Football Season Guide

Sheffield United were deep inside the League One relegation zone when Nigel Clough took over, but the Blades managed to finish their campaign as 7th in the division, and also enjoyed an incredible FA Cup run which saw them reaching the semi-finals, where they lost to Hull in a thrilling game. Given the vast improvements shown under Clough and the fact that their boss has been given money to spend by the owners, it is hardly a surprise that the majority of Blades' fans cannot wait for the new season to start. Unsurprisingly, Clough used the transfer window to get rid of some of the players who were on decent wages but were not seen as potential starters by him, and the only player to have left the club who Clough wanted to stay is star defender Harry Maguire, who has been snapped up by Hull. Maguire's departure was not too much of a surprise, as he had been courted by Premier League clubs for months, and the Blades' defensive options look strong despite the star's departure, as Andy Butler signed as a direct replacement, while Craig Alcock and Harrison McGahey will give Clough additional options in the back four. The list of arrivals is indeed impressive, as Clough managed to completed the deals for Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Ben Davies and James Wallace, who are all players of star quality at League One level, and the Blades' boss will be spoiled for choice whenever picking his lineup for a game. It is unlikely that the Blades' summer spending is over, as Clough will probably be looking to bring in a new striker or two. Jose Baxter can play in attack, but is not a typical number nine - Clough currently has only two natural strikers in his squad: Chris Porter and Marc McNulty. This is an issue the Blades' boss will certainly be looking to address in the near future and, if he managed to add quality in the attacking area as well, the Blades will be widely seen as the main favourites to win the division.