So here we go again, the start of a new season at Bramall Lane.
A new season of high hopes, tremendous pressure and hopefully this time, success. After being so far in front of our city rivals nearing the end of the season then blowing it and finishing in 3rd place, then going to Wembley, and losing again was a sort of reality check.
It made me realise during my 17-years of life is that we always seem to throw it away or cave under pressure at the most vital part of the season. That’s why this season I’m only going to be slightly optimistic about promotion.
Looking at the bookies, many seem to have us favourites for promotion. Although they also seem to have Chris Porter as favourite for top goal-scorer. On that logic I’d save my money for the boozer before the game.
I’d like us to finish on top of the pile as would every other fan but realistically I can’t see it happening and instead I think going for 2nd place is our best shot. Aim for second so people will be overjoyed if we finish 1st but still happy if 2nd. Anything less than that in my eyes is a failure.
So far the transfer window has looked quite promising. Only selling one member of the squad (to date) while bringing in six fresh faces. Of the six arrivals, the main signing for me has been John Cofie, the young Man U striker. He is technically brilliant, big and strong, and as demonstrated against Rotherham, he knows where the net is, confirmed by a cracking free kick.
All other signings (bar one. No need to name him but we’ll welcome back LJF with open arms) also look to be decent. I’m starting to like the looks of a Blackman, Cofie partnership up front. Last Saturday against Burton (more penalty shoot-out agony) Blackman looked calm and collected. He has a good first touch and in my opinion will not only be a great asset up front but also a crowd favourite.
Perhaps the highlight of the off-season was not the impressive pre- season unbeaten run but the news that our star playmaker, Kevin McDonald, had put pen to paper. He signed a new contract keeping him at beautiful down town Bramall Lane until 2014 much to the delight of all the Blades fans who had been waiting anxiously, not helped by the vast amount of rumours surrounding him.
For me there are a few players to watch this season: McAllister back from his loan, Blackman and McMahon. McMahon looked impressive on Saturday with his passing ability. He switched the ball with what seemed like ease and wasn’t afraid get forward in attack.
The new season finally starts on Saturday at home to Shrewsbury and hopefully it’ll start with win. Or even more so an early annihilation, perhaps that is wishful thinking but it would be nice.
Hopefully this season we can get promoted the easy way without all the heartbreak and tears of going to Wembley again. Let’s get behind the team and not on their backs. This maybe a cliche but we can be the 12th man. And together we can do it! So on to a successful season. UTB
If you would like to discuss my thoughts or just want to have a general chat about the Blades, you can find me on Twitter @nathansere.
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