Blunted Blades

By Colin Tattum on February 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Permalink

Look at the turmoil Sheffield United are going through, and it makes Blues achievement last
season all the more impressive.

There is significant unrest among the Blades faithful, and the unhealthy atmosphere created
doesn't lend itself to an instant return to the Premier League.

They have got a very strong squad too, but lie 16th in the Championship.

Another relegated side, Charlton Athletic, are struggling to make headway.

Considering that Steve Bruce had to completely gut a team, then get a new, younger bunch of
players up and running whist coping with overbearing expectation, pressure and impatience,
both internal and external, the end result was highly commendable.

He also altered Blues style halfway through, pragmatically playing to their strengths.

Some players last season just couldn't believe the negativity that surrounded Blues and away
games, at one stage, until everyone at the end realised promotion was attainable, became far
more appealing to them.

Last season Albion had the best footballing team per se, but they didn't realise their potential.

Neil Warnock wasn't daft. He knew what was coming at Bramall Lane and bailed out.

Bryan Robson was the man left on a hiding to nothing. Now Kevin Blackwell takes a turn.

Whatever you say about Bruce, and after six years at Blues his critics could always find plenty
to gripe about, he did a fine job in returning the club to the Premier League at the first attempt
and atoning for the mistakes that led to relegation.

Only in time will that be recognised.