The Pinch Podcast

Have things actually dipped, or just feel like they have?Sam and Riley dig into the numbers behind the last 10 games, where results have improved (really!?) but underlying performances tell a more complicated story. From being outshot regularly to conceding too many chances, we explore whether this is a genuine drop-off or just regression to the mean.There's also a look at tactical shifts under Wilder, whether a more possession-heavy approach is helping or hurting, and if January signings hint at a longer-term change in direction.Plus, we answer a couple of your listener questions — and tease a Q&A special next week with a very special guest.Thanks for all your questions: we answered a couple and will be answering the rest next week in a Q&A special with an appropriately special guest. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Freelance football commentator Chris MacMillan joins us in the Pinch wing to nominate three Sheffield United images for eternity: a childhood Brian Deane celebration, the agony of Seaman's save, and David Brooks humiliating Jack Hunt at Hillsborough. Which moment deserves to hang in the Louvre? Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Welcome to episode 4 of Memory Lane In Part Two of Clough Actually, Andrew Hague, Sam Parry and Ben “Travelling Blade” Humphries pick up where the story left off.After an FA Cup semi-final and a promising finish to the previous season, expectations were high for Nigel Clough's Sheffield United. Instead, the campaign quickly descended into confusion. There were strange selections, constant team changes and a squad that never quite fit together.Despite flashes of brilliance in the cups, the league form lurched from win to loss, momentum never arrived, and optimism slowly evaporated. As United failed in the play-offs and Clough left, what legacy did he leave behind? Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Welcome to episode 3 of Memory LaneThis time, Andrew Hague is joined by Sam Parry and Ben Humphries — better known as Travelling Blade — to kick off the first part of Clough Actually, a two-part series looking back at Nigel Clough's time at Sheffield United.In this episode, we revisit the chaotic early months of the Clough era: a struggling League One side, a squad full of strange signings, and a team that looked destined for trouble. Along the way we discuss players like Jamie Murphy, Jose Baxter and… err, Ryan Hall, plus the impact of John Brayford's arrival, and some unforgettable FA Cup moments. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

After a solid away win at QPR, we break down Adam Davies' performance stepping in between the sticks and ask what the data really says (or fails to say) about him. We preview the clash with West Brom and talk about why it's all going so badly wrong for them. Plus, in Question Time, we dive into how the Blades perform with and without Gus Hamer, discuss Jairo's long-term future at the club, and look ahead to the summer with a conversation about who United might need to sell. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Welcome to the second episode of Memory Lane Andrew and Sam are joined by special guest Berlin Blade to look back at the 1996 Sean Bean–led When Saturday Comes. It's a big conversation about a film that took the Blades onto the big screen. We dive into dodgy accents, Umbro jackets, 90s football culture, and the film's gritty(?) Sheffield spirit. Got ideas for future Memory Lane episodes? Tell us in the comments. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Sam, Riley, and David are back to break down another big week for Sheffield United. The trio dig into the Blades' historic 2–1 win over Sheffield Wednesday — a result that confirmed Wednesday's relegation. But did the performance quite match the occasion?Attention then turns to the frustrating 2–1 defeat vs Coventry City, before we look ahead to the upcoming clash with QPR. We also have a

Welcome to a new regular podcast on The PinchHosted by Andrew Hague, Memory Lane will be published three times per a month on a Tuesday afternoon. “In the very first episode of Memory Lane, we kick things off by diving into one of football's most unpredictable fixtures: the opening day of the season. For Sheffield United fans, the first game has delivered everything from incredible debuts to ludicrous line-ups, and here we relive the highs, lows and unforgettable moments that set the tone for entire campaigns.”Let us know what you make of our selections. We must have got something wildly wrong. Got ideas for future Memory Lane episodes? Tell us in the comments. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

In this episode of Formline, Sam and David are joined by Andrew “Roy” Hague to assess a strange but oddly encouraging run for Sheffield United. They discuss:A new exciting podventureWhether there's such a thing as a “good loss”The impact of red cards and squad rotationWhat the Charlton and Southampton defeats tell usA statement home win over IpswichGus Hamer's importanceWhy the numbers still like UnitedPlayoff maths, realism, and keeping the season aliveA daunting trip to Millwall — and what it might decide Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

This episode of Hang It in the Louvre is a little different. For the first time, one of The Pinch's own curators takes the guest chair. Sam nominates three images that have stayed with him across decades of following Sheffield United — from the joy of a rare Premier League away win at Luton, to the devastation of Wembley, and finally to a moment of pure connection between players and fans during the Wilder era. A reflective, emotional look at why football images linger long after the final whistle. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

It's the most glamorous time of the year. Forget the Oscars — this is The Pinch mid-season awards.With Sheffield United's campaign lurching from chaos to cautious optimism, we decided to take stock the only way we know how: by arguing our way through best goals, worst goals, MVPs, young standouts, signings, performances, managerial ratings and an overall grade for the season so far.There are crackers, calamities, comical own goals, a few consensus winners — and plenty of disagreement along the way. If nothing else, it's an honest snapshot of a season that's been as strange as it's been compelling for Sheffield United. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Nine points from four games, (mostly) good performances, and underlying numbers that hint at a cheerful 2026. Oh, and some transfer chat.... Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Welcome to Hang It In The Louvre by The Pinch Podcast — the show where Sheffield United supporters choose the images that define their relationship with the Blades.Each guest brings three pictures: moments of joy, pain, beauty or absurdity. We decide which one deserves a permanent place in our ever-growing Pinch Football Wing — and which ones are destined to be torn up forever.This time, we're joined by Sky Sports journalist and lifelong Blade Kate Burlaga, whose selections span empty streets in lockdown, the trauma of play-off defeat, and one of the most joyous days this side of the city has seen. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

The last Formline pod of 2025…Huge thanks to everyone who listens to The Pinch Podcast. We've had a blast this year talking tactics, stats and performances — and we were delighted that this pod made the final shortlist for the Football Supporter's Association awards for ‘best podcast'. In this episode, it was great to talk about an incredibly positive period in a season that once looked dead and buried. Riley was recording from outdoors, so apologies if anyone notices a little crackle down the line. We'll be back at early in the new year, and fingers crossed we're talking about another incredible formline.Oh, and there will be one more Hang it in the Louvre pod next week. Watch out for that! Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Caty Murray joins us to nominate the three Sheffield United images that have shaped her life as a fan. She takes us from the joy of Rob Hulse's opening-day header to the feverish excitement of Sander Berge's arrival — and finally, the stark pain of Newcastle's 8–0 at Bramall Lane. A warm, funny, and nostalgic episode about first heroes, shared trauma, and how Blades history lodges itself in the memory. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Well that was easy…Sam and Riley pick apart a derby that United won at a canter — from the slow, almost surreal rhythm of the match to the sense of inevitability that settled in long before the third goal. It was probably the calmest derby in living memory, a game where everyone had time to stand out, and we were left wondering whether anyone actually wanted the referee to blow early. It won't always be like this, so let's enjoy it… Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

To mark the launch of Blades by Numbers, a new interactive Sheffield United data dashboard, The Pinch dives into what the numbers can tell us — and what they can't. Sam Taylor and Riley Roberts talk xG, performance patterns, and how data can deepen rather than deaden our love of football. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

What's been most enjoyable about these podcasts so far is how each guest – and the three images they bring – has taken the conversation down its own unexpected alley.In this episode of Hang It in the Louvre, the Pinch team welcome Marc Webster — one half of the Tufty Club — to nominate his three most iconic Sheffield United images. From Bobby Davison's derby-day triumph to David McGoldrick's powerful anti-racism stance and the cursed Lundstram toe, we have a simply superb chinwag. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Gah! Another mad and maddening defeat. This time against a Derby side who were gifted three goals. Sam, David and Riley briefly chat through the loss to Derby before getting into the good (and bad) stuff. Inspired by Riley's piece a little while back, we look at the metrics that tend to point towards success in the Championship. How are Blades doing in those? Listen to find out (it's not all bad). Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

The Formline returns with an episode about three games in a week and the performances within them. Specifically, we're focussing on four key issues: Michael Cooper, Harrison Burrows, Callum O'Hare and the state of our matches at 0-0. In fact, what formation are we even playing?! Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Someone call 999, the Louvre has been robbed…But fear not, our latest guest is here to replenish the stocks with pure, unabashed Blades imagery. You'll know him from Blades Pod. You'll know him from Who Remembers? pod. You'll definitely know from him Roy's View From and hopefully from his social media reviews on The Pinch too. Andrew/Roy/Panchero Hague arrived at the Pinch Wing of the Louvre with three images in his backpack (spoilers below). He left only one behind, with Sam and David picking their favourite from a) one for your lock screen b) one for your wall c) one to tear up or burn, with a tear in your eye. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Not a deadbat, the Tufty Clubsman joined us over a very good evening where we chatted about kits, friends, family, icons, Wembley, drinking, Dave Bassett, the Kop, the memories and the cigars — all through the prism of three images. That's how this works…Hang it in the Louvre asks guests to pitch us three photos for our gallery. Listen now to hear DB's selections and then, once you're done, check out the brilliant Tufty Club podcast; it's perfect for an autumnal bath.Oh, and you can see David's choices below. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Our regular podcast about affairs on the pitch, the Formline returns with an episode about two losses. More losses, more depressing interruptions into what was a team that ‘just won'. Sheffield United are now a team that just loses. But in the games against Southampton and Hull, could it have been a different story? How close were we to three wins in a week? And how far away are we from being a competent team with a competent plan? If all those questions depress you further, worry not! We have a new motto to live by: there's always a Watford. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Our regular podcast about affairs on the pitch, the Formline returns with an episode about the first Blades win of the season. Three points—it's been a while. But was Chris Wilder's first win, in his third spell at Bramall Lane, all that much cop? Does it matter either way? Who played well? Who played poorly? And what about that return to three at the back? Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

We are buzzing to get this feature off the ground. Inspired by nostalgia, Desert Island Discs and, frankly, a desire to talk about happier footballing moments, Hang it in the Louvre is a podcast about real and mental images, and crazy days supporting the Blades. Huge thanks to Tyrone for being our first guest. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

United Voices 1.03 | Joe Clift from the Stand United campaign joins us for a special United Voices episode. Sam, David, and Joe dive into safe standing—its impact on atmosphere, the four years of tireless advocacy it took, and the crucial backing from the Fan Advisory Board and others that finally got it over the line. And of course, we couldn't ignore the elephant in the room (albeit a slimline one): the return of Chris Wilder. thepinch.uk/ Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

In today's episode, we are using the structure of the Off Menu podcast to formulate our dream team from Sheffield United's current squad. Sam and Riley have to pick one formation, one outfit, one captain and eleven players to finalise their dream Blades menu. We hope it's a treat. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Sheffield United Transfer Deadline Podcast -- as it happened, or didn't happen. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

It's not the start we wanted, but are the Blades' four losses in a row the results we deserve? Sam, David and Riley assess performances after four games. This is why we started the Formline: to analyse games in bunches to try and spot trends. Unfortunately, the most obvious trend is downwards. But can we find crumbs of comfort? Look hard enough, and just maybe we can… Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Sheffield United Season Preview | After a pre-season packed with thumping wins, kit launches, and a beautiful own goal, the Championship is back – and so is The Pinch. David, Sam, and Riley kick off their two-part season preview with a detailed look at United's pre-season results, tactical shifts under new management, and which players are catching the eye. From rising stars like Ryan One to debates on transfer rumours and expectations, this episode sets the tone for a fascinating season ahead. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

On this episode of The Pinch, we dig into a sacking that speaks volumes. We reflect on Wilder's legacy, question the timing of his exit, and try to make sense of an ownership group with bold ideas, a clear disdain for sentiment, and a recruitment model powered by algorithms… or is it? Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

What does Brexit have to do with Sheffield United's next signing? Quite a lot, actually. In this episode of The Pinch, we unpack the hidden world of football visas with analyst Andy Watson, revealing how the right knowledge of GBE and ESC rules can give clubs like United a massive recruitment edge. Packed with examples, past missteps, and future targets, this one's a must-listen for any fan who wants to know how the transfer game really works.Timestamps:00:03:00 – Andy Watson's journey from maths teacher to GBE guru00:08:30 – What GBE and ESC mean in a post-Brexit football world00:27:00 – How Sheffield United are already using ESC slots00:35:00 – Transfer targets for the Blades Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Welcome to The Pinch Podcast, where heartbreak meets hard truths. In this post-play-off special, we confront the gut-punch of Wembley defeat and explore the real lessons from Sheffield United's 2024/25 season. From Chris Wilder's risk-averse tactics and missed attacking fluidity, to urgent calls for smarter recruitment and a proactive board, we break down what went right, what should change, and why the board shouldn't press the panic button. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

In this special play-off final edition of The Formline, Sam and Riley step in to assess Sheffield United's chances at Wembley after a dominant semi-final showing. With Sunderland pulling off a dramatic turnaround of their own, it's set to be a clash packed with nerves, history, and high stakes—the richest game in football and that big white arch awaits. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

With the Blades back in the mix and the stakes sky-high, we're joined by EFL expert and Not The Top 20 co-host George Elek to break it all down. NTT20 LIVE IN SHEFFIELD: Alongside Not The Top 20 co-host Ali Maxwell, he will be playing live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, at the Crucible! This is happening on Saturday 5 July, kicking off at 3pm. You can book tickets here: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/book/instance/822201 Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

The Pinch Podcast returns with part one of our play-off preview, diving deep into our semi-final clash with Bristol City. Expect analysis, optimism (yes, really), and a bit of tactical talk. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

As the Blades head into the final day of the season, Sam, David and Riley pick out some key performances from the past three games and agree on the team they don't want to face in the play-offs. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

A horrible run of three defeats on the bounce has put the Blades at the back of the queue for the automatic spots – David Taylor, Sam Parry and Riley Roberts pull it apart with one eye on leadership. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Sam, David and Riley cast their eye over one of the youngest squads in the Championship, zooming in on four players - as is Formline tradition - Seriki, Peck, Brooks and Cannon. There's also a bit of time to assess the Coventry game, and the elephant in the room, Riley's harsh ratings. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Sam, David and Riley review the previous four fixtures and look ahead to the four matches to come – plus points predictions, opposition run-ins and a hint of derby double revelry. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

United Voices 1.03 | In this latest episode of our United Voices series, Sam and David chat with artist Marty Griot. His work brings colour to matchdays and beyond, bleeding into its environment. We discuss past, present and future, as well as inspiration and aspiration, plus a quick catch-up about last week's defeat to table-toping Leeds United. thepinch.uk/ Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Which individuals could make the biggest impact in the final 13 games? That's the question we're debating on the latest podcast. Sam picks four, Riley picks four, and David adjudicates—no easy task when there is only one shared pick. As we arrive at the final four, we also discuss the question of whether you'd be buying or selling the Sheffield United performance dip. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

With new signings in the building, Sam, David and Riley deep-dive into the previous four matches, look ahead to Portsmouth and discuss AI player-trading Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Listen | Ben Brereton Diaz, Tom Canon, Jonjoe Kenny, Michael Keane and more - Sam, Riley and David assess the signings, the rumoured signings, and their aura. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

LISTEN | The Pinch podcast is back with the first Formline episode of 2025. In this episode, we discuss the trends of a difficult but not deadly festive period. Who's performed best? Who's performed worst? Has Tom Davies transformed Callum O'Hare's form? Has our xG data deviated that much from our baseline? Have performances dropped? Have we been unlucky? What might Brereton Diaz add? It's a biggie! Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

Sheffield United don't cross much, but why? Sam, David and Riley discuss the trend and share thoughts on Rak-Sakyi's dip in form, our level of control and whether a regression is on the horizon. Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe

State of Play 1.02 | The Pinch pod is back to talk takeovers. Is it on? And if so, what happens next? What approach might would-be new owners take? What does it mean for Wilder, for transfers and for the fan experience? thepinch.uk/ Get full access to The Pinch at www.thepinch.uk/subscribe