Championship - Countdown: Sheffield United

Eurosport - Thu, 06 Aug 10:32:00 2009

Eurosport-Yahoo! continues its countdown to the Championship season with a look at Sheffield United.

FOOTBALL Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon, who boss Kevin Blackwell wants to stay at the club - 0

Manager: Kevin Blackwell

Last 10 Seasons in Championship (1999/2000 to 2008/2009): 16/10/13/3/8/8/2/-/9/3

POSSIBLE STARTING XI:

Mark Bunn

Leigh Bromby - Chris Morgan - Matthew Kilgallon - Gary Naysmith

Nick Montgomery - Brian Howard - Stephen Quinn - Keith Treacy

Darius Henderson - Ched Evans

BACK-UPS FROM: Ian Bennett, Justin Haber, Derek Geary, Sun Jihai, Lee Hendrie, David Carney, Aymen Tahar, David Cotterill, Jamie Ward, Jordan Robertson, Andy Taylor, Kyel Reid, Lee Williamson, Paddy Kenny, Billy Sharp, Ryan France, Gary Speed

TRANSFERS:

In Ched Evans (Manchester City, £3m), Keith Treacy (Blackburn, loan), Mark Bunn (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Andy Taylor (Tranmere, undisclosed), Kyel Reid (West Ham, free), Lee Williamson (Watford, undisclosed), Kyle Walker (Tottenham, loan), Ryan France (free)

Out Keith Quinn, Ben Starosta, Danny Webber, Ugo Ehiogu (all released), Jamie Annerson (Rotherham, free), Adam Chapman (Oxford, undisclosed), Nicky Law (Rotherham, free) - Kyle Naughton, Kyle Walker (both Tottenham, undisclosed), Nicky Travis (Central Coast Mariners, free)

POSITIVES: The Blades have finished no lower than ninth in the Championship since 2002. They have an experienced core, with new signing Ched Evans an exciting prospect up front. Plus they have the money from the Carlos Tevez settlement with West Ham, so there may be more arrivals to come.

NEGATIVES: Confusion reigns over the future of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny after he failed a drugs test last season, but a ban would seem likely. The departure of Kyle Naughton to Spurs is a big loss after the young full back showed huge promise last season. Other departures include the likes of Danny Webber and Ugo Ehiogu.

VERDICT: Despite a degree of upheaval at Bramall Lane, Kevin Blackwell has the resources at his disposal to secure at least a play-off spot. 5th.

Mario Hajiloizis / Eurosport

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  1. The grunters of Swillsborough must be struggling­ already if they are having to read about The Blades­ instead of their own so-called team.
    Up The Blades­ !!
    P.S.the prediction is a least 2 league places short­ of what our finishing position will be.
    Bring on those­ greasy chip butties.

    From ciderfex, on Wed 5 Aug 10:10PM
  2. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    how can u have wednesday at 15th and the blunts at­ 5th.u must have been drunk when doing this­ prediction.there will b no where near 10 spots­ difference what a joke.

    From sdjoszko, on Wed 5 Aug 4:32PM

  3. play off spot , hah .no thanks cant be doing with that­ again but he is probably right

    From ainsley sad ex pat, on Wed 5 Aug 1:55PM
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