Opposition Chat - Sheffield United

Our contributor for the Sheffield United match is Paul Holland who edits www.sheffieldunited-mad.co.uk

Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?

My name is Paul Holland, I live in Barnsley and have supported my team Sheffield United since I was about 8 years old.

What was your first game?

I am ashamed to admit that I cannot remember, from what I can remember was against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League during 1992/93 season.

Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?

Being a Blade isn’t easy; we under achieve every year and therefore see many of good games but on the other hand see many worst games. The best game I have ever seen would be the 2-1 victory over

Liverpool in League Cup Semi-Final 1^st Leg.

The Blades were 1-0 down after Neil Mellor had handed them a first half lead but United bounced back and scored twice in five minutes, both from Michael Tonge.

The worst game I have ever witnessed would be the Play-Off loss against Wolves; I don’t really want to talk about this game.

Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?

We have always had a great rivalry with Leeds and Forest and quite recently West Brom but our biggest rivals has to be Wednesday, we share the same City and have played many of games between each other.

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?

The Best player I have seen play for the Blades was Jan Fjortoft, his strike rate was impressive whilst the worst player I have seen was George Santos, how did he become a professional? He cannot pass, head, shoot or tackle.

Which current or former Leicester player impressed you most?

Best Leicester player????

Nathan Blake when on form, I felt he was a player United should have gone for in the summer rather than that waste of space Hayles.

How did you fare last season?

Terrible, finished 8^th when a Play-off spot looked odds on so early on in the season, United didn’t invest when we had to and failed miserably. Especially after having a barnstorming season the previous term.

How do you think you'll do this season?

Neil Warnock has brought in new faces, including two from our rivals but has so far proved a success. We have a few injury’s but once back should make the squad better, but I do think that we will finish in the Play-Offs or another 8^th place finish.

What's the local drink and snap?

The local pub around Bramall Lane would be the ‘Cricketers’ when was named as cricket was once played on Bramall Lane. The local snap would be the Chippie on Shoreham Street, if you don’t mind queuing that is.

If Rotherham were a TV personality, who would it be and why?

Jo Brand, they are foul mouthed, over weight and drink lots of beer.

So what do you think of Leicester?

I cannot say I notice Leicester much, normally let Forest fans have their opinion about them. Leicester are a troubled club, no longer in the Premiership and haven’t dominated games like they should, they need to be careful or could go way of Wednesday.

Is your manager barking mad?

Yes, Neil Warnock is a great manager, he will slate referees even if it means him getting a fine and once more he doesn’t really care about it either.

Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

Yes and No, we have a great board, all of them Blades fans but for a team that are considered sleeping giants we don’t exactly spend money. Leicester bought Connolly for £500,000, our entire squad didn’t cost that much.

Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?

Leeds United, Forest and Wolves, there our biggest rivals in the league and would like to revenge that Play-Off misery. As for Forest we never beat them at the City Ground and maybe pick up a point at home.

What sort of line-up can we expect from you?

United these days go with a traditional 4-4-2 and love to play out wide. The line expected would be; Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Phil Jagielka, Chris Morgan (captain), Alan Wright, Alan Quinn, Paul Thirlwell, Michael Tonge, Jon Harley, Andy Gray, Ashley Ward.

Predicted score?

I would like to think that United would win but feel a 0-0 or 1-1 draw is more likely.

Who's going up?

West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland.

Who's going down?

Brighton & Hove Albion, Stoke City and Watford.