Sections of the Sheffield United support are expressing their discontent with the ominous sound of boos, despite their recent run of good form launching the Blades into a lofty 5th place, six points off the top and firmly in playoff contention.
The signing of Dean Hammond will add stability, and Che Adams appears to be finding form in League One. After the disappointment of Nigel Clough’s second season in charge, could the Blades finally be on the up?
It’s been difficult for Sheffield United fans, where Clough was supposed to be their saviour, he largely filled the squad with mediocre players – even at League One level. With Nigel Adkins now in charge, the Blades are well suited to at least challenge for promotion.
After Fleetwood disposed of seemingly imperial Burton, only to be subsequently tanked 3-0 by Adkins’ side, a feeling that anybody can beat anybody in this league is starting to form.
However, the club need to shift some of the deadwood out of the club after the last few transfer windows.
Here are FIVE Blades to bounce in the New Year Sales...
PAUL COUTTS
It’s been less than a year since the Scot arrived at Bramall Lane, but it simply isn’t working out for the former Derby County man.
The 27-year old can’t seem to find a starting place in the side, amid suggestions he continually gives the ball away in good positions. With even Jamal Campbell-Ryce available in wide areas, Coutts’ departure is unlikely to cause huge upset in the squad.
MICHAEL HIGDON
Higdon has recently been loaned out to Oldham, hoping to rediscover some of the form that saw him become a mainstay at Motherwell a few years ago.
The former NEC man has suffered with injuries since arriving back in England from Holland, and the Blades look well stocked in forward positions. Connor Salmon already backs up the likes of Billy Sharp and Matt Done.
Likely to garner some sort of fee, if Higdon impresses and proves he is injury fee, Adkins should sell up.
FLORENT CUVELIER
The Belgian ace has been seriously unfortunate with injuries, having picked up an ACL tear during a brief loan spell with Port Vale last year.
Moving then to Burton on a similar deal, the former Stoke City youngster impressed during the club’s title run towards the end of last season. Scoring against Hartlepool to secure a crucial win, the player once again picked up an injury and played no further part in the title run in.
A shame really, just as he was getting going. Adkins could be wise to sell the 23-year old, if he can.
JAY MCEVELEY
Seem rather odd to sell your captain mid-season, right? Wrong.
The former Scotland international seems to have been hampered by his appointment as team captain earlier this summer, and has put in some shaky performances. Particularly the 3-1 reversal at the hands of Bury last month.
Where he is now out injured, the backline look far more assured and a decent run of results have followed. Unfortunately for the former Blackburn youngster, his injury has only highlighted that the defence is better off without him.
MARC MCNULTY
Perhaps it could be risky, selling a young striker who appears to be blessed with decent potential. The former Livingston man has shown in glimpses he has the potential to be a decent frontman, but his departure could be managed pretty easily.
Matt Done and Billy Sharp look to be the first-choice front line, with Connor Salmon and Che Adams able to provide – even Jose Baxter could be deployed up top.
A return to Scotland may be wise for all parties.