Operation Blade - A Sheffield United Story

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Operation Blade


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Sheffield United are about to start their 3rd season in Football's Third Tier. Currently IRL they are only 1 point outside the relegation zone, this is the club's lowest point since 1980/81 when they were relegated to the 4th Division courtesy of a Don Givens penalty miss against Walsall. The following season the club rose from the ashes by romping to the 4th Division title losing only 4 games along the way, culminating with over 12,000 Blades fans making the trip to Darlington to celebrate a promotion party than anyone there will never forget. United also hold the proud record that season of getting a home crowd against Bradford, which was higher on the day than current defending Champions Liverpool managed in the First Division.

My challenge is to take Sheffield United back to the top flight of football where (In my opinion at least!) they belong. Since the clubs much talked about relegation in 2007, a combination of mismanagement and poor players has seen the club steadily decline year upon year until they were relegated from the Championship in 2011.

The club looked set for an imminent return to the 2nd tier and were 10 points clear of local rivals Wedensday, yet following the imprisonment of star striker Ched Evans, they collapsed and subsequently lost in the playoff final on penalties against Huddersfield. (Our 4th playoff final defeat in 15 years). The following season the Blades again made the playoffs, however they were knocked out in the semi finals by eventually winners Yeovil Town.

The club were then, to everyone's surprise taken over by a Saudi Prince, Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad, who promised he would take the club back to the top flight with 'A game changing investment' (he's a background sugar daddy in game) and as such I have set myself a set of goals worthy of such a statement.




  • [*=left]Get the Blades back into the Championship
    [*=left]Win Promotion back to the top flight
    [*=left]Win the Premier League for the first time since 1898
    [*=left]Win the clubs first ever European Trophy
    [*=left]Integrate as many academy products into the successful team as possible
    [*=left]Make the Blades the most famous and richest club in the world.
    [*=left]Try and avenge the 4-0 Boxing Day defeat at Hillsborough in 1979.



Obviously some of these goals will take longer than other, which will help in giving the game extra longevity whilst keeping it interesting along the way.

Apologies for the long and waffling opening post however I like to set the scene before I get going. The next update will cover the month of July, which of course includes friendlies and transfer news.

 
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In my career mode I started off at Barnet. I won the Skrill Premier division confidently and after strengthening my squad I went up to league 1 via the playoffs in league 2.

Things were going well then the Blades offered me the job.......it was too good to turn down.
After a shaky start we went on a good run mid-season and consolidated 1st place for a while until an injury crisis hit, including my star striker Rickie Lambert!!

I ended up finishing 2nd on goal difference with Derby County. Sunderland absolutely smashed the league in the end, but with strikers like Alvaro Negredo on loan how can you compete?!

Sorry for rambling on but I saw the Sheffield United thread and felt I had to share this with you?

Good luck by the way!!
 
July

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Transfer News


We were given a 1.8m transfer budget, very healthy for this level. We also had a promise from the owner that he would invest more money into the club as and when he saw fit.

I started out by resigning club legend and former captain Nick Montgomery from Aussie club Central Coast Mariners for a deal worth just over 50k. I immediately reinstated him as captain feeling it was an aberration he was allowed to leave in the first place.

Transfer listed Jonathan Tinhan arrived from Montpellier for 400k, his pace will be a welcome addition to a side that are rated as one of the slowest in the league.

Another Scot arrived at the Lane, this time in the form of Inverness Caley Thistle full back Graham Shinnie, United paying a handsome 600k for his services. Left back has been a real problem area for the Blades in recent seasons, and I am hoping the young u21 international will be the answer to my problems.

I signed industrious winger Danny Redmond from Wigan for 215k, as the only recognised left sided player at the club was young Callum Mcfadzean, so it was good to add some competition in this area.

My final summer acquisition also arrived from Wigan for a cut price of 120k in the shape of Rob Kiernan, who will provide excellent competition at centre half for Neill Collins and Harry Maguire.

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In terms of outgoings, the only player leaving was young Otis Khan on loan in order to get some first team experience, however I have noticed both Napoli and Juventus are keeping tabs on our young starlet Diego De Girolamo, who is currently recovering from a cruciate ligament injury in April.


I also revamped the back room staff, with many of former manager David Weirs, staff leaving, including assistant David Carsley. 13 staff were recruited in total, including former Manchester United talisman Andy Cole. 2 former Blades also arrived, coach Wayne Allison and u18's Manager Ugo Ehiogu. Little known Garry Prendrey was another arrival, taking the post of assistant manager.


Friendlies

Rhyl 2-4 Sheffield United
(Baxter 25, Flynn 44, King 68, McGinn 83)

Newtown 0-3 Sheffield United
(Brandy 7 & 13, Maguire 38)

Port Talbot 0-2 Sheffield United
(Brandy 6, Baxter 11)

We only had 3 friendlies, which was mainly my fault as I failed to realise this was the case. We were largely untroubled, however I would have liked a few more fixtures to allow the lads to get used to the way I want them to play, and to help the new signings integrate into the squad.

News


- We Draw Fleetwood in the first round of the Capital One Cup
- Diego De Girolamo and Callum Mcfadzean both sign new long term deals
- Harry Maguire has a transfer request turned down after asking to join a bigger club







 
August

Goals galore
Heartbreak in the cup
Setting the early season pace in the league

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Sheffield United 6-3 Notts County (Skybet League One)
(McMahon 44, Maguire 56, Taylor 69, Murphy 78, King 83 & 90)

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We were actually 3-0 down here after only 23minutes and I tore into the lads at half time. They gave me one **** of a response in the second half and debutants Lyle Taylor and Marlon King were both amongst the scorers.

Fleetwood 2-5 Sheffield United (Capital One Cup First Round)
(Baxter 11, McLaughlin O.G. 23, King 35, Doyle 38, Flynn 71)

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Wow, 11 goals scored in 2 games! I actually made 11 changes here so it was good to see that the second string were up to the challenge. We draw West Brom away in the second round.

Brentford 0-2 Sheffield United (SkyBet League One)
(Maguire 59, Taylor 83)

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Nice to get a clean sheet in a game that was more comfortable than the stats suggest. The first half was very nip and tuck but once Maguire headed in from a corner early in the second half we were always in control.

Sheffield United 4-2 Colchester United (SkyBet League One)
(Maguire 1, Tinhan 13, Taylor 21 & 30)


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Colchester were top going into this game and were lightning fast on the counter, so it was good to get a win. Taylor had a hat trick goal disallowed by a contentious offside decision in the dying minutes. Our ability to find the back of the net is winning us games at the moment but i'm keen to tighten up at the back incase the goals dry up.

Bradford 1-4 Sheffield United (SkyBet League One)
(Taylor 16, Montgomery 25, Murphy 53 & 72)

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The goals just keep on coming as we slaughter Bradford and could easily have scored more. 'Keeper George Long was carried off injured after i'd used all 3 subs, but luckily it was too late for Bradford to really take advantage.

West Bromich Albion 4-3 Sheffield United AET (Capital One Cup Second Round)
(Brandy 2, Olsson Og 29, King 73)

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I played the second string again here and they certainly did not disappoint, trading blow for blow with Premier League opposition and actually leading twice, before running out of steam in extra time. Vice Captain Michael Doyle was also sent off late on for a second bookable offence.

Sheffield United 6-1 MK Dons (SkyBet League One)
(Murphy 24 & 58, Taylor 34 & 68, Tinhan 43, Cuvelier 47)

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Back with a bang in the league as the goals continue to flow. Bit annoyed that we gave away a sloppy goal late on but can't complain too much when 6 are going in at the other end!


Player of the Month

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Honorable mentions to Harry Maguire and Jamie Murphy, but this award has to go to Lyle Taylor for his 7 goals in 5 league games this month, making him the divisions top scorer so far.


Table

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We are the only team in the League still holding a 100% record, and somewhat unsurprisingly the highest scorers in the division, with 8 goals more than our nearest rivals! My main competition in Wolves and Brentford are already hot on our heels.

Player Stats

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4 of the top 5 rated players in the league play for the Blades, with Lyle Taylor topping the average rating and goalscoring charts, along with strike partner Jamie Murphy who is just in behind Danny Redmond in the assist count.


 
September


Injuries start to mount up
Unbeaten record comes to an end
Still scoring for fun though

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Carlisle United 0-6 Sheffield United (SkyBet League One)
(Taylor 4, 7 & 27 McFadzean 57, Murphy 65 & 76)


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Our second 6 goal haul in 2 outings and now even i'm amazed at how freely we're scoring. Also good to keep what is only our second clean sheet of the season so far.

Rotherham United 2-2 Sheffield United (SkyBet League One)
(Murphy 45, Baxter 83)

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We had McMahon sent off early in the second half, and Rotherham's goals came from a long throw and Maguire running past the ball instead of trapping it. We also ended the game with 9 men after sub Coady went off injured. All in all not a bad point.

Sheffield United 3-3 Preston North End (SkyBet League One)
(Taylor 13, Doyle 69, King 72)

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3-1 down with 20minutes left I guess you have to take a point, however we did not play well and probably didn't deserve anything. Redmond went off and is added to the growing injury list at the club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 Sheffield United (SkyBet League One)
(Collins 67, King 90)

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Another penalty conceded AND another injury, this time to talisman Lyle Taylor. We were never in this game and I hope it served as a rude awakening to the players.

Player of the Month

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This was always going to go to an attacking player, and this month Jamie Murphy really stepped up to plate, not only scoring 3 goals but also laying on a further 5 for his team mates.

Table

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We slip to second in the league, as MK Dons go top despite being probably the worst side we've faced so far. We've now rattled in 35 goals in just 9 league games, so it's definitely frustrating to not be top of the league.

Stats

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We now have all 5 of the divisions top rated players, however ALL of them except Maguire are currently injured - ARGHH! It's pleasing however, to see us have the top 2 goalscorers and goal providers, even if they are all injured.

I also let a few more of the young lads out on loan, with Joe Ironside, Elliot Whitehouse and Sean McGinty all heading into League Two for some valuable playing experience. They all have instant recall clauses should our injury crisis worsen.














 
Hey you have posted one of your updates on my story thread, lol
 
Good start, I can't imagine you will ever have issues scoring goals.

Love the title name as well, 'Operation Blade' it just sounds quality.
 
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