Sheffield United - April 2014 - Forthy's Dynasty

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Forthy's Dynasty Blog

Sheffield United - April 2014

Posted on January 25, 2014 at 10:43 AM.

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Sheffield United

Welcome back! The last time we talked, Sheffield United was just entering the January Transfer window in a rather poor run of form. The two biggest issues at hand, were finding a striker to appease the board, and finding a fullback to make sure our keeper George Long didn't get any ideas of going to find one himself.

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As I mentioned in the last post, my most pressing concern was finding a fullback. And my limited funds do not help that situation one bit. However, I was able to find a promising young Argentian in Fiorentina, who was looking for first team opportunities.

LOAN: Esteban Cerro RB

Cerro is only 16, and is incredibly gifted. Quick feet, quicker mind. Although I was only able to manage a loan deal for now, he will surely be my main target come summer.

Once again, I find myself trying to keep my pessimistic board happy. Easier said than done, really. However, I may have just found a way to do it, this time. Young German striking phenom, Uwe Perdedaj comes to Bramall Lane looking to impress. And boy, did he ever.

IN: Uwe Perdedaj ST (2M + Jamie Murphy)
Out: Jamie Murphy CM

Also in a move to replace the departing Mr. Murphy, I looked to Norwich City. Jake Taylor may not be ready for first team duties as of yet, but I felt he was worth bringing in for a few reasons. One, he brings in a bit of squad depth, giving the first teamers some well needed rest. Two, he shows massive amounts of potential. Even being heralded as the second coming of welsh counterpart Ryan Giggs.

IN: Jake Taylor LM (1.2M)

We have also gotten word that a couple of our players will be leaving the club, come the summer transfer window. Marcus Williams and Lyle Taylor have both signed pre-contract offers with other other teams. While it was not my first choice to let their contracts dwindle towards expiration, allowing these offers to be made, money was needed in other areas for other options. Regardless, we wish them both the best of luck (in finding their names on the first team sheet the rest of this season).

Current Roster

4-2-2-2
Here is my current starting XI and key subs after the January window:

GK George Long (65) - England, 21
RB Esteban Cerro (70) - Argentina, 16
CB Luiz Eduardo (71) - Brazil, 21
CB Francesco Perna (74) - Italy, 19
LB Hayden White (62) - England, 19
RDM Callum McFadzean (66) - England, 21
LDM Florent Cuvelier (72) - Belgium, 22
LAM Mohammed Elyounoussi (70) - Norway, 20
RAM Agustin Corulo (67) - Argentina, 20
RS Uwe Perdedaj (66) - Germany, 17
LS Anthony Martial (69) - France, 19

~~ SUBS ~~

CDM Conor Coady (66) - England, 21
RB Darryl Westlake (65) - England, 24
RM Febian Brandy (64) - England, 25
LM Jake Taylor (62) - Wales, 17
CAM Scott Zebroski (63) - England, 17
ST Shaun Miller (63) - England, 27
ST Alessandro Del Piero (67) - Italy, 40

League Results to Date:

1/3/15: 4-0 Win vs Sheffield Wed
1/6/15: 1-0 Win @ Hull City
1/13/15: 1-1 Draw vs Leicester
1/17/15: 1-1 Draw @ Blackburn
1/24/15: 1-0 Win vs Burnley
2/2/15: 1-3 Loss @ Reading
2/14/15: 4-0 Win vs Barnsley
2/17/15: 2-0 Win @ Derby
2/24/15: 2-0 Win vs Ipswich
3/7/15: 0-1 Loss @ Birmingham
3/10/15: 2-0 Win @ Swansea
3/17/15: 3-0 Win vs Huddersfield
3/28/15: 1-0 Win @ Middlesbrough

FL Record:

W - D - L
13 - 5 - 20

As you can see, we've had quite the turnaround this season. And it quite literally started the day we loaned Esteban Cerro. Once we had our defense locked down, we were able to start focusing more on putting the ball in the back of their net. With only 6 goals allowed in our last 13 games, it's quite obvious we need to find SOME way to bring Cerro back to Bramall Lane for good.

We now find ourselves in 18th place, 12 points clear of relegation and only 8 remaining games to the season. It's quite clear we won't be moving up this season, but that was a lofty goal from the start. Either way, we clearly found something that is working, and are looking forward to finishing off the season strong.

FA Cup Results to Date:

1/10/15: 2-0 Win @ Crewe Alexandra
1/31/15: 3-0 Win @ Bolton
2/21/15: 4-0 Win @ Arsenal
3/14/15: 1-0 Win @ Chelsea

Well then, that was quite unexpected. With our team moving up the table in league play, they seem to have gained some confidence. No further evidence needed than the 4-0 drubbing of one of the best sides in football. We traveled to the Emirates scratching and clawing, and it showed early on as our defense held tight amidst the pressure. Our counter attack got it's legs under it, and we surely played our best game of the season. Also quite clearly, Arsenal played it's worst.

The game against Chelsea was one of fortune, even before the opening kick off. Cech had been sold to Juventus, and Courtois had been previously suspended. In comes Hilario to save the day? Not quite, it seems. In the 40th minute, Anthony Martial broke free on a counter attack, and only had Hilario to beat. Hilario charged out to challenge, and clipped Martial's ankle. The ref charged in and pointed to the spot, but what's this? A RED CARD! Hilario is sent off, with no keeper to replace him! Cahill came on as a makeshift keeper, and was unable to stop the sure footed Alessandro Del Piero from the spot. After that, he never faced another shot, and we were able to pressure the attacking Chelsea side just enough to put them off. A thrilling 1-0 win will surely go down in history, as we have somehow, someway, made it into the FA Cup Semi-finals.

It is now April 2nd, and we have exactly one month left in this season. Will we be able to keep up this amazing Cinderella run? One can only hope...