Life in the Championship can sometimes be a harsh reality check, bringing former Premier League clubs back down to earth, almost like a skydiver in freefall if their parachute doesn't open. That is precisely where Sheffield United found themselves this time last year, following a dismal start to their 2021-22 campaign.
Given his previous track record of leading Watford and Fulham to promotion, Slavisa Jokanovic seemed the perfect choice as manager, appointed on a three-year deal with high expectations. Nevertheless, after winning just 6 of their first 19 games and struggling in the bottom half of the table, Sheffield United wielded the axe, sacking the Serbian coach by 25th November.
Seeking an alternative approach, the Blades opted to promote from within, deciding to give U-23s coach Paul Heckingbottom another crack at the top job. He had already taken the reins towards the end of the previous 2020-21 season in the Premier League, albeit unable to save the side from relegation, following the mutual consent departure of Chris Wilder.
Compared to the impossible task of trying to save a team from Premier League relegation, Heckingbottom took charge of a team that was capable of doing much better in the Championship, and his influence brought an immediate change in fortunes. Sheffield United lost just once during a spectacular 13-game run, which propelled them back up the table.
Since Paul Heckingbottom took over last November, Sheffield United have only lost once at Bramall Lane.#TwitterBlades pic.twitter.com/h0gQCjVcbZ
— The Second Tier (@secondtierpod) August 29, 2022
However, when mixed form and results between came between late February and the middle of April, this would ultimately test the credentials of a late Sheffield United promotion push. While they concluded the season well, reaching the playoffs, an agonising fate beckoned. The Blades were beaten on penalties by Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, who went on to defeat Huddersfield Town in the final at Wembley, ending their 23-year topflight exile.
Fast forward to planning for the 2022-23 campaign, transfer activity at Sheffield United has been surprisingly quiet during the summer window, making just one notable first team addition. This was the arrival of Bosnian centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic, who has already made an impressive start to his time at Bramall Lane, weighing in with 3 goals and 1 assist already.
Meanwhile, the focus for Heckingbottom appears to have been more focused on trimming down the squad, releasing several players alongside the sale of Oliver Burke to Werder Bremen. At the time of writing, further departures are also expected before the transfer deadline, particularly with speculation surrounding the future of key players.
Having already contributed 4 goals in 7 appearances, Heckingbottom is keen to lock down the future of 22-year-old Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye, ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he could be a participant. “Iliman is good enough to be a top, top player,” insisted the Sheffield United boss and quoted by The Star, following another stellar showing from the attacking midfielder during the 4-0 demolition of Reading.
Iliman Ndiaye is the 4⃣th player to reach double figures of goals + assists for Paul Heckingbottom's Sheffield United
Morgan Gibbs-White – 1⃣6⃣
Sander Berge – 1⃣3⃣
Billy Sharp – 1⃣1⃣
ILIMAN NDIAYE – 1⃣0⃣#twitterblades #sufc pic.twitter.com/Gmejh54B50— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) August 31, 2022
Club record signing Sander Berge has also been attracting interest from elsewhere, due to his fine start to the 2022-23 championship campaign. The 24-year-old Norwegian midfielder has already contributed 2 goals and 2 assists, and his £35m release clause has apparently led to enquiries from Premier League side Liverpool, with Sheffield United having already reportedly rejected firm bids from Belgian outfit Club Brugge.
Keeping such players will be a solid statement of intent by Sheffield United, as they focus on attempting to build on their fine start to the season, topping the early Championship standings with 4 wins and 2 draws. The only defeats of the campaign so far were an opening day defeat at Watford, followed by elimination from the EFL Cup by West Bromwich Albion, although fewer cup distractions could also serve as a blessing in disguise.
Such is the promise and potential being shown by Sheffield United under Heckingbottom, they are joint favourites alongside Norwich City to win the Championship, which also makes them hotly tipped to achieve automatic promotion this season. This is based upon odds found at the best football betting sites reviewed by Arabian Betting, whose experts recommend only the safest and most secure wagering options within the Middle East region.
While the odds certainly favour the Blades to continue what they have started, further progress could ultimately be dictated by how things pan out on deadline day. Were they to lose two or maybe three of their most vital ingredients, the menu of team selections would inevitably be impacted. Understandably, this is why Heckingbottom is hopeful his club will resist the urge to sell top talents, within what is an excellent young squad.
