View From T'Other Side: Sheffield United

Last updated : 06 November 2008 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

After losing to Sheffield Wednesday how important is it to get back to winning ways in the derbies on Saturday?

It is vitally important that we get back to winning ways in the battle of South Yorkshire derbies. I'd like to echo the words of your manager Simon Davey. This game will be the toughest derby for both teams yet!


You have conceded just one goal in the last seven games, none in the last five and have the best defensive record in the Championship. Is there one player responsible for that or does the team just look a lot more solid as a unit?

We have a great deal of team leaders in our backline but it's down to teamwork. Any of our current defenders could make it into any Championship team and some Premier League teams.


I see Chris Morgan at the heart of the defence? Must be having a great season?!

Morgs has been in and out due to injuries. The same applies to Ugo Ehiogu while Matt Kilgallon lost his regular starting berth due to an unfortunate suspension which he picked up at Hillsborough. None of them have put a step wrong so far, so you could say he's having a great season!


I think the biggest talking point before this game will centre on Brian Howard, who cannot play anyway. What impact as he had at Bramall Lane so far?

He has certainly made an impact. We've been waiting for a creative midfielder for some time now and finally one has arrived. No disrespect to Brian, but, the move to Bramall Lane has been successful to both parties. Barnsley have done better without him whilst the Blades have done better with him!


Sheffield United won their first game in seven visits to Oakwell last season and with the current positions of the two sides in the league how confident are you of another Blades victory?

I am pretty confident. I think it will be a scrappy game but I do believe United will take the spoils despite the Tykes having an impressive 3:1 victory at Charlton last weekend.


After a fairly disappointing season last season how confident are you of seeing the Blades promoted back to the Premier League in May?

Automatic will be difficult but I do think we'll grab a play-off place. Whether we go up or not is a difficult question to answer, but, it's whether we remain consistent throughout the season which remains to be seen.


Kevin Blackwell had a fairly chastening experience at Leeds United, what's he been like for Sheffield United?

A breath of fresh air. The dross that Bryan Robson gave was terrible but his signings were top notch. Blackie has only lost 7 games since he arrived in February and every Unitedite has faith in him.


Do you feel its vital in terms of keeping players like Paddy Kenny and James Beattie that the Blades do get promoted this year?

Of course it's vital. Beatts netted 22 goals last season and if he didn't suffer the unfortunate injuries, there's no doubt he would've claimed the golden boot. Other key players such as Kyle Naughton will be hard to hang on to due to him having a superb start to his Blades career, but he is a Blade and I'm confident he'll stay. There is key players in every position but they work as a unit and hopefully the hard work will pay off.


9. What's the latest on the West Ham/Tevez saga. Is there a really a chance United could receive £30m?

Kevin McCabe plans to fight on in the case. At the end of the day we were unfairly relegated and West Ham should have been docked points just like any other team would have (well most of them as the Prem League/FA are biased).

Who do you see as Barnsley's danger men?

Heinz Muller was superb last season and in my opinion you have two great goalkeepers.

Iain Hume is a threat up front while Jamal Campbell-Ryce is pacey and can sparkle on his day. Ex Blade Rob Kozluk will be looking to get one over his former club.


Who will be key for the Blades this weekend?

All the team. Like I said above, they work as a unit and are there for each other.

Score Prediction?

1:0 Blades. I think one goal will do it and I believe Anthony Stokes will score.

Prediction for both sides finishes in May?

Well I think Barnsley will finish mid-table, about 14th while I believe the Blades will comfortably finish in the top six.