View From The John Street - A Sheffield United podcast for Blades

John Osborne
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Soccer

Sheffield United without the rose-tinted glasses, presented by a professional journalist and Blades season ticket holder for the last 55 years. No nonsense, no adverts, but hopefully a balanced and fact-based take on all things Blades. You can listen to all episodes by going to our website viewfromthejohnstreet.com There you can also read all the latest written posts.

  1. Jun 7

    49 SILENT ASSASSINS?: Blades comms blackout fuels Alan Knill speculation

    The reported departure of Alan Knill from Sheffield United has ignited wild speculation, in the absence of confirmation, denial or explanation from the club. Something which again raises concerns regarding United's abysmal lack of a communication strategy. Slence from the management, including co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmi El Tooke, and chief executive Stephen Bettis, underscores a troubling lack of transparency that is typical of how the club is being run under the American ownership of COH Sport.. Summary: The abrupt departure of Alan Knill from Sheffield United has sparked considerable speculation and uncertainty.United's management has exhibited a total lack of communication regarding Knill's situation.The potential influence of coaching staff reshuffles may have contributed to Knill's decision to leave, if, indeed, he has left.Silence from club officials continues to raise questions about their transparency and accountability.The relationship between manager Chris Wilder and Knill, his long-standing No2, is one of mutual respect and loyalty.Failure to address the situation publicly has done nothing to help repair a broken relationship between the clubs owners and United supporters following the self-destruction of the season just gone.

    8 min

  2. Jun 3

    48 RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE: A look at United's noisy neighbours

    Sheffield United's supremacy in the city has long since been established. That shouldn't change in the foreseeable future if the Blades continue to progress after last season's self-imposed setback. But Wednesday's new American owners, Arise Capitol Partners, are making all the right noises and have produced a plan to dig the Owls out the hole former Owner Dejphon Chansiri dug for them. For supporters, bragging rights are what local rivalry is all about. But there is far more at stake than that. Summary: Sheffield Wednesday have experienced the season from hell. Recovery may take longer than what many Owls fans might think.The club's new ownership is characterised by a proactive engagement with supporters and a realistic strategy.Sheffield United's supremacy in the city has every chance of being extended for years to come if the Blades make up for lost time after the disappointment of last season.But the recent changes at Wednesday signals a potential revival in the making as they begin life back in League One. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sheffield WednesdayMiddlesbroughHull CitySheffield UnitedDunfermline AthleticArise Capital PartnersOWLS VenturesCoh Sports

    15 min

  3. May 27

    REAL DEAL: Just for someone else.

    Oli McBurnie scored the only goal at Wembley in the Championship play-off final to propel Hull City to the Premier League. The former Sheffield United striker's form this season has been sensational. The Championship's second top scorer, seven assists and 40 chances created. And he would have been back in a Blades shirt had former boss Ruben Selles not turned down the opportunity to re-sign him last summer when McBurnie was a free agent, having returned from Spain and Las Palmas. Of course, there is no knowing how McBurnie would have fared in the chaos at the Lane. But Blades fans, and boss Chris Wilder, who has publicly said he would have signed him again, are left to ponder what might have been. Summary: Oli McBurnie admits he wasn't ready for his big Premier League move to Sheffield United.Maturity, he says, has helped him to grow into the role that has made him a key figure in Hull City's remarkable rise in less than 12 months, from almost rock bottom in the Championship to the Premier League.Despite a challenging times at Bramall Lane, McBurnie ultimately won over the fans. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sheffield UnitedHullLas PalmasSwansea CityBrentfordBrighton

    11 min

  4. May 22

    STICK OR TWIST? Is Kalvin Phillips worth the risk?

    Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder remains in hot pursuit of Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips. This, despite the 30-year-old's nondescript contribution in three appearances for the Blades in the season just gone. A brief loan spell, which amounted to 14 days in total. The former Leeds United and England star received a three-match ban after a red card for a rash and needless challenge in the Steel City derby win at Bramall Lane in February, his last appearance. Phillips was then diagnosed with a knee injury and returned to Mancheter City to undergo surgery. Summary: Chris Wilder's pursuit of Calvin Phillips reflects a significant gamble on his potential to revitalise his career.Phillips' loan spell at Sheffield United was by injury and average performancesAny decision to rely on Phillips could be seen as risky given his recent history of injuries and underwhelming contributions.Wilder's focus on strengthening the midfield must consider the balance between experience and emerging talent.The departure of Jairo Riedewald leaves a void in the squad, complicating the midfield picture for United.Ultimately, Phillips' return may not provide the long-term solution that Sheffield United needs to bolster their midfield. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Mentioned in this episode: Manchester CityLeedsWest Hamipswich townCrystal palaceAjaxRangersSheffield United

    12 min

  5. May 19

    SPYGATE: Justice must be seen to be done.

    In-depth look at the so-called Spygate controversy and why Middlesbrough should be reinstated at Southampton's expense to face Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The richest football match in the world, worth £200million to the winner, Summary: In all walks of life, including sport, the principle of fairness must be upheld .Cheating should never be tolerated or rewarded.The erosion of trust within any community can lead to widespread cynicism, conspiracy theories and contempt for rules.The recent Spygate incident involving Southampton exemplifies how breaches of integrity affect the entire league.Middlesbrough's rightful claim, in this podcast's opinion, against Southampton underscores the importance of accountability in sports.The implications of Southampton's alleged cheating could set a dangerous precedent for future conduct in football. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Mentioned in this episode: SouthamptonMiddlesbroughHull CitySheffield UnitedEFLLeedsDerbyCarlos TeveesWest Ham

    10 min

  6. May 7

    ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD: Are you Sheffield United in disguise?

    Sheffield United began the season on a low, a 4-1 home defeat, Ruben Selles's first competitive match in charge, and finished on a high, a 2-1 triumph at Derby. Chris Wilder has guided the Blades to 60 points and a mid-table finish, 13 points short of the play-offs. When he resumed control in September, United had lost all six Championship matches under Selles and scored just one goal. Most Blades would have settled for the eventual outcome. And yet there is a feeling of disappointment. 29 points lost from winning positions. Only bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have suffered more defeats (32) than United's damning statistic of 22 and they drew just six. Had they turned half of those dropped points into wins and a third of their defeats into draws, United would have finished comfortably in the play-offs. So near, yet so far. No-one, not even Wilder, has known which Sheffield United was going to turn up. Summary: Sheffield United supporters could saw a snapshot of the season in the final match at Pride Park.The team's performance has been inconsistent, oscillating between abysmal and promising throughout the season.At Derby, United displayed a remarkable turnaround after a poor first half.Manager Chris Wilder has acknowledged the necessity for a substantial overhaul of the squad this summer.The team finished mid-table, with a total of 60 points, which could so easily have been significantly higher.Persistent defensive errors have undermined United for the entire campaign. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com

    14 min

  7. Apr 30

    END GAME: But don't hold your breath

    So to Derby and the final match of a season to forget. For manager Chris Wilder and supporters alike, it can't come soon enough. Will Sheffield United, on the back of two miserable home defeats, pull a rabbit out of the hat to at least reward travelling fans in a sell-out crowd at Pride Park? Derby can still secure the last play-off place if other results are kind to them, so they present a formidable challenge. The only certainty is that many familiar names in the Blades squad will be playing, or indeed have played their last match for the club. Summary: The season has been defined by a significant lack of performance and ambition.Supporters continue to back the team, yet expectations for a strong finish are understandably low.The manager, Chris Wilder, recognizes the urgent need for a substantial squad overhaul.Many of United's current players lack the collective unity and character necessary for success.The departure of Gus Hamer is anticipated, as he seeks a more rewarding career opportunity.The upcoming match against Derby County, who could clinch the last play-off spot if other results go for them, pose a formidable challenge for the inconsistent Blades. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com

    8 min

  8. Apr 21

    BACK TO THE FUTURE: Finding a place for United's best defender

    What to do when your best defender doesn't fit the jigsaw? Change the jigsaw to one that does, or move in another direction? That is the unexpected dilemma Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder may well be wrestling with after the emergence of Nottingham Forest loanee Tyler Bindon. Signed by former boss Ruben Selles, the 21-year-old New Zealand international's career at Bramall Lane got off to an inauspicious start. Discarded on Wilder's return until early December when he came off the bench to become the bedrock of the Blades' back four for much of the remainder of the season. SUMMARY: The emergence of Tyler Binden as Sheffield United's best central defender is presents an unexpected conundrum.Manager Chris Wilder is embarking on a comprehensive rebuilding process this summer.Binden's progress under Wilder signifies his potential despite initial challenges at the club.The synergy between Binden and his defensive partners remains a critical consideration for Wilder.Wilder's tactical decisions will shape the future of Sheffield United's defensive line significantly.The potential return of Kyle Walker may influence the formation strategy going forward. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com

    9 min
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Sheffield United without the rose-tinted glasses, presented by a professional journalist and Blades season ticket holder for the last 55 years. No nonsense, no adverts, but hopefully a balanced and fact-based take on all things Blades. You can listen to all episodes by going to our website viewfromthejohnstreet.com There you can also read all the latest written posts.

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