United are set to keep faith with goalkeeper Ian Bennett despite the return to fitness of Paddy Kenny. Derek Geary, Rob Kozluk, Luke Beckett, Simon Francis and Nick Montgomery are all pushing for first-team recalls. Wigan welcome back striker Jason Roberts into their squad after he served a one-match suspension. Paul Jewell has the luxury of near fully-fit squad to pick from, with only long-term injury victim Per Frandsen still on the sidelines.
Alan Quinn believes the game against Wigan this weekend will be one of their toughest this season. The Latics beat United 4-0 in September, so United defentaly owe the Lancashire club 'one' at the Lane on Saturday. At one stage United were 15 points behind Wigan but now have a chance to leapfrog them in the table having reduced the deficit to just two points. "We've seen every team in the division and we are as good as anyone, Saturday's game will be tough but I fancy us to beat anyone here at Bramall Lane. The defending has been great of late and we are together as a unit." said Quinn.
The Blades extended their unbeaten run to nine games and after completing their second win in three games and consolidated their promotion aspirations. In stark contrast a disappointing Leicester side sunk to their second defeat in three days and had to do without winger Keith Gillespie after he was sent off in the first half. Gillespie fouled Jon Harley, and when the two rose to their feet after a ‘nothing’ tackle. The Leicester player pushed the Blades defender in the face and to the ground. Despite protests Gillespie was ordered from the field by the referee after only 28 minutes. Danny Cadamarteri nearly got United off to a perfect start when the striker glanced a header just wide of the post after just three minutes. David Connolly was the only player to come out of the match for Leicester with any credit, and he tried a clever lob over Blades goalkeeper Ian Bennett as the rain continued to make the game difficult for both teams. United were already in the ascendancy when Gillespie got himself sent off for his push on Harley. Gillespie's dismissal instantly put extra pressure on his side, which now faced an hour against a goal hungry Blades side with a man short. After surviving until half time, Leicester found themselves straight back under pressure after the interval as the Blades kicked towards the Shoreham Street Kop. The deadlock was soon broken by Andy Gray. Michael Tonge - who was on top form today - found Gray on the left flank. The Blades striker cut into the 18 yard box and dribbled past defender Dion Dublin, before striking a fiercely hit opener beyond City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor and into the right corner of the goal. There seemed no way back for the Foxes, who were finding it difficult to get beyond the half-way line. The inevitable second goal arrived after 65 minutes. Cadamarteri had tormented the City defenders all afternoon, and made rapid progress down the left side before squaring the ball inside to Alan Quinn. The Irish midfielder made no mistake, launching an unstoppable drive past the hapless Taylor, and into the left corner of the net. So, three more points went to the Blades in another impressive performance strengthening their position in the top six. Today’s opposition was lacking, but United will face a proper test when they face Wigan Athletic at the weekend.
The Blades came from a goal behind to beat Coventry City 2-1 in an entertaining match at Highfield Road. The Sky Blues took the lead after 19 minutes through Stern John, who scored just minutes after missing from the penalty spot. The striker then hit the woodwork before United replied with two goals through Chris Morgan and Andy Gray to clinch a valuable victory. The Blades played a 4-4-2 formation with Danny Cadamarteri and Andy Gray as the two strikers with Paul Shaw dropping to the substitute’s bench. With Paddy Kenny still suspended; Ian Bennett continued in goal. For Coventry, Ady Williams and Michael Doyle were the two changes to the starting line-up, replacing Richard Shaw and Isaac Osbourne. With a great backing from the Blades Fans' in the crowd; United started brightly and put the Sky Blues on the back foot right from the off with Michael Tonge crossing for Cadamarteri, who just failed to make contact. After 12 minutes, Coventry had their first chance; Stephen Hughes hit a 18 yard shot from the right edge of the box which was palmed round post by Bennett. Moments later, Coventry had a penalty. From a corner on the left by Louis Carey and Danny Cullip pulled the shirt of Adie Williams and the referee was well positioned and pointed to the penalty spot. John’s right footed penalty strike was saved by easily by Bennett. However, Coventry went ahead four minutes later. A foul by Morgan allowed Hughes to cross from the right and Gary McSheffrey on the far post headed back to John who was well positioned in the centre of the box to swivel and fire low under Bennett for the opening goal. John came close to scoring a second in the 27th minute when he swept in from the left easily beating Leigh Bromby and Cullip, before shooting across goal hitting the post with a right footed curler. After 32 minutes, a corner from Andy Liddell saw Steele come off his line and then go back, but when Williams did not clear, Morgan was well positioned on the edge of the six yard box to drive the ball past the Sky Blues keeper and make it 1-1. Worse was to follow for the Sky Blues eight minutes later when a neat involving Tonge, Liddell found Phil Jagielka who drove a cross in from the right edge of the 18 yard box for Gray to slid in from six yards beating his marker and score and turn the game on its head. After 49 minutes, McSheffrey shot was blocked by Blades right-back Bromby for a corner. McSheffrey then earned a free-kick right on the edge of the box, and then wasted the opportunity by playing a square ball that none of his team-mates read and United cleared. Next, Alan Quinn crossed and Liddell slid in unmarked at the far post and was only denied by Steele who spread himself well. After 61 minutes, Quinn replaced by Derek Geary in a tactical change. United came close to scoring again, when a low struck Jon Harley free-kick was saved well by the City keeper. Moments later, Coventry were fortunate when Liddell crossed and Morgan headed against the post, only for the ball to go straight into the arms of the City keeper. Both teams made several more changes towards the end. For Coventry, Neil Wood replaced John, and Eddie Johnson came on for Andy Morrell. And, after 70 minutes, Cadamarteri was replaced by midfielder Paul Thirlwell as United resolutely defended their lead, playing out the remaining minutes for a superb and deserved victory.
Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny completes his three match ban, so Ian Bennett continues in goal. Rob Kozluk, Luke Beckett, Simon Francis, Kevan Hurst, Nick Montgomery and Billy Sharp are all available after playing for the reserves. Coventry welcome back midfielder Michael Doyle following suspension. Centre-half Adie Williams is also in contention.
The Blades are to sign Chinese international Hao Haidong on a two-and-half-year contract. Haidong, 34 is being released by his club Dalian Shide as a gesture of goodwill following his record of good service. The striker and his representatives have spent the past four weeks locked in talks with officials from Bramall Lane and have negotiated a groundbreaking package which will eventually see him groomed to spearhead United's academy project in China. United's Vice-chairman Terry Robinson said that signing Haidong would not affect Neil Warnock's ability to strengthen his squad when the transfer-window re-opens in January. He commented "Haidong will arrive solely as a player to start with, and while he is here he will be able to learn about our coaching methods. Then he will return to China after a few years to work at our academy over there. No doubt he'll also be able to teach young players here as well as over there. This should provide us with a wealth of possibilities. He's China's most famous and popular player by far."
Neil Warnock has confirmed that Hearts striker Mark de Vries is currently one of his transfer targets. The Blades splashed out £250,000 on central defender Danny Cullip from Brighton last week and now Warnock wants to add more firepower to his promotion challenge. "Mark is one of the lads we're looking at. He is available on a free next summer so Hearts might want to do business in the transfer window." said the Blades boss. Warnock has had the Dutchman watched on several occasions with assistant Stuart McCall seeing him in Uefa Cup action against Ferencvaros last week. United have been linked with several players including Liverpool's Neil Mellor and West Bromwich Albion's Geoff Horsfield.
A moment of madness by Graham Kavanagh proved costly for Cardiff City, as the Blades took advantage of the Bluebirds’ dismissal to come from behind and claim a 2-1 win. The Blades started with a 3-5-2 formation with three centre-backs, including new signing Danny Cullip, who was making his debut for the club. The match was a 12 noon kick-off and for long periods lacked any sort of crowd atmosphere - maybe it was because of the early kick-off?. That said there was not much to get excited about on the pitch in the first half as a whole. United did not manage a single worthwhile attempt on goal in the opening 45 minutes. After 8 minutes, United had a moment of concern when Phil Jagielka played a under hit back pass which Cameron Jerome intercepted, but quick thinking by Blades goalkeeper Ian Bennett thwarted the Bluebirds striker. Then a throw by Leigh Bromby on the right and Andy Gray headed high over. After 17 minutes Cardiff were unlucky not to have the lead. Willie Boland broke through on the left and played the ball to Peter Thorne in the box. Under pressure and contact Thorne turned and fired the ball past Bennett from close range but the referee had already seen an infringement and disallowed the goal. Soon after, Cardiff’s Kavanagh was booked for dangerous play on the right flank. Neither side looked like scoring – especially United, but the breakthrough did arrive with less than five minutes to play in the first half. Kavanagh and Thorne produced some excellent link up play with the ball finding its way through to striker Neil Harris on the left, who smashed the ball passed the Blades keeper from 8 yards out to give Cardiff the lead. But Lennie Lawrence must have been furious when the Bluebirds advantage was throw away, as Kavanagh dived into a challenge with Jon Harley to earn a second booking and a red card. It had been a poor first half from the Blades and the players left the field at the break in pouring rain with boos ringing from three sides of the ground. Neil Warnock made inevitable changes at the start of the second half. With Andy Liddell and Danny Cadamarteri introduced to the action replacing Derek Geary and Paul Shaw and United reverting back to a 4-4-2 formation. Kavanagh's dismissal was to be the turning point and it allowed United to come into the game more after the break and of course kicking towards the Kop - which is always an advantage. Michael Tonge was unlucky when his superb jinking move followed by a blistering shot cannoned off the woodwork. An equaliser looked inevitable, and it arrived from a Tonge cross form the left which Gray glanced on for Liddell who slid in at the back post to score. Moments later, the Blades came close again, this time a neat one–two involving Harley and Jagielka, who’s shot from 8 yards went under goalkeeper Tony Warner, and spun agonisingly close to the right post. The winner finally came after 79 minutes from a short corner involving Tonge, and eventually Liddell, who crossed for Chris Morgan on the far post, the defender headed back into a posse of players in the six yard box, Cadamarteri got his head to the ball and diverted it goal-bound for Gray, who in turn, fired home from one yard out to score to the delight of the Lane crowd. The Blades played out the final moments of the game to record their first home win since October and move united up into 5th place in the Championship.
Derek Geary is available again after serving a one-match ban and new signing Danny Cullip is added to the squad. On-loan goalkeeper Ian Bennett will continue in goal in the absence of the suspended Paddy Kenny, who sits out the second of a three-game ban. Boss Neil Warnock has no new injury problems to contend with as the Blades look to build on their six-match unbeaten run. Cardiff City have won only 1 of their last 6 Championship matches, So, Striker Neil 'Chopper' Harris on loan from Millwall, should start his first match. Defender Danny Gabbidon returns after an ankle strain. Paul Parry is likely to be preferred to Willie Boland in midfield. Defender Robert Page may also play some part in the fixture.
The Blades have completed the signing of Danny Cullip from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 28 year-old signed before the 12 noon deadline and could go straight into the side to face Cardiff City tomorrow. Defender Cullip, signs for an initial fee of £250,000, which could increase to £400,000, and he has signed a three and a half year contract with United. Speaking about the signing Neil Warnock said: "I'm delighted to have Danny on board. He is someone we have watched for a couple of years but I didn't think we would be able to get him because of his loyalty to Brighton. He is the type of character we need, both on and off the field and we are hoping he will give us that extra bit of strength that we have lacked in certain games. It is a realistic fee with him coming to the end of his contract, having said that I would value him at double what we have paid."
Neil Warnock believes his team are in good shape for a promotion push, if they can stay free of injuries. The Blades have picked up 36 points and lie in sixth place in the Championship at the halfway stage of the season. But despite this total being six less than the same stage of the 2002/03 campaign, when United went on to finish third, Warnock is adamant about his team's chances. He commented: "I think we have improved as a team and that augurs well for the second half of the season. We will need a bit of luck with injuries but I believe we are handily placed to push on from here."
Neil Warnock has made undisclosed bids for two defenders as he looks to bolster his Sheffield United side ahead of the busy festive period. The Blades chief has been unhappy with his side's defending at set-pieces in recent weeks with both Rotherham United's goals in last Saturday's 2-2 draw coming as a result of poor marking in the penalty area. The Blades slipped as low as 17th in September after a stuttering spell of form but just one defeat in their last 16 Championship outings has powered Warnock's side back into contention for a play-off place. Warnock is determined to build on that encouraging run of form and believes a new signing will benefit the Blades promotion push. He said: "I feel we are a side who do not have many leaders. We have some very good players who perhaps need a bit of guidance. I am looking for someone to come in who is very vocal and gets everyone organised. Our defending at set-pieces has not been too good and you cannot put into people what is not there in the first place. We have made enquiries about a couple of players. Both clubs have listened to the offers we have made and we are now just waiting to hear back from them. I never get my hopes up over a possible signing as things have gone wrong too many times in the past. But it would be pleasing to get a new face in."
Neil Warnock has confirmed that Brighton defender Danny Cullip is a posible transfer target for United. The 28-year-old has chalked up over 200 appearances for the Seagulls and is a key member of their squad. "Danny is one of a number of players we are looking at, I don't like revealing names of the players I'm after but I haven't placed any bids at the moment." said Warnock.
Manager Neil Warnock sought out referee Mark Halsey over the decision which saw a Blades 'winner' ruled offside in their 2-2 Championship draw at Millmoor. Television replays appeared to suggest the goal - which would have put United 3-0 up soon after half-time - should have stood. Warnock reacted at full-time with a silent protest in front of waiting press, on his way to speak to Halsey in the referee's room. The Blades boss later made it clear just where he thought the officials had gone wrong. "We are talking about a UEFA linesman and a top referee here - if they can't get something like that right then it's time to pack up, Why did the linesman have to flag so early and why did a referee with so much experience and knowledge say he got it wrong to Andy Gray?", He continued "In the tunnel afterwards he didn't say that to me - he said he had to go with his linesman. It was a goal. But the linesman flagged too early - and we got punished.” But speaking to The Sheffield Star the referee Halsey explained the reason for his decision; He said "My assistant raised his flag and I have to go with that, you can't over-rule, I wasn't in a position to, especially where I was on the pitch at the time. That's why I did not allow it to stand. There is no way I could have done anything differently and, everything considered, I would do the same thing again."
Rotherham United staged a second half fight-back to take a point from the South Yorkshire derby match at Millmoor. The Blades were two up and cruising thanks to efforts from Michael Tonge and Paul Shaw, but a disallowed goal from Tonge shortly after Shaw had made it two on 47 minutes changed the game. The Millers restored parity through Chris Swailes and then Martin McIntosh and had chances to win the contest. United should have moved ahead through Andy Gray but he somehow failed to convert from eight yards after a flowing move down the left flank. However, Tonge spared Gray's blushes with a well-taken goal in the fifth minute of injury-time in the first-half which had been added on after striker Martin Butler was stretchered off following a clash with Blades goalkeeper Ian Bennett. The Blades doubled their lead two minutes after the break when Shaw was on hand to tap in a rebound from close range after Millers goalkeeper Mike Pollitt had parried a Tonge shot. Tonge thought he had all but killed the contest moments later, but saw his effort was unbelievably disallowed for a offside decision against Gray who was not interfering with play. That seemed to inspire Rotherham who soon reduced the arrears through a thumping header from defender Swailes. They were back on term 20 minutes from time when McIntosh struck with a looping header from a right-wing corner. There were chances to win it at both ends, the best falling to Blades substitute Danny Cadamarteri who was denied by Pollitt with just eight minutes remaining. The disallowed Tonge goal had cost United today, had the goal been allowed to stand the Millers would have never recovered from the deficit, as it is, another poor refereeing decision has again cost the Blades valuable points. No wonder Neil Warnock looses his temper with match officials.
10t h December Blades boss Neil Warnock will hand a debut to on-loan goalkeeper Ian Bennett with regular number one Paddy Kenny banned for three matches. Defender Derek Geary is also suspended. United have no new injury worries for the game as the Blades seek to push into the play-off places. Rotherham will be without midfielder John Mullin who has a spinal problem. Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Michael Proctor could be recalled after the defeat at Brighton last weekend. John Mullin (back), Darren Garner (calf) and Andy Monkhouse (knee) all remain sidelined with injuries.
The Blades have signed Birmingham City goalkeeper Ian Bennett on a one month loan. Bennett will replace United’s current number one shot stopper Paddy Kenny at Rotherham United on Saturday. Kenny begins a three match suspension ban after being sent off at Millwall last weekend. Neil Warnock commented: "I'm delighted to have him here, he has Premiership experience and we are looking forward to working with him. The fact that he has always had a soft spot for United won't do him any harm either. This move is no reflection on Phil Barnes but I think with the busy Christmas period coming up it is essential we have two experienced specialists at our disposal."
Reserve goalkeeper Phil Barnes could make his Blades debut against former club Rotherham United on Saturday. Paddy Kenny starts a three match ban after his sending off at Millwall on Saturday. So, Barnes who arrived at the Lane in the summer on a free transfer from Blackpool where he made over 150 appearances might finally get his chance.
Neil Warnock intends to use video evidence to try to prove Paddy Kenny was head-butted and spat at in the tunnel incident that saw the Blades goalkeeper and Millwall's Kevin Muscat sent off at half-time. Warnock said the fourth official had seen 'flailing arms' during the interval of a match the Blades came from behind to win 2-1 and record their first win at The Den since 1983. Warnock said: "We have someone filming us this season for a TV programme, and we are hoping that our man has it on video. I would love to see the video come out. Paddy Kenny has a balloon on his forehead like you have never seen. I will take the video to the FA myself to ensure it gets there. If somebody head-butted me like somebody has head-butted Kenny, then I would chin him. We know who it is, but that is not for me to say."
Sent Off: Kenny 45.
United's first win at The Den in 22 years was an eventful affair with The Blades coming from a goal behind in the second half without a goalkeeper. Blades keeper Paddy Kenny was sent off by referee Iain Williamson along with Millwall captain Kevin Muscat during half time. The two players were involved in a scuffle inside the tunnel and neither man resurfaced on the pitch for the second half. It was revealed after the game that the Blades keeper had been head butted and had only defended himself. Neil Warnock rarely has a reserve keeper on the bench and defender Phil Jagielka was forced to don the gloves to keep goal for the second period. The Blades went on to record a valuable victory with goals from Andy Liddell and Derek Geary late on. United showed wonderful spirit and determination to turn the match around, with Liddell equalising with a fine free-kick before Geary won it with a magnificent 30-yard volley. In the opening moments of the match, former Blades player Barry Hayles came close after he charged into the area only for Kenny to push the shot round his post. United's best early opportunity came thanks to Alan Quinn's brilliant right-foot volley from 20 yards after 15 minutes. But fortunately for Millwall, goalkeeper Graham Stack made an equally good save. Paul Shaw should have put United ahead nine minutes before the break when he was fed by Michael Tonge's delightful through-ball. But Stack was once more on hand to make a superb save. Millwall’s on-loan keeper denied Shaw again early in the second half, saving with his feet after Shaw beat defender Darren Ward to set up the chance. Millwall took the lead with their first effort of the second half. Peter Sweeney curled in a free-kick from the left, and Mark Phillips took advantage of stand-in goalkeeper Jagielka's uncertainty to nod home at the far post from 8 yards. The Lions should have gone two up nine minutes later, but substitute Marvin Elliott headed wide when unmarked following Sweeney's left-wing corner. Jagielka kept United in the game two minutes later, getting down well to save Paul Ifill's deflected shot on the turn. Neil Warnock sent on Liddell and Danny Cadamarteri with 15 minutes remaining. The change bore immediate fruit as Liddell equalised three minutes later, striking a scorching free-kick from 22 yards which was too hot for Stack to handle. With five minutes left the Blades got the winning goal, Jon Harley crossed into the box from the left and from a headed clearance Geary scored a memorable first goal for United, his brilliant half-volley from 30 yards flying past a diving Stack's into the right corner of the net. It was a superb win for the Blades, and it’s a victory which keeps United in 7th place in the Championship.
Blades striker Danny Cadamarteri has recovered from a stomach upset and will contest a place with Paul Shaw. Michael Tonge showed no reaction to an ankle injury in his comeback last week, and Derek Geary is in contention. Jody Morris is set for his first Millwall appearance for a month after recovering from a hamstring injury. Paul Ifill is set to start but player-manager Dennis Wise is struggling with a calf injury.
Neil Warnock has refused to rule out a bid for West Bromwich Albion striker Geoff Horsfield. The Blades are in the hunt for a proven goalscorer to bolster their attacking options and 'The Horse' (as Horsfield is known) is an old fashioned type physical centre forward who never shrinks from any challenge. The Blades boss commented: "Geoff is the type of player I am interested in and he's someone I've always admired, But I'm not going to comment on who I have made enquiries about." Warnock is armed with £500,000 to spend, in a bid to get the promotion challenge back on track and Horsfield is just one name on a shortlist that also includes Liverpool's Neil Mellor.