SHEFFIELD UNITED VS. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY FRIDAY, 12 th JANUARY 2018 KO: BRAMALL LANE - SKYBET CHAMPIONSHIP

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1 ISSUE #1 FREE PUBLICATION SHEFFIELD UNITED VS. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY FRIDAY, 12 th JANUARY 2018 KO: BRAMALL LANE - SKYBET CHAMPIONSHIP

2 UP THE BLADES This Friday s Steel City clash sees the 166 th league encounter between the two clubs. In celebration of the 58 th meeting at Bramall Lane, UTB has created a (probably) one-off matchday magazine for the supporters of both clubs! United were victorious in the reserve fixture earlier in the season, and that 4-2 result would go very nicely again as the Blades look to complete the double following the Bouncing Day Massacre which saw Leon Clarke destroy his former club. A lot has happened since that result. United have marched up the table despite a blip before the New Year and Wednesday have slowly sunk down the Championship table. They have a new manger as well in place and will take to the dugout for the very first time at Bramall Lane. A victory at Ipswich Town put United into the FA Cup Fourth Round and what a cracker it was from Nathan Thomas! Wednesday meanwhile will go to a replay with Carlisle after drawing 0-0 at Brunton Park. There may also be some new faces amongst the Sheffield United team as Chris Wilder looks to improve his side during the January transfer window. We hope you enjoy our little publication, please give us feedback. Whatever the result, enjoy the match. UTB CONTENTS (JOHN) REED ALL ABOUT IT 3 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY /18 FIXTURES & RESULTS 9 FIRST STEEL CITY DERBY 10 SUPPORTERS VIEWS AHEAD OF THE BIG GAME 11 LANE LINE-UP 12 UpTheBlades uptheblades2017@aol.co.uk Website: Notice: All views expressed are the views of the author and do always represent the views of Up The Blades. This is not an official publication from Sheffield United FC. This publication, and its contents is not to be reproduced without BLADES MATCHDAY 2

3 (JOHN) REED ALL ABOUT IT! LEONARD FEE AGREED!!! will arrive at Bramall Lane last Monday for a medical and if all goes smoothly will finally became a United player! VILLA RE-ARRANGED In what seemed like the longest signing in history, by the time the Steel City Derby takes place, Sheffield United may have signed Southend United midfielder Ryan Leonard. United had been linked with the former Plymouth player since last summer and it is understood that a number of bids were turned down. The Blades have since made further enquiries for the want-away midfielder, and despite also been linked with fellow Championship side Millwall it appears that a six figure sum, along with terms has been agreed. It is expected that he Sheffield United s victory over Ipswich Town last Saturday put them into the Fourth Round hat. Nathan Thomas netted a beauty of a goal at Portman Road to send the Blades through to the next round. Aston Villa were defeated 3-1 at home to L1 side Peterborough United at home despite taking the lead. Nether-the-less the Fourth Round will take place over the weekend of Saturday, 27 th January, when United and Villa were meant to be playing out their Championship fixture live on Sky. No new date has been arranged as of yet but the game will likely take place on a Tuesday night under the floodlights. BLADES MATCHDAY 3

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5 Sheffield Wednesday A Brief History Of saw Sheffield Wednesday celebrate 150 years as a Football Club. Sheffield has principally been known for its Association with the beautiful game with the formation of its first Professional Football Club; Sheffield FC. The Owls were formed as The Wednesday in 1867 but have been established as a Cricket Club as early as 1825 and there colours have been blue and white from the beginning. The inaugural meeting took place at The Adelphi Hotel. The original committee included Charles Stokes who would later play a part in the formation of the Blades. Trophy Cabinet Football League Division One: Champions: , , Runners-Up: Football League Division Two: Champions: , , , , Runners-Up: , Football League Division Three: Runners-Up: Promoted: , (Play-Offs) FA Cup: Winners: 1896, 1907, 1935 Runners-Up: 1966, 1993 League Cup: Winners: 1991 Runners-Up: 1993 Brentford 2 Sheffield Wednesday 0 SkyBet Championship 30 th December 2017 Lasse Vibe put the hosts in front when he netted his sixth goal in five appearances for the Bees on 20 minutes, whilst Florian Jozefzoon wrapped things up with seven minutes remaining. The managerless Owls struggled at Griffin Park despite a slow start to the game. The visitors best chance came through Lucas Joao but in his moment of glory, his header deflected wide. Sheffield Wednesday 0 Burton Albion 3 SkyBet Championship 1 st January 2018 Burton secured their third successive win away from the Pirelli Stadium. Caretaker boss Lee Bullen critised his sides schoolboy defending as Tom Flanagan danced through the defence to score. Keeper Wildsmith had kept out Akins penalty at 0-0 but the victory was sealed through further goals from Lloyd Dyer and Tom Naylor after the break. Carlisle United 0 Sheffield Wednesday 0 FA Cup 3 6 th January 2018 The new boss watched from the stands as Lee Bullen took charge of his final game as caretaker. Wednesday came close to scoring as early as the first minute when Nuhiu s header smacked the bar. Cosgrove had a goal ruled out for offside in the second half for the hosts before keeper Bonham brilliantly prevented Nuhiu s header from finding the target. The result finished 0-0 with a replay at Hillsborough to follow. BLADES MATCHDAY 5

6 THE OPPOSITION Wildsmith Hunt Venancio Loovens Fox Wallace Butterfield Jones Reach Rhodes The Manager Joao Following The Owls defeat to Middlesbrough on 24 th December the S6 board decided that Carlos Carvalhal s tenure Hillsborough tenure was a game too far as the Portuguese gaffer departed after two and a half years in charge. Surprisingly he was immediately placed in charge at mangerless Swansea City. Still, he realised his dream of managing in the Premiership! Without a manager at the time of writing, his assistant and former player Lee Bullen has been given the responsibility of guiding the Owls until they find a successor. Coping with all clubs general difficulties such as injuries and suspensions the former defender has done best with what he has available. He began his temporary reign with a victory at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day but was quickly followed up by defeats at Brentford and at home to Burton. It was the loss to the Brewers which Bullen found the most difficult to comprehend; "The players have let themselves so far down this T season and I am absolutely gutted to be sitting here and speaking this way about these players." New Boss - Jos Luhukay Last weekend the Owls appointed Dutch Manager Jos Luhukay,54 despite bookies offering odds of 25/1 for Chris Wilder to take charge at S6! As a player the midfielder played for non-descript Dutch sides. He hung up his boots in 1998 and joined the German lead as manger of SV Straelen and then KFC Uerdingen in He made his name as Assistant with 1. FC Koln whilst also participating as a caretaker manger. His career took an upward turn with SC Paaderborn 07 in their Second Division and later had spells with Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Augsburg, Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart. On 5 th January 2018 he was appointed manager of Sheffield Wednesday and having only joined the Hillsborough club for only a few hours told BBC Radio Sheffield; Sheffield Wednesday is exactly the exciting challenge for which I have been waiting. In Germany I have turned down offers from the Bundesliga and Second Bundesliga in recent months because I have been looking for an entirely new challenge." BLADES MATCHDAY 6

7 THE WEDNESDAY SQUAD Almen ABDI DoB: 21 October /18 Apps: 1 (2) Goals: 0 Clubs: FC Zurich, Le Mans, Udinese, Watford (L/S), Wednesday. Ashley BAKER DoB: 30 October /18 Apps: 0 Goals: 0 Clubs: Wednesday Jacob BUTTERFIELD Midfielder DoB: 10 June /18 Apps: 9 (7) Goals: 0 Clubs: Barnsley, Norwich City, Bolton Wanderers (L), Crystal Palace (L), Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Derby County, Wednesday (L). Cameron DAWSON Goalkeeper DoB: 7 July /18 Apps: 0 Goals: 0 Clubs: Morgan FOX Jack HUNT DoB: 6 December /18 Apps: 18 (1) Goals: 0 DoB: 21 September /18 Apps: 15 Goals: 0 Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Nott s County (L), Wednesday. Clubs: Huddersfield, Grays (L), Chesterfield (L), Crystal Palace, Barnsley (L), Nottingham Forest (L), Rotherham United (L), Wednesday (L/S). Lucas JOAO Forward DoB: 4 September /18 Apps: 3 (9) Goals: 2 Clubs: Nacional, Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers (L). David JONES Midfielder DoB: 4 November /18 Apps: 14 (5) Goals: 1 Clubs: Manchester United, Preston North End (L), NEC (L), Derby County (L/S), Wolverhampton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic (L), Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers (L), Burnley, Wednesday. Glenn LOOVENS DoB: 22 September /18 Apps: 14 Goals: 0 Clubs: Feyenoord, Cardiff City (L/S), Celtic, Zaragoza, Wednesday. Marco MATIAS Forward DoB: 10 May /18 Apps: 1 (1) Goals: 0 Clubs: Guimaraes, Nacional, Wednesday. Atdhe NUHIU Forward DoB: 29 July /18 Apps: 2 (7) Goals: 1 BLADES MATCHDAY 7

8 Clubs: Rapid Vienna, Eskiehirspor, Wednesday. Liam PALMER Midfielder DoB: 19 September /18 Apps: 8 (5) Goals: 0 Clubs: Wednesday, Tranmere Rovers (L) Daniel PUDIL DoB: 27 September /18 Apps: 9 (3) Goals: 0 Clubs: Slavia Prague, Genk, Cesena (L), Granada, Watford (L/S), Wednesday (L/S). Adam REACH Winger DoB: 3 February /18 Apps: 26 Goals: 4 Clubs: Middlesbrough, Darlington (L), Shrewsbury Town (L), Bradford City (L), Preston North End (L), Wednesday. Jordan RHODES Forward DoB: 5 February /18 Apps: 11 (12) Goals: 4 Clubs: Ipswich Town, Oxford United (L), Rochdale (L), Brentford (L), Huddersfield Town, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Wednesday (L/S). Frederico VENANCIO DoB: 4 February /18 Apps: 2 (0) Goals: 0 Clubs: Vitoria Setbul, Wednesday. Ross WALLACE Winger DoB: 23 May /18 Apps: 19 (3) Goals: 2 Clubs: Celtic, Sunderland, Preston North End (L/S), Burnley, Wednesday. Joe WILDSMITH Goalkeeper DoB: 28 December /18 Apps: 8 (1) Goals: 0 Clubs: Wednesday, Alfreton (L), Barnsley (L). BLADES MATCHDAY 8

9 2017/18 FIXTURES & RESULTS Date Opponents Competition Result 05 Aug Brentford - H Championship W Aug Walsall - H League Cup 1 W Aug Middlesbrough - A Championship L Aug Cardiff City - A Championship L Aug Barnsley - H Championship W Aug Leicester City - H League Cup 2 L Aug Derby County - H Championship W Sep Sunderland - A Championship W Sep Bolton Wanderers - A Championship W Sep Norwich City - H Championship L Sep Sheffield Wednesday - A Championship W Sep Wolverhampton Wanderers - H Championship W Sep Nottingham Forest- A Championship L Oct Ipswich Town H Championship W Oct Reading H Championship W Oct Leeds United A Championship W Oct Queens Park Rangers - A Championship L Nov Hull City H Championship W Nov Burton Albion A Championship W Nov Fulham H Championship L Nov Birmingham City H Championship D Dec Millwall A Championship L Dec Bristol City H Championship L Dec Preston North End A Championship L Dec Aston Villa A Championship D Dec Sunderland H Championship W Dec Bolton Wanderers - H Championship L Jan Derby County A Championship D Jan Ipswich Town - A FA Cup 3 W Jan Sheffield Wednesday - H Championship 20 Jan Norwich City A Championship 27 Jan Aston Villa H Championship 03 Feb Wolverhampton Wanderers A Championship 10 Feb Leeds United H Championship 17 Feb Reading A Championship 20 Feb Queens Park Rangers H Championship 24 Feb Hull City A Championship 03 Mar Burton Albion - H Championship 06 Mar Fulham A Championship 10 Mar Ipswich Town A Championship 17 Mar Nottingham Forest H Championship 30 Mar Brentford A Championship 02 Apr Cardiff City H Championship 07 Apr Barnsley A Championship 10 Apr Middlesbrough H Championship 14 Apr Millwall H Championship 21 Apr Birmingham City A Championship 28 Apr Preston North End H Championship 06 May Bristol City - A Championship BLADES MATCHDAY 9

10 THE FIRST (LEAGUE) STEEL CITY DERBY Sheffield United 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday Football League Division One Monday, 16 th October 1893 Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 in what was the very first Football League Steel City Derby. Sheffield in 1893 was a whole lot different to what it was now, for the Steel City the decade to follow would be a golden era for both clubs. The Blades had won promotion via the first ever play-offs the season previous, beating Accrington (1-0) on neutral territory whilst the Owls had gained their promotion to top flight two years previous having being elected to Division One. Trophies would reign supreme too with United just a short few years away from winning the Football League ( ) as well as appearing in three FA Cup Finals (1899, 1901, 1902), winning twice against Derby County (1899) and Southampton (1902). Wednesday, who would have to wait six years until they moved to their present Hillsborough home and at the time of this meeting resided at Olive Grove, which was situation a short distance from Bramall Lane,. They won the FA Cup in 1896 and were crowned Football League Champions in 1903 and the Second Division in Having previous met in local competitions and friendly fixtures the first ever meeting between the two clubs in the Football League would have been eagerly anticipated particular those of the red quarters who were sitting tightly at the top of the table having beaten Bolton Wanderers (1-0) two days previous. Wednesday, had beaten Derby County (4-0) in their previous match and were mid-table in the elite league. An estimated 27,000 packed into Bramall Lane for the first league meeting of the two clubs since their existence. It was the Blades who took the lead, Hill netting within the first minute of the match, but the Owls were level after 12 minutes the formable Fred Spikesley finding the net. United had won the toss and opted to defend the Bramall Lane end with a strong wind at their backs, once the scores were tied at 1-1 the play was rough and resulting in Wednesday s Harry Davis from being unable to carry on after the break due to injury. It was a regular occurrence; with no substitutes teams would often carry on with ten men (or less). At the break the referee called the players over and insisted they calmed things down. Spikesley should have doubled the oppositions score in the second half; taking advantage of a poor pass back he had only Howlett in the Blades goal to beat but fired over the bar. The game ended all square at 1-1. Sheffield United: Howlett, Whitham, Cain, Howell, Hendry, Needham, Drummond, Hammond, Hill, Fleming, Gallacher. Sheffield Wednesday: Allan, Earp, Langley, Bady, Betts, Jamieson, Webster, Davis, Miller, Brandon, Spikesley.

11 SUPPORTERS VIEWS AHEAD OF THE BIG GAME Steve Gregory- Blade Next Fridays Steel City derby is the most important game of the season for both our clubs. Wednesday have had an awful season by their standards, culminating in that terrible performance against Burton last week. However, they have a new manager in place now, which will lift morale & enthusiasm in the team & the fans. As for United, our season has been the opposite, and every Blade must be amazed at what we've achieved so far since spending 6 hard seasons in division 1. The highlight of course was the victory at Hillsborough. The return game next Friday is massive for both teams. Wednesday desperately need a win to kick start their season and kill off fears of relegation. United also need a win to put behind them a poor December in which they fell from league leaders to their current position of 7th. Who's going to win Owls & Blades? I'm nervous. We've had a great cup result at Ipswich & Wednesday only managed a draw against League 2 outfit Carlisle. But the unknown factor is what effect the new manager of the Owls will have on their team. My prediction is a 2-1 win for the Blades, only because we have home advantage and Wednesday are still playing poorly. Put your predictions below guys and tell me HONESTLY why you predict your scoreline and your reasons behind it? Finally, good luck to both teams. Let's have a cracking Steel City Derby game & may the best team win - as long as it's the Blades! Paul Butcher Owl New manager effect the players unlike the previous match will be up for it and will know how important the match is to the city.. Could be a lively derby on our current form we've got nothing to lose so we might aswell go for it at the lane Sean Glover Blade It's who turns up on the night and with wilder in charge united will turn up.wednesday will have to play at their very best to get anything out of the game. I'm going 3 v 1 united Ryan Thorpe Owl Utd 1-1 Wednesday, The appointment has certainly lifted me n I'm sure thousands of others connected with SWFC and if course the team I was like a giddy little kid this morning or a wizz head can't make my mind up either way I was buzzing, I respect United and know we're going have to soak some pressure up next week but I think Jos will concentrate on sorting out our defence first n foremost especially for next week and hopefully a couple of our 1st team players back. We should be set for a cracking game (if it wasn't for the boost of our new manager I would have gone maybe 3-1/2-1 United. BM Monthly Issue 01 October

12 SHEFFIELD UNITED Manager: Chris Wilder 1 Simon Moore 2 George Baldock 3 Enda Stevens 4 John Fleck 5 Jack O Connell 6 Chris Basham 7 John Lundstrum 8 Nathan Thomas 9 Leon Clarke 10 Billy Sharp 11 Clayton Donaldson 13 Jake Wright 15 Paul Coutts 16 Cameron Carter-Vickers 18 Kieron Freeman 19 Richard Stearman 21 Mark Duffy 22 Colan Lavery 23 Ben Heneghan 24 Daniel Lafferty 27 Jamal Blackman 31 Jake Eastwood 32 Ched Evans 36 David Brooks 44 Samir Carruthers SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY Manager: Jos Luhukay 1 Keiren Westwood 2 Jack Hunt 3 David Jones 4 Joost van Aken 5 Kieran Lee 6 Morgan Fox 7 Jordan Rhodes 8 Jacob Butterfield 9 Steven Fletcher 10 Barry Bannan 12 Glenn Loovens 14 Gary Hooper 15 Tom Lees 16 Liam Palmer 17 Atdhe Nuhiu 18 Lucas Joao 19 Marco Matias 20 Adam Reach 21 George Boyd 23 Sam Hutchinson 24 Ashley Baker 28 Joe Wildsmith 33 Ross Wallace 34 Jake Kean 36 Daniel Pudil 41 Almen Abdi 45 Fernando Forestieri LANE LINE-UP BM Monthly Issue 01 October