At the start of the season, Sheffield United named ex-Sheffield Wednesday player and manager, Danny Wilson as the man to try and lead the team back into the Championship. Eyebrows were raised by all supporters, including myself, as other candidates such as Keith Hill and Roberto Di Matteo had been overlooked. Many will remember the protests at the press conference as Wilson was unveiled, something that didn’t present the club in a positive light at the start of the new era, however very few could have anticipated what a change would be made.
For years, Sheffield United have been seen as a team who get the job done by whatever means possible. Encouraged by Neil Warnock, Kevin Blackwell and Micky Adams, Blades teams of old have played the long ball game but to limited success. Last season, only one of four managers tried to pass the ball to create openings and that was short-term boss Gary Speed. That mentality soon changed once he took up the Wales job and was replaced, firstly by John Carver and then Adams. Danny Wilson fitted the criteria of creating a ‘no fear’ attitude towards playing the ball on the floor which was called for by many fans although his lack of promotions and career statistics were worrying. Owner and Chairman Kevin McCabe stuck to his guns and it has so far worked out better than most could have imagined.
The transformation from the first whistle of the campaign has been phenomenal with United gaining plaudits from several opponents and being able to control the game at crucial times. The atmosphere at matches has also been a positive influence with the crowd finally singing Wilson’s name thanks to a comical chant first heard at The Valley a month ago. The recent performances against Wycombe, Huddersfield and Preston in recent weeks have epitomised Wilson’s passing mentality whilst maintaining the never-say-die attitude of teams of old, more than justifying the chants.
Patience was a key word used by Wilson after the Wycombe game when the Blades were victorious 3-0 after it took 66 minutes to eventually break down the visitors defence. If the same game had been played 12 months ago, the crowd would have been complaining and abusing their own team which would result in long balls pumped into the box at the first opportunity rather than calmly looking for openings and keeping the ball. ‘The opposition can’t score if you’re in possession’ seemed to be the overriding thought following the game with United enjoying 70% of the overall possession.
In the following game away at Huddersfield Town, an early goal from Neil Collins put the Blades on the receiving end of what could have been one of their own performances from last season. After surviving a barrage of crosses and long throw-ins in the first half, the second was a much more open game with Kevin McDonald instrumental in central midfield for the Blades. Both Wilson and McCabe deserve credit for the signature of McDonald who he has been a key part in resurrecting the sinking ship and a candidate for best recruitment. Despite having the most clear cut chances, Huddersfield couldn’t break down the defence, especially Maguire, Collins and with ‘keeper Simonsen on top form. Views after the game suggested Huddersfield may have made life easier if the players had taken a bit of time on the ball. This result ultimately cost Lee Clark his job at Huddersfield and the appointment of Simon Grayson could be just what is needed to calm the players and focus them as they push for second place.
The next match was at home to Graeme Westley’s Preston side who, like Huddersfield, offered yet another physical threat. Just before the half-hour mark, in-form Ched Evans struck a weak penalty and Preston suddenly came into the game for the first time and hit back with a goal ten minutes later. The thoughts from the stands could easily have been to expect a spiritless performance from then on, given last season’s performances from similar situations but Danny Wilson has renewed the player’s confidence, meaning that their performances have given them the freedom to push on and score goals. This meant it was no surprise when Evans struck an equaliser within five minutes of going behind and then the winner ten minutes from time. A major blow from the Preston game was the injury sustained by Kevin McDonald which makes him a doubt for the game against Wednesday.
United go in to the derby as the in-form side and arguably the favourites for the game against their cross-city neighbours. Both managers have gone into the game with different attitudes. Danny Wilson has kept his cards close to his chest whilst commenting on his own squad and putting the focus on the fans rather than his own return to Hillsborough. Gary Megson on the other hand has become more and more frustrated with recent results going against them and has succumb to making rash comments about opposition players and budgets as if readying himself to defend any dropped points.
The 127th steel city derby this Sunday will be a tremendous atmosphere, despite it being played in the third tier of English football. The game will be watched by around 45,000 spectators at both Hillsborough and via a beam-back at Bramall Lane. The league positions, the openness in the title run and the build up has led this game as being dubbed the most important game between the two sides since the 1993 FA Cup semi final at Wembley. Anything can happen in games like this and the red and white half of the city will be hoping Danny Wilson’s calming influence can bring at least a point back to S2 following the game. A United victory could be a massive blow to Wednesday’s automatic promotion hopes thanks to the other contender’s games in hand. Alternatively, a victory for the Owls could open the promotion race up further by going just two points behind second placed United. Either way, the supporters should be in for a derby day that will live long in the memory, hopefully for all the right reasons for the Unitedites.
