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30th January Sheffield United 2 Fulham 0 (Attendance: 27,540) Kenny, Geary, Jagielka, Lucketti, Armstrong, Kazim-Richards, Tonge, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Hulse, Stead. Booked: Lucketti 38. Scorers: Stead 23, Tonge 28. Man of The Match: Stephen Quinn
Fulham Line-up: Niemi, Rosenior, Knight, Pearce, Queudrue, Davies, Volz (Dempsey 82), Brown, Radzinski (Routledge 74), Montella (Helguson 33), McBride. Booked: Pearce 79.
Jon Stead's first goal for United helped the Blades to an easy 2-0 win over a poor quality Fulham side, to move Neil Warnock's men seven points clear of the relegation zone. The Blades will have scarcely faced such accommodating opposition as the Cottagers without doubt were the weakest league opposition United had faced at the Lane this season. Fulham created barely a chance worthy of the name all night and United's second goal - fashioned and scored by Michael Tonge - just five minutes later sealed the three points at Bramall Lane. The theme was clear as early as the first minute. Antti Niemi's loose clearance presented Rob Hulse with a sniff of goal but the striker lifted his shot wide. A purposeful run from Stead fed Stephen Quinn and, with the freedom of the area and just Niemi to beat, the youngster looked odds-on to score but shot just wide of the post. Fulham had pieced together only sporadic attacks with their front pairing of Vincenzo Montella and Brian McBride feeding off scraps. In the 23rd minute United gained a deserved lead, with Stead claiming his first goal for the club. Nick Montgomery played in the striker who turned away from Zat Knight's token resistance before lashing a high shot inside Niemi's near post. Five minutes later and the lead was doubled. After Ian Pearce had cleared the ball, Tonge kept the pressure on and Quinn delivered a cross to the far post where Tonge tapped home. After 33 minutes, Fulham's ineffective frontman Montella was withdrawn for the more rugged threat of Heidar Helguson. Not that it mattered, as United controlled the game. From Colin Kazim-Richards's cross Hulse headed wide as the first half drew to an uncomfortable close for the Londoners. Fulham appeared out on the pitch several minutes before United after the break - obviously after an enormous ear bashing from their manager. Brian McBride's header wide from the kick-off gave Fulham probably their first real chance of the match. Content with their lot, United offered little adventure of their own. Tonge had kept Brown quiet throughout. Jagielka along with Derek Geary were commanding in their respective defensive positions. Kazim-Richards and Quinn created plenty of width and Stead and Hulse ran their socks off chasing every ball. A wild shot from former Blade Michael Brown which went into the upper tier of the Bramall Lane end, brought hilarious jeers from all around the Shoreham Kop, before Stead crossed for strike partner Hulse but the angle was too tight. Another surging run and cross from Quinn forced Niemi to shuffle the ball away with Hulse in close attendance once more. Hulse then eluded the grasp of Pearce to strike acrobatically against the crossbar as The Blades ran out convincing winners. It had been an easy win for United. Fulham look like relegation material.
30th January Planned talks between United and Keith Gillespie's agent have been put on hold until the end of the season. An official club statement claimed that the agent's licence ran out in 2004 meaning any further talks would go against FA regulations. Gillespie, who has been linked with a move to Bolton, handed in a transfer request after contract negotiations broke down earlier this month. But manager Neil Warnock insists the winger will see out the remainder of his existing deal even if he does not sign an extension. "It was agreed that the club's final offer will be left on the table and discussions will resume when Gillespie's agent acquires his Fifa licence. The timing for those will be at the end of the season," the statement added. "Sheffield United has made several offers to Keith over a period of time and the final one, which was made a week ago was, in the club's opinion, a fair one."
26th January Striker Steven Kabba has joined relegation rivals Watford in a £500,000 deal. Kabba was put on the transfer list by The Blades before Christmas and had been targeted by Championship side Ipswich Town. But the former Crystal Palace man has returned south to sign a two-and-a-half year deal with the Premiership's bottom club. Kabba could make his debut for Watford in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie at West Ham United. He had spent over four years at Bramall Lane, but had failed to score in seven substitute appearances in the Premiership this season.
24th January United have finalised the twin signing of Ahmed Fathi and Luton Shelton. Neil Warnock had arranged the transfers last week and The Blades have now received international clearance for the duo. Jamaican striker Shelton has signed a contract through to 2010 and has cost the Blades £1.85million from Helsingborgs IF. Fathi has agreed the same length of deal at Bramall Lane and comes in for a fee of £700,000 from Egyptian club Ismaily. Warnock has now brought in five new faces during the transfer window, with Matthew Kilgallon, Mamadou Seck and Jon Stead having already completed moves.
24th January Neil Warnock has escaped any action from The FA following his touchline altercation with Reading's Wally Downes. Downes has been charged with improper conduct for his part in the confrontation which overshadowed Reading's 3-1 win last Saturday. The touchline spat occurred after Keith Gillespie was sent-off just seconds after coming on as a substitute for hitting out at Stephen Hunt. Downes pushed Warnock after accusing him of making a gesture and both men were sent to the stands by referee Mark Halsey. The incident saw players from both teams get involved in the melee and both clubs have been charged for failing to control their players. After reviewing video evidence of the incident The FA have decided not to charge Warnock, but have hit Downes with an improper conduct charge. Both clubs and Downes have until February 7th to respond to the charges. An FA statement read: "Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players and/or officials. This charge relates to a mass confrontation on the touchline in the second half of the match on 20 January. "Reading coach Wally Downes has been charged with improper conduct in relation to the same incident. "Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has been reminded of his responsibilities but will not face any formal disciplinary action. "Reading, Sheffield United and Downes have until February 7 to respond to the charges."
20th January Reading 3 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 23,956) Kenny, Kozluk, Davis (Bromby 64), Lucketti, Geary (Gillespie 53), Armstrong, Jagielka, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Stead (Nade 72), Hulse. Sent Off: Gillespie 55. Booked: Jagielka 59. Scorer: Nade 77. Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.
Reading Line-up: Hahnemann, Murty, Sonko (Bikey 43), Ingimarsson, De la Cruz, Little, Sidwell, Harper, Hunt (Convey 85), Lita, Long (Ki-Hyeon 73). Booked: Sidwell 51. Scorers: Long 44, De la Cruz 50, Hunt 70.
United manager Neil Warnock and substitute Keith Gillespie were both sent off as the Blades were beaten 3-1 at Reading in a bad-tempered match. Within seconds of coming on, Gillespie was dismissed for catching Stephen Hunt in the face. The Royals player has a habit of creating nasty situations, and as you would expect collapsed theatrically to make things even worse for Gillespie. Warnock was unluckily soon sent to the stands, along with hothead Reading coach Wally Downes, for his part in the shameful melee that followed - an overspill of the bad blood which existed between the two sides from their Championship clashes last season. Hunt went on to score his side's third to add to strikes from Shane Long and Ulises de la Cruz, with substitute Christian Nade pulling one back for the Blades. Early on, Royals captain Graeme Murty had came closest with a powerful 25-yarder, but fit-again goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was able to dive and keep it out Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny came off second best when Leroy Lita latched on to another rebound but selfishly elected to shoot from a tight angle despite Claude Davis having got back on the line and Long being perfectly positioned for a tap-in. Just before the half-hour mark Ibrahima Sonko fell so heavily after challenging for a high ball that his right leg appeared to buckle backwards. Amazingly he was able to return to the fray having hobbled off it but another thudding fall 15 minutes later forced him off to be replaced by Andre Bikey. United did have first-half chances with Phil Jagielka heading a free-kick wide from just six yards and striker Rob Hulse seeing a later effort on the turn deflected on to the roof of the net. But there had been little quality football before Shane Long opened the scoring 44th minute for Reading. The build-up had been good with Hunt sending Steve Sidwell cantering into the box down the right but it appeared Blades defender Chris Lucketti would mop up. Instead he merely flicked the ball on to Sidwell, allowing Long to pounce on the rebound and slot home from six yards via a post. The second half began with a remarkable second from de la Cruz, who had only been in the Royals side because regular left-back Nicky Shorey was ill. The Ecuador international began the move himself with a powerful run from his own half and having given the ball to James Harper, continued his diagonal run forwards. United appeared oblivious to this and when Harper returned the ball de la Cruz was able to continue unchallenged and slot past Kenny. The points were now Reading's but the drama was only just beginning as the game lurched into bad-tempered controversy. Gillespie came on in the 53rd minute but he never touched the ball as he immediately clashed with Hunt as they jostled for a throw-in. An inexcusable forearm to the face caused the Reading man to collapse, and after referee Mark Halsey had consulted his nearest linesman, a straight red card was shown to the Blades substitute. Warnock applauded Hunt sarcastically from the touchline, and again Gillespie had a push at Hunt as he left the pitch. Within seconds a brawl broke out on the touchline as coaching staff and substitutes clashed. Downes sparked it by storming towards the Blades boss and childishly pushing him. Warnock to his credit didn't react, but a massive melee still ensured with players and coaches pushing and shoving each other. When calm was eventually restored Downes was deservedly dismissed, along with Warnock - who was rather surprisingly was also dismissed. All things considered; had it not been for Downes juvenile antics, the moment would have passed without any more sending offs. There's no doubt, It was Downes who got Warnock sent off. It wiil be interesting to see what types of bans are dished out to Downes and Warnock. When play finally restarted Jagielka was booked for a foul on Lita before Hunt made it 3-0 in the 70th minute, hooking home from close range after Rob Kozluk had stopped a Sidwell shot on the line. United pulled one back in the 73rd minute when substitute Christian Nade, who had replaced Jon Stead, was able to slot past Marcus Hahnemann after the Reading defence made a complete hash of the offside trap from a free-kick. Overall though, it was a poor spectacle. Blades players and staff need to remain calmer away from home and not get lured into controversy. Sadly, United contributed to their own demise today by doing just that. Another away day to forget.
18th January Neil Warnock has revealed that Egypt midfielder Ahmed Fathi will complete a move to United this week. The Blades boss has been an active player in the transfer market during January, having already wrapped up deals for Matthew Kilgallon, Jonathan Stead, Luton Shelton and Mamadou Seck. And Fathi, who has been playing for Ismaily in his native Egypt, will become the fifth new face to arrive at Bramall Lane, having made a decent impression on Warnock during a recent trial. "He's 22 and is a nice type of lad who knows what the English game is all about," said Warnock. "He'll get stuck in, has an eye for a pass, can score a few goals as well, although I'm not going to expect too much of him. "You don't know how quick players will settle in when they come from abroad. "But he's coming to the club at the right time. He'll be a good acquisition to the squad because we do need another midfielder."
17th January United's players have never even contemplated relegation, according to striker Colin Kazim-Richards. The Blades currently enjoy a five-point cushion over the relegation zone, and Kazim-Richards insists that confidence is, and always has been, sky-high at Bramall Lane. "We are doing well - we just need to get some more points at home," said Kazim-Richards. "The main thing is the players all believe we can stay up. Since I have been here that is how it has always been. "We have never looked back and never thought about going down. The Premier League is now starting to see that." The signing of Shelton is a direct challenge to Kazim-Richards' own first team prospects, but the former Brighton man is welcoming the competition at the Lane. "Even though Sheffield United have come up they do have money to spend," Kazim-Richards continued. "They have brought in some players and so we have to keep fighting for our places in the team. "Competition for places is hard and that is how the manager likes it. If a new signing starts scoring straight away then it puts pressure on everyone else and this is a big opportunity for them coming in."
15th January Luton Shelton has joined United in a £2million deal after the Blades released experienced striker Neil Shipperley. Neil Warnock has been watching the Jamaica international in recent months and has now pushed through a deal. The forward arrives at Bramall Lane from Swedish club Helsingborgs IF, who confirmed an agreement had been struck earlier on Monday. Shelton has settled on personal terms with The Blades and has also undergone a medical at the club. Meanwhile, with Shelton checking in at Bramall Lane, Warnock has allowed Shipperley to move on. The former Crystal Palace striker's contract has been cancelled by mutual consent after he failed to make an appearance for The Blades this season. He is now eligible to find another club, and could also sign for a new team outside the transfer window due to his free transfer status. Shipperly did a fine job in his time at the Lane, and was a major factor in United's promotion campaign last season. Blades fans wish Neil Shiperley all the best for the future.
15th January United have signed Senegal international Mamadou Seck on a free transfer. The defender has arrived at Bramall Lane on a two-and-a-half year contract from French club Le Havre. Seck only joined Le Havre AC twelve months ago after a lacklustre spell in Turkey with Kayserispor, having previously been a success at Ajaccio. But though Le Havre are pushing for promotion back to Ligue 1, Seck has made just four appearances this season. He has now clinched a move to the Premiership, with The Blades coaching staff likening the stopper to Reading centre-half Ibrahima Sonko. Seck's arrival at the Lane, adds further depth to Neil Warnock's defensive options following the capture of Matthew Kilgallon from Leeds United last week.
13th January Sheffield United 1 Portsmouth 1 (Attendance: 30,269) Gerrard, Kozluk, Lucketti, Davis, Geary, Gillespie, Jagielka, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn (Tonge 85), Hulse, Stead (Nade 77). Scorer: Stephen Quinn 22. Man of the Match: Stephen Quinn. Portsmouth Line-up: James, Johnson, Primus (Kranjcar 54), Campbell, Traore, O'Neil, Davis (Benjani 74), Pedro Mendes, Taylor, Cole, Kanu (Hughes 88). Booked: Primus, O'Neil. Scorer: O'Neil 81.
United led for long spells through Stephen Quinn, but Gary O'Neil pounced on a blunder to pinch a point for Portsmouth. The game started in lively fashion, with United debutant Jon Stead creating the first chance of the game inside the first few minutes. His shot headed straight in to the path of keeper David James but it signalled a promising start for The Blades. Moments later at the opposite end Andy Cole's shot outside the area went just over the crossbar. The pace continued in the early stages, Rob Hulse with a slow shot on target inside ten minutes again hitting the ball straight at James. Pompey's Linvoy Primus picked up the first yellow card of the game, with a foul on Stead resulting in a free-kick on the left. A dangerous cross from Keith Gillespie was cleared by Sol Campbell, while Primus caused alarm in the visitors' defence when conceding a free-kick with a foul just outside the area. Pompey were right to be alarmed as midfielder Quinn stepped up and curled a stunning right-footed ball into the top right of the net to put The Blades in front on just 22 minutes. United continued to probe and Rob Hulse was denied by James as the ball was crossed into the penalty area. Second half proceedings were delayed by ten minutes whilst a fan received medical treatment in the Kop stand. Portsmouth started the second half well, as they dominated possession and created some good chances. Matthew Taylor had a shot deflected wide and Andy Cole saw an effort smuggled clear by The Blades. Pompey continued to assert and Cole's attempted over-head volley went wide for another corner. Portsmouth threw on Benjani Mwaruwari and soon after his introduction the visitors drew level. A defensive error by Claude Davis left O'Neil with an open goal to bring the scores level. Davis had a chance to atone for his error, but he sent his header over the crossbar in added time as Pompey claimed a point.
11th January United have confirmed the signing of Jon Stead from Sunderland. The Blades have sealed a £750,000 deal for the 23-year-old and he becomes their second signing of the transfer window after they completed a deal for Matthew Kilgallon earlier this week. Stead comes in from Sunderland, having spent most of this season on loan at Derby. The Rams looked to seal a permanent deal, but they failed to agree terms and United stepped in. Stead has penned a three-and-a-half year deal at Bramall Lane. "I know there will be critics, but value for money, his age, it's a great signing for me," said Blades boss Neil Warnock. "I've told him not to worry about expectations because he is not a £4 million or £5 million player. "He's played in the Premiership, which is good, and had two spells in which he witnessed both sides of the coin. "He had a poor goalscoring spell with Sunderland, but he had a fantastic time at Blackburn when he kept them up almost single-handed. "In terms of work ethic, he is excellent. The fans will see someone who will give blood for the club, and I think they'll take to him. "With something to prove, he can become the best value-for-money striker in the transfer window."
8th January The Blades have confirmed the signing of Leeds United central defender Matthew Kilgallon. The England Under 21 international becomes manager Neil Warnock's first capture in the January window, with the Premiership club having parted with £1.75million to secure his signature. Warnock has been quick to reinvest the funds raised from the sales of Ade Akinbiyi and Paul Ifill to Burnley and Crystal Palace respectively, with Kilgallon's arrival unlikely to be the last. Kilgallon becomes United's second major signing from Leeds in the past six months, with Rob Hulse having moved to Bramall Lane in the summer for £2.125million. Warnock, who claims he bid more for Kilgallon in the summer, has spoken of his delight at having brought one of his primary targets to the club. "We're delighted to get Matthew - I've waited a long time and have been very patient for 18 months because the move has never been quite right in the past," he commented. "You sometimes get your rewards with patience. "Matthew is the type of player who will fit into the squad, he's a nice lad, he's versatile and has good pace. We'll bring the best out of Matthew and he'll enjoy playing with us - it's a great opportunity for both parties." "We offered a lot more money for Matthew in the summer than what we have paid now, so it's a good bit of business."
8th January United have sold Paul Ifill from to Crystal Palace for £750,000. The former Millwall winger returns to the capital after being put on the transfer list by The Blades. He had made just three league appearances for the club this season following promotion to the Premiership.
6th January Neil Warnock admitted United had been humiliated following the 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Swansea City. Warnock paid the price for fielding a weakened side as Thomas Butler scored twice and Leon Britton once for Swansea in the second half. But Warnock believes his side, which stunned Arsenal last weekend, should have put up more resistance. "I feel disappointed and let down by players who should have been good enough to give a decent account of themselves against Swansea," he explained. "We were quite humiliated in the second half. After last Saturday's performance in beating Arsenal 1-0, this was a case of `after the lord mayor's show'. "Players whose careers I have resurrected have let me down, with only one or two of them giving their all to the end. "I had a word with them in them dressing room after the game and told them how I feel because I cannot explain that performance." Despite the result, Warnock maintains that he was right to rest players in order to keep them fresh for the Premiership. "I have no regrets about leaving a few out because they had little injuries and struggled with tiredness and we did have a couple of suspensions," he said. "But certain things happened in the second half that make me feel embarrassed to be a supporter, and that doesn't happen very often. "(Avoiding relegation) would be the finest achievement in my life, and that's far more important at the moment. "I did not want to risk any of the other lads because we have to stay in the Premiership."
6th January Sheffield United 0 Swansea City 3 (Attendance: 15,896) Gerrard, Geary, Bromby, Sommeil, Armstrong, Kazim-Richards, Montgomery, Alan Quinn, Hurst (Law 62), Webber (Tonge 86), Nade (Stephen Quinn 62). Booked: Geary 58. Man of the Match: Nick Montgomery. Swansea Line-up: Gueret, Amankwaah (Iriekpen 43), Austin, Lawrence, Williams, Britton, O'Leary, Tate, Butler, Akinfenwa, Fallon. Booked: Williams 58. Scorers: Butler 53, 59, Britton 67 pen.
Swansea City humiliated United with a convincing 3-0 victory at Bramall Lane in the third round of the FA Cup. An under-strength lacklustre Blades side were made to pay by a rampant Swansea side. The League One showed from the outset that they were up for the Cup, and Blades keeper Paul Gerrard was twice called into action to deny Rory Fallon in the early stages. Thomas Butler also came close to breaking the deadlock as his free-kick from just outside the area cannoned off Christian Nade's head and looped onto the roof of the net. The Blades finally snapped into life towards the end of the first half as Alan Quinn flicked a Nick Montgomery free-kick from the right wing just over the crossbar. Kevan Hurst conjured something from nothing with a sharp turn on the stroke of half-time with a sharp shot on the turn, but Willy Gueret produced a tremendous save to keep The Swans on level terms. It proved to be United's best spell of the match, as Butler opened the scoring for Swansea after 53 minutes, slotting home after Leigh Bromby had blocked Adebayo Akinfenwa's shot. Butler grabbed his second six minutes later to double Swansea's advantage, latching onto Akinfenwa's pass and then seeing his effort slide underneath Butler. Alan Quinn came close to pulling one back as his header was well saved by Gueret, but United's hopes disappeared as Swansea added a third from the penalty spot after 67 minutes. Butler was again involved as he was brought down by Derek Geary, but it was left to Leon Britton to complete the rout with a well-placed spot-kick. Blades supporters streamed out of Bramall Lane, while those that remained greeted the final whistle with a loud chorus of boos. 8th January United have confirmed the signing of Leeds United central defender Matthew Kilgallon. The England Under 21 international becomes manager Neil Warnock's first capture in the January window, with the Blades having parted with £1.75million to secure his signature. Warnock has been quick to reinvest the funds raised from the sales of Ade Akinbiyi and Paul Ifill to Burnley and Crystal Palace respectively, with Kilgallon's arrival unlikely to be the last. Kilgallon becomes United's second major signing from Leeds in the past six months, with Rob Hulse having moved to Bramall Lane in the summer of 2006. Warnock, who claims he bid more for Kilgallon in the summer, has spoken of his delight at having brought one of his primary targets to the club. "We're delighted to get Matthew - I've waited a long time and have been very patient for 18 months because the move has never been quite right in the past," he commented. "You sometimes get your rewards with patience. "Matthew is the type of player who will fit into the squad, he's a nice lad, he's versatile and has good pace. We'll bring the best out of Matthew and he'll enjoy playing with us - it's a great opportunity for both parties." "We offered a lot more money for Matthew in the summer than what we have paid now, so it's a good bit of business."
Gerrard, Kozluk, Armstrong, Morgan, Davis, Gillespie (Kazim-Richards 78), Jagielka, Tonge, S. Quinn (A. Quinn 78), Webber (Nade 59), Hulse. Booked: Hulse 83. Scorer: Jagielka 45. Man of the Match: Phil Jagielka. Middlesbrough Line-up: Schwarzer, Xavier, Woodgate (Parnaby 33), Pogatetz, Boateng, Cattermole, Arca (Morrison 85), Downing, Yakubu, Viduka, Taylor. Subs Not Used: Jones, Christie, Euell. Booked: Cattermole 16 , Xavier 84 . Scorers: Viduka 36, Yakubu 69,76.
Middlesbrough hit three goals for the first time this season as Mark Viduka inspired his side to a 3-1 success over United. Viduka's deflected goal put Boro ahead before Phil Jagielka's penalty levelled things up at half-time, but The Blades were unable to replicate the efforts of Saturday's 1-0 win over Arsenal. Boro made an encouraging start to the contest as Yakubu's drive deflected wide and Julio Arca's skimming shot was narrowly off target. Lee Cattermole's tenacious attitude brought the midfielder a 15th minute booking as The Blades struggled to make the ball stick with strike duo Rob Hulse and Danny Webber. Mark Schwarzer was first called into the fray on 27 minutes when he took the safety first option in pushing Keith Gillespie's free-kick away for a corner. Viduka was giving a fine lesson in the art of old-fashioned centre-forward play and one clever flick on the edge of the box played in Yakubu, whose wayward finish failed to match the build-up. Jonathan Woodgate's injury troubles returned moments later when he was substituted, but Boro's response to the setback was to take the lead on 36 minutes. Arca slid the ball into Viduka's feet on the edge of the box, the Australian twisted and turned to create space for a shot and his drive deflected past a wrong-footed Blades goalkeeper Paul Gerrard. On the stroke of half-time, a ball was played into the Boro area by Chris Armstrong, Hulse fell to the ground after being clearly pushed by Pogatetz in the back, and a penalty was awarded. Jagielka, who played in goal for some of Saturday's match against Arsenal, stepped up to slot his spot-kick in the right-hand corner of Mark Schwarzer's goal. And in first-half injury-time, Chris Morgan's bullit header was hoofed off the line by Arca after a combination of Schwarzer and Webber turned the ball towards goal. Boro were the better team at the start of the second half, but were struggling to find the target, with Yakubu firing over and Stewart Downing headed wide. With chances at a premium, Boro made the most of getting in behind the Blades defence to reclaim the lead. On 69 minutes. Boateng's pass released Viduka down the channel; his shot from an angle was partially stopped by Gerrard, yet was still going to trickle over the line before Yakubu made certain from inches out. Ten minutes later, Yakubu made sure of the points when he placed a penalty past Gerrard after Morgan fouled the striker.
5th January Chris Morgan will miss United's next three matches after being found guilty of a charge of violent conduct. The Blades captain was charged by The FA following an incident in his team's 1-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday. Morgan apparently punched Robin van Persie in the stomach. He was subsequently charged by The FA with violent conduct and was expected to learn his fate on Friday after denying the charge. But The FA's disciplinary commission met on Thursday and handed Morgan a three-game suspension. Morgan will now miss the FA Cup third round tie with Swansea City on Saturday and Premiership games with Portsmouth and Reading.
3rd January Defender Chris Morgan has been charged with violent conduct following an petty incident in a recent game against Arsenal. The Blades captain is accused of striking Gunners forward Robin van Persie during the 1-0 win for United on 30th December. Many on the Shoreham Kop who saw the incident, thought it a trifling moment. Amusing especially when Persie collapsed in agony as he appeared to over react in a way only continental player can to a 'nothing' incident. But to everyones amazement, now The Football Association has charged Morgan with violent conduct after the alleged moment was missed by match referee Lee Mason. Morgan has until 6pm on 4 January to respond to the charge from Soho Square and a disciplinary commission will hear the case on Friday. Chairman Terry Robinson has confirmed that the Blades are considering an appeal against the FA charge. "It is most likely that Chris will appeal against this decision with the support of the club," said Robinson. "The incident was seen by many in the ground and on television but in comparison with the incidents in our recent games against Aston Villa and Wigan was relatively trivial.”The club will re-assess the video and make a final decision on Thursday. "Whilst Sheffield United do no condone this sort of behaviour, we cannot reconcile this incident with violent conduct."
2nd January Paddy Kenny is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks after a scan confirmed the Blades goalkeeper had no serious injury to his groin. Kenny was injured in the League match against Arsenal, at Bramall Lane, when taking a goal-kick, which led to midfielder Phil Jagielka taking the gloves. Manager Neil Warnock was delighted with the news confirming there was no serious damage to Kenny. He said: "Paddy has had his scan and there's good news. "There's no tear, it's a strain, and he's going to be out for two to three weeks." Warnock is still on the look-out for another keeper as replacement Ian Bennett is still out with a broken finger. Paul Gerrard will continue in Kenny's absence, with Phil Jagielka on standby should he be needed.
2nd January Leeds United have terminated the loan deal of Geoff Horsfield. His stint at Elland Road ends one month earlier than planned after manager Dennis Wise admitted he does not feature in his plans. The striker, who has scored twice in 15 appearances, was scheduled to stay until the end of January but will return to Sheffield United early.
1st January Burnley have re-signed Ade Akinbiyi from Sheffield United in a £750,000 swoop. Akinbiyi left Burnley for Bramall Lane less than a year ago in a club record £1.75 million deal, but he has failed to establish himself in Neil Warnock's plans. Akinbiyi dropped down the pecking order at the Lane this season following the Blades' promotion to the Premiership.
1st January Phil Jagielka has accused Arsenal's players of acting like babies following their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday. The Blades were forced to see out the last half hour with Jagielka in goal after Paddy Kenny was substituted due to injury. Jagielka pulled off one stunning save to keep Robin van Persie at bay, but was disappointed after the final whistle when the Arsenal players refused to accept his offer of a handshake. However, Jagielka also declared that he was not entirely surprised by their response. "If they want to be like big babies, let them be big babies," he said. "We expect that now from Arsenal - we have had it a couple of times. They don't care to shake hands; they get very upset." "That's what happens when you have a lot of foreign players who don't like the nitty gritty of the Premiership. "I'm sure they are just disappointed to lose, but as far as I am concerned you have still got to be sporting enough to offer a handshake."
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