the fact it's now Neil Harris' final home game at the Den. Thanks for listening and UTB! Referenced in the ep - Ben's piece on international football returning to Bramall Lane: https://womenofsteel.substack.com/p/international-football-returns-to

Ben and Andrew recap an exciting game with Sunderland as Tom Davies pops up to win it off the bench on his return to fitness. We talk about Michael Cooper's excellence, Femi Seriki making a big impact off the bench, and United's ability to grind out games even when up against it - plus, a look ahead to West Brom this weekend and a match against probably the weirdest team in the league. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew review the dramatic 2-2 draw at Coventry as Bassette hounds Anel into a red card, and then the satisfying stroll against Oxford at Bramall Lane. We talk about Tyrese Campbell's latest pair of goals, Gustavo Hamer getting into the middle, and a brilliant first start from Femi Seriki, before looking ahead to a big clash with Sunderland on Friday. Thanks for listening and UTB!

An extender to see out the remains of the international break - first, Ben and Andrew hand out their early season awards including POTS, biggest surprise, best / worst moment, and preseason prediction we most regret. We also look ahead to the Coventry game this weekend. Then, Ben is joined by Rainbow Blades vice-chair Anna Kent to catch up on the first half of the season for Sheffield United Women, and about the Lionesses returning to Bramall Lane in a couple of weeks. Thanks to Andrew and Anna, and thanks to you for listening. UTB!

Ben and Andrew review Sheffield United 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday, as Tyrese Campbell's goal is enough to settle the latest derby at Bramall Lane - and the first goal for either side since September 2017. We end up discussing pretty much every Blades player, the enduring joy of derby victory even when the game is nowt special, a few of our favourite moments (as well as Tyrese Campbell putting the ball in the Wednesday net), and sausage rolls. Thanks for listening, and UTB!!!!

Ben and Andrew tick off two highly-satisfying wins for United, as they take six points from trips to Blackburn and Bristol City, with Ryan Oné bagging his first Blades goal and Harrison Burrows snatching a win at the death at Ashton Gate after a convincing performance at Ewood Park. We discuss the final stages of Vini Souza's redemption story and also look ahead to Sunday's derby. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew discuss United's 2-0 win over Stoke City as the Blades pay tribute to George Baldock before, during and after the game. We also touch on the previous week's trips to Leeds and Middlesbrough, and look ahead to the upcoming fixtures. Thank you for listening (and your patience), and UTB!

Ben and Andrew talk about the tragic passing of George Baldock and the outpouring of emotion that his death has brought out in the football world. RIP George.

Ben and Andrew review an enjoyably comfortable 2-0 win over Luton with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi getting his first Blades goals as the defence strings together a sixth straight clean sheet. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew give some brief thoughts on a somewhat odd game with soporific Swansea, as Josh Tymon's own goal gives the Blades another win and puts them -2 points off the top of the league. We discuss some savvy squad management by Wilder, another good showing by Harrison Burrows, a fifth clean sheet in a row, and also look ahead to Luton on Saturday. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew review the 0-0 draw at Fratton Park as United stay unbeaten on a day where neither team could find a way past the respective opposition goalkeepers. We also look ahead to a midweek game with Swansea and what to expect from the visitors. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew review United's win over Derby County, with the latest moment of magic from Gus Hamer raising some cheer after an emotional few days for the fanbase. We also look ahead to this weekend's trip to Portsmouth. As mentioned in the episode, you can donate to the funeral of Jonny Gascoigne here. https://www.gofundme.com/f/jonny-gascoigne

Ben and Andrew savour another away win for United as the Blades bring a winning gameplan to Hull City, with particularly eye-catching performances from Hamer, Ahmedhodzic and Gilchrist. We catch up on the end of the transfer window, stake some chip butties on some outlandish predictions for the rest of the season, and look ahead to Derby County on Saturday. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben is joined by Anna Kent of Rainbow Blades to discuss United's win over Watford - a home win at last! - before turning our eye towards the current state of SUFC Women ahead of their season kickoff this weekend. We discuss last season, the impact of the club's takeover that has led to a messy summer exodus of players, the green shoots ahead of the new season, the Women's Championship as a whole, and players we're most looking forward to see this season including Izzy Goodwin, Molly Graham, Eva Butler and Ella Kinzett. Huge thanks to Anna for joining me to talk about the Blades in Andrew's absence! Join Rainbow Blades: https://www.rainbowblades.com/ Follow Anna on social media: @annavkent

With the transfer window coming to a close, Ben and Andrew clean up some of the latest rumours and news around the Blades, including Leeds lowballing for Hamer, Trusty to Celtic, Mikey Johnston arriving, and what our dream end to the transfer window would look like. Plus, we briefly discuss Norwich before giving some thoughts on last night's Yorkshire derby with Barnsley and previewing the visit of early pacesetters Watford. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew lament the Blades letting a first home league win since December slip through their fingers, as a 2-0 lead isn't enough during a bizarrely passive second half. We discuss the joy of watching Hamer and O'Hare, some poor/non-existent game management, and a curious choice of goalkeeper. One day we'll win at the Lane again, eh? Thanks for listening, and UTB!

The Blades are up and running in 2024/25 thanks to Oli Arblaster and Gus Hamer's goals at Preston, and Ben and Andrew discuss a return of that winning feeling, the debuts of Gilchrist, Burrows, Moore and O'Hare, more new signings in Michael Cooper and Tyrese Campbell, a win for the second string in the League Cup, the expiry of Hamer's release clause and a whole lot more. Roll on Saturday, UTB!

By way of a season preview, Ben and Andrew break down the best case and worst case scenarios for Sheffield United in 2024/25 - what needs to go right to have a great (promotion-chasing?) season, and what might go wrong that leads to a bad (don't think about it) one. We discuss the need for reinforcements, the importance of Gus Hamer, whether Wilder will rediscover his mojo, takeover implications and plenty more, and how they could impact the season ahead. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew spin the roulette wheel of Blades news to catch up on everything going on with United over the last few weeks as O'Hare, Burrows and Moore spark some excitement ahead of the new season. Meanwhile Bogle heads to Leeds, McBurnie's gone to Spain, Osula is possibly off to Newcastle, and plenty of other stories both minor and major covered in this episode. Thanks for listening and UTB!

Ben and Andrew have some BIG FEELINGS about the current state of inactivity at United, with the whole club seemingly on pause as John Egan, Oli McBurnie, Ben Osborn and Daniel Jebbison leave on free transfers. Will it all come together? Hopefully, but for now it's very hard to trust(y) the process... Plus! Half an hour of England Euro 2024 chat which you are free to ignore if you're had Welsh / Scottish / Irish / Other / had enough hearing about whether football's coming home. Thanks for listening, UTB and come on England!

Ben and Andrew reflect on the careers of three Blades greats: Chris Basham, George Baldock and Oli Norwood are all leaving United and we look back on their time in red and white and their highlight moments. Plus, we each make some somewhat-bold predictions about Euro 2024, with a greasy chip butty on the line for each wager. Thanks for listening, UTB and come on England!

It's that time of year: Ben and Andrew give their marks out of 10 for the Blades squad in what will be the FINAL WORD on the 2023/24 season (at least as far as this pod is concerned). We quickly cover the Spurs game, how many of the "things we want to see from the last 10 games" came off, and the U21 men winning the PDL National Final, before getting into our player reviews - which includes a BladesPod-first of a zero being awarded to one player. Ouch. Thanks for listening throughout a rubbish season, we do appreciate it. UTB!

Ben and Andrew missed the Meh-verton game but have plenty of other stuff to discuss anyway, starting with the hiring of Jamie Hoyland and Mike Allen to head up recruitment and what it says about the immediate future of Sheffield United. Next, we revisit our Chip Butty wagers from the summer and find out who owes who a greasy one, then we do a quickfire keep-or-release ahead of the news that the released/retained list will be out this week, and finally we discuss our hopes for the club to orchestrate a proper send-off on Sunday for those who fully deserve it. Thanks for listening, and UTB!

Ben and Andrew discuss the Forest game before returning to our preseason "how to avoid relegation" blueprint to see how badly United missed on all the things we thought needed to go right. We also use that as a chance to catch up on the latest news around George Baldock (probably leaving, boo), Dan Jebbison (possibly staying, yay), Oli McBurnie (injured and who knows, hmm) and other recent bits of Blades goings-on. Thanks for listening, what a season.

Ben and Andrew discuss United's latest home hammering as Burnley exploit the Blades' terrible defence while also showing us what a competent goalkeeper looks like in the other net. We talk about a bad day for Vini Souza, what on earth to do with Ivo Grbic, and whether we're seeing any green shoots from Wilder's return before his 20th game in charge this season. Thanks for listening and UTB!