After a game (Blades 3-3 Blackpool) with one missed penalty, six shots hitting the target and four red cards amounting to several missed games, Joel Beighton’s article - about what is hitting or missing the spot in the world of Sheffield United - feels more than a little apposite on this Autumnal Monday morning. Enjoy it!
Words by Joel Beighton
HIT!
Anel Ahmedhodžić
Returning from the bench for the weekend’s very odd game against Blackpool, Anel instantly made an impact on the game and showed Blades how much we have missed him. Would have been on the scoresheet if not for some questionable officiating. Also won the penalty, got their player sent off and was a whisker away from scoring an earlier chance at the back stick. Surely our best signing since Norwood?
MISS!
Match officials
…OK, these might appear here every time… but another season and another game on, and they’re somehow becoming even worse.
HIT!
Bovril
The cold is here, and who wants to stand shivering with an overpriced pint of Heineken?
MISS!
Phone Lights
Not only does it scream Take That at Sheffield Arena, but it also makes me feel solemn; as if viewing the ship's crew, desperately waving for help, as they slowly sink into the English Channel under the dark night's sky. Oh, and it’s not Hillsborough - put them away!
HIT!
Qatar 2022
Like many others, I was not really relishing a World Cup in the winter. However, given the club’s current and seemingly ever-growing injury list, I now welcome its start with open arms.
MISS!
Wearing shorts to the match
I love a pair of shorts as much as anyone, but embrace the layering-up that winter has to offer.
HIT!
The black third kit
Finally available for purchase, and it looks lovely; either at 5-a-side, or accompanied with a nice pair of Japanese selvedge denim jeans.
MISS!
The PA system at the Lane
I can’t hear a thing (perhaps for the best?)
HIT!
Neil Warnock
Yes, he’s like Marmite, but his recent reappearances regaling the masses with tales of buying a ‘key-bab’ have been most welcome. Are you with me?
MISS!
Lee Gregory
Is he really a Blade?
Thanks, Joel
Agree with all of these, especially the PA system (mumbled shouting anyone?) and wearing shorts in winter. As one who suffers in the cold, seeing those in shorts makes me think ‘hypothermia’ and wonder if St John’s Ambulance have some of those “tin foil” blankets ready just in case . . .
Still, at the other extreme, at least we don’t have any "Tango" types among our supporters (or not that I’ve seen anyway!!).
My own additions might be:
Hit: Looking after disabled supporters, especially car parking.
Miss: What will we do when every player in the team is injured at the same time?
Sue.
LG is defo a blade and has had his blades tattoo covered.