Following the bitter disappointment of  Play-off Final defeat on penalties around a month ago, lots of speculation has followed as to what the future lies in store for the Blades. Who will go? Who will stay? What will happen during the new season?

Personally, I believe that if we were to have the exact same team next season as we had last season, then we would win the league. However we’re already lacking a goal-scorer in the squad after losing striker Ched Evans, due to reasons I am sure you all already aware of…

Also, we seem to be without an established first team goalkeeper following the release of Steve Simonsen. Furthermore, I wouldn’t imagine too many people to be shocked if we were to lose at least some of Harry Maguire, Matt Lowton, Kevin McDonald, Stephen Quinn and Lee Williamson. I’m not saying they will all certainly leave, not at all. But they’re definitely all realistic.

Therefore, what are we going to do about the squad for next season? Will we be able to make some decent if not better additions? Or do we look to our consistently brilliant youth system for the upcoming ‘stars of tomorrow’?

For me there is only one person who can truthfully answer that question, and that man is the gaffer, Danny Wilson. Although we have been linked with some quality players such as Stuart Beavon, Dave Kitson and Jeffrey Schlupp, earlier in the week Schlupp said on Twitter that rumours of his move was just “paper talk”. Also, with the growing prominence of Twitter itself in today’s society, I would advise people not to believe all they see, and just let the business time pass then see what it brings when announced officially.

However as I mentioned earlier about the youth system possibly playing a larger part in United’s campaign this year and for me that seems very realistic. There has already been talk (in the papers, and I know it could just be a load of rubbish) of players such as Joe Ironside (striker), Elliott Whitehouse (central midfielder) and Terry Kennedy (central defender) being given more first team opportunities and perhaps even a chance to start in the first competitive game, a home tie against Burton.

Overall, I think that the fans shouldn’t get too upset or aggravated if things don’t seem to be going as planned in reference to signings, etc… Because I can almost unquestionably guarantee that cometh 18^th of August, we will have a first team sorted out and be up for the challenge again. After all, we’re all Blades aren’t we?

You can follow me on Twitter: @calhuntington

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