BladesPod - The Sheffield United Podcast
326 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsPodcast by Ben Meakin
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
The Basham, Baldock & Norwood Tribute Episode + Euro 2024 Chip Butty Wagers
June 13, 2024 13:20 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBBen and Andrew reflect on the careers of three Blades greats: Chris Basham, George Baldock and Oli Norwood are all leaving United and we look back on their time in red and white and their highlight moments. Plus, we each make some somewhat-bold predictions about Euro 2024, with a greasy chip butty on the line for each wager. Thanks for listening, UTB and come on England!
2023/24 Sheffield United Player Ratings
May 28, 2024 14:36 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBIt's that time of year: Ben and Andrew give their marks out of 10 for the Blades squad in what will be the FINAL WORD on the 2023/24 season (at least as far as this pod is concerned). We quickly cover the Spurs game, how many of the "things we want to see from the last 10 games" came off, and the U21 men winning the PDL National Final, before getting into our player reviews - which includes a BladesPod-first of a zero being awarded to one player. Ouch. Thanks for listening throughout a rubbi...
New Recruitment Team, Chip Butty Wagers, Released List and a Sunday Send-off
May 14, 2024 14:33 - 59 minutes - 42.5 MBBen and Andrew missed the Meh-verton game but have plenty of other stuff to discuss anyway, starting with the hiring of Jamie Hoyland and Mike Allen to head up recruitment and what it says about the immediate future of Sheffield United. Next, we revisit our Chip Butty wagers from the summer and find out who owes who a greasy one, then we do a quickfire keep-or-release ahead of the news that the released/retained list will be out this week, and finally we discuss our hopes for the club to orch...
That's Why We're Going Down
May 08, 2024 11:31 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBBen and Andrew discuss the Forest game before returning to our preseason "how to avoid relegation" blueprint to see how badly United missed on all the things we thought needed to go right. We also use that as a chance to catch up on the latest news around George Baldock (probably leaving, boo), Dan Jebbison (possibly staying, yay), Oli McBurnie (injured and who knows, hmm) and other recent bits of Blades goings-on. Thanks for listening, what a season.
Bad Kompany - Burnley Recap
April 23, 2024 10:59 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBBen and Andrew discuss United's latest home hammering as Burnley exploit the Blades' terrible defence while also showing us what a competent goalkeeper looks like in the other net. We talk about a bad day for Vini Souza, what on earth to do with Ivo Grbic, and whether we're seeing any green shoots from Wilder's return before his 20th game in charge this season. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Brewster's Millions - Points Deduction reaction, Burnley Preview
April 17, 2024 12:14 - 52 minutes - 37.1 MBBen and Andrew get stuck into the latest bit of bad news concerning Sheffield United, as the club receives a points deduction ahead of next season over late payments for players. We talk about what it means on and off the field. Plus, a look ahead to the big game with Burnley this weekend. I was saying Boo-erge. Thanks for listening and UTB!
We Don't Talk About Ivo - Chelsea Recap
April 10, 2024 12:25 - 59 minutes - 38.8 MBAn excellent performance from the Blades who hold Chelsea's pricey side to a 2-2 draw. Ben and Andrew reflect on the game with particular focus on the strides taken by Oli Arblaster, Ben Osborn playing for a new deal, and Ivo Grbic already possibly playing for his place. Thanks for listening, and UTB! <> Link to Ben's BBC Sport piece on Arblaster: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cyez01rp84yo <> Link to Roy's View From Chelsea: https://roysviewfrom.com/2024/04/07/view-from-chelsea-7/
They Think It's Cordova; Muniz Now - Fulham Recap
April 03, 2024 15:23 - 52 minutes - 35.1 MBBen and Andrew discuss an entertaining if ultimately maddening 3-3 draw with Fulham at the Lane, as McBurnie and Brereton Diaz briefly run riot before pesky VAR and even peskier added on time take their toll. Next episode will be after the Chelsea game - apologies for lower sound quality than usual in this episode, we had some internet difficulties. Thanks for listening!
10 Things We Want To See Before The End Of The Season
March 20, 2024 13:42 - 57 minutes - 41.4 MBWith the Blades taking a breather for a few weeks, Ben and Andrew cook up 10 (realistic) things they'd like to see from Sheffield United for the rest of this season. Can we ruin someone else's season? Will Will break his duck? And can someone "do a Ramsdale"? Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Bourne Again - Bournemouth Recap, New Training Centre and other Off-Field News
March 12, 2024 13:16 - 42 minutes - 28.8 MBBen and Andrew look back at United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, which includes Oli Arblaster's top-flight debut, Ivo Grbic finally getting the chance to make some saves, an hilariously poor penalty and plenty more at either end of the pitch. Then, we discuss the excellent news of the new training centre, plus have a few words for the departing Paul Mitchell and United seemingly making some moves for the future... Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Six Notes - Arsenal Recap
March 05, 2024 15:22 - 40 minutes - 27 MBBleh. Ben and Andrew talk about United's latest hammering probably in more detail than it deserves. Cheers if you listen, no judgement if you don't. UTB?
A Pointless Catch-up: Brighton & Wolves recaps
February 28, 2024 13:38 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBBen and Andrew catch up on United's latest pointless endeavours: a 5-0 defeat to Brighton, and 1-0 defeat at Wolves which was at least not an embarrassment. We also discuss the good news of Oliver Arblaster penning a long-term deal, fun and goals for the U21s, and Arsenal at home on Monday (uhoh). Thanks for listening and apologies for the lack of pod last week - UTB.
Winners and Souzas - Luton Recap, Brighton Preview
February 14, 2024 12:47 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBBen and Andrew look back on a big win for the Blades on the road at Luton, with a beast mode performance from Vini Souza underpinning a fine defensive effort. We talk about getting over the 11 point hump, the value of Ben Osborn, whether Ivo Grbic comes back into the team for Brighton, how to solve a problem like McBurnie, and plenty more. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Farewell to our Scottish Hero, and Villa I guess
February 07, 2024 12:46 - 56 minutes - 37.8 MBBen and Andrew briefly discuss United's disgraceful capitulation at home to Aston Villa, before turning our attention to the surprise (ish?) exit of John Fleck right at the end of the transfer window. We look back on our Scottish hero's highs and lows at United, with our favourite moments, his best goals, and where he ranks in our all-time best United sides. Worraplaya. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Sad All Over - Brighton & Palace Recaps, Transfer Window Musings, Villa Preview
January 31, 2024 13:51 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBBen and Andrew double up to talk about a goal-filled week for United, albeit with a distressing amount finding the back of the wrong net from our point of view: we discuss the 5-2 against Brighton, the 3-2 against Palace, United's January transfer window, Villa on Satdi, Wilder's latest odd moment from Selhurst Park, and a fair bit more. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Bubbling Over - West Ham Recap
January 23, 2024 19:58 - 52 minutes - 34 MBBen and Andrew review an entertaining game with West Ham - goals, red cards, penalties, late drama, controversy, and a match we didn't lose, what's not to love? We talk about United looking so much clearer of thought in possession, Andre Brooks starring, Ben Brereton-Diaz netting on his Premier League debut, and all the big moments from the game. Finally, we look ahead to this weekend's FA Cup tie with Brighton. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
West Ham Preview & 16 Bits of Blades News
January 19, 2024 16:19 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBBen and Andrew preview this weekend's home match (a home match! At last!) against West Ham, before spinning the roulette wheel of news and hitting 16 different stories from the last few weeks, including new contracts for some young players, points deductions for our - ahem - rivals, Basham on the road to recovery, and the retirement of a perennial thorn in our collective sides. Thanks for listening and tolerating my croaky voice, UTB!
Force of Will - Gillingham FA Cup Recap
January 09, 2024 20:51 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBBen and Andrew recap a pleasantly drama-free win over Gillingham in the FA Cup, as Will Osula fires in his first Blades goals and a James McAtee double "avenges" the Nigel Adkins 4-0 on this ground. We discuss welcome minutes for Rhys Norrington-Davies, a positive development in Dan Jebbison's contract situation, the draw for the next round, and a few other odds and ends. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
January Transfers & Player Contract Renewals
January 03, 2024 13:16 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBWith not much to say about a shrug-worthy loss at City, Ben and Andrew turn their attention to what looks like being a surprisingly active January for the Blades, before a returning feature: playing "deal or no deal" with the many, many out of contract players on United's books. We try to answer whether each player should get a new contract immediately, whether we should give it 6 months, or whether we should be saying bye-bye. Lots of big names up for discussion. Thanks for listening, UTB a...
The Season of Giving (Away 3 Points)
December 28, 2023 19:03 - 57 minutes - 45.7 MBBen and Andrew review a not-particularly-happy Christmas for the Blades who toss away two points in the 97th minute at Villa Park and then the full three in a baffling Boxing Day defeat to Luton Town. Thanks for listening, UTB and happy new year!
Blue Christmas - Chelsea Recap, Villa & Luton Previews
December 20, 2023 13:05 - 45 minutes - 37.3 MB'Twas the pod before Christmas: Ben and Andrew catch up on a disappointingly standard defeat at Chelsea, look ahead to a trip to Villa and a big ol' game with Luton on Boxing Day, plus catch up on the latest news around Oli Arblaster, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Billy Sharp and [checks SEC filings] Dozy Mmobuosi. Next pod will be after the Luton game, thanks as always for listening and Merry Christmas from the pair of us x
Bee Happy - Brentford Recap, Chelsea Preview
December 13, 2023 13:28 - 59 minutes - 47.6 MBBen and Andrew are in buoyant mood as the Blades beat the Bees in Chris Wilder's second game, putting in their best performance of the season in the process. We go through the immediate changes Wilder has made, the improved play of Souza, Archer and Hamer, plus an eye-catching cameo from Anis Slimane. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Ref's Red Redemption - Liverpool recap, Brentford preview
December 08, 2023 12:00 - 45 minutes - 37.8 MBBen and Andrew reflect on the first game of Chris Wilder's second spell as Blades boss, as United lose 2-0 to Liverpool but do at least put in a shift and stay in the game until late. We look at the immediate changes made to the lineup and tactics, whether they worked, and a slightly baffling end to the game from the officials. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Wilder In, Again
December 05, 2023 13:19 - 54 minutes - 43.5 MBBen and Andrew discuss the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom, and the return of Chris Wilder as Blades manager. We reflect on Heckingbottom's achievements as boss, try and work through some best/worst case scenarios for Wilder's return, and how we're feeling about tomorrow night's match against Liverpool and the rest of the season with a new/old boss. Cheers for listening and UTB!
The Bourne Supremacy - Bournemouth Recap, Burnley Preview
November 29, 2023 12:24 - 52 minutes - 43.6 MBBen and Andrew go over a painful shellacking at the hands of supposedly-lowly Bournemouth, and discuss where the club can go from here... apart from Burnley on Saturday, which we also preview. Thanks for listening you hardy lot, and UTB.
Bournemouth Preview & Latest Blades News
November 23, 2023 12:07 - 48 minutes - 40.6 MBBen and Andrew preview a big, potentially season-defining week for United with Bournemouth coming to the Lane on Saturday - we discuss the shoots of recovery in the previous two games and David Brooks returning to Bramall Lane, before Andrew embarks on a huge rant about the reaction to the Everton points deduction (18th in the table baby!!!), the implications on United's season, and how our international Blades fared. Cheers for listening and UTB!
Brighton Up - BHA Recap & Squad School Reports
November 15, 2023 12:39 - 49 minutes - 42 MBBen and Andrew recap a bonus point from Brighton that takes the Blades *off the bottom of the Premier League table*, as a red card and an own goal helps United to a 1-1 draw. Then, with the international break here and a third of the season played, we give out our school grades and reports for every player in the squad so far this season. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
On A Silva Platter - Wolves Recap
November 08, 2023 12:14 - 1 hour - 64 MBSix months to the day after beating Birmingham City away, Ben and Andrew have a Sheffield United win to talk about! The Blades beat Wolves in dramatic fashion to bag their first victory of the Premier League season, with Cameron Archer's thunderbolt and Oli Norwood's 100th minute penalty both crashing in off the bar. We talk about the relief of the win, the second half turnaround, how to view the game as a referendum on Heckingbottom the manager, the bizarre media reaction to the penalty, Ja...
Spooky Season Alternate Realities & Wolves preview
November 01, 2023 14:01 - 40 minutes - 33.8 MBWith neither Ben or Andrew catching the five-goal thriller at Arsenal, instead we decided to take a trip to another dimension this spooky season, to an alternate reality where tiny margins went the other way... listen in for how differently our season might have gone so far. Or, skip to 19 minutes and get an actual preview of our in-real-life game with Wolves this weekend. Cheers for listening, and UTB!
Manchester, Blah Blah Blah - Man Utd Recap
October 24, 2023 13:53 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBBen and Andrew go over United's latest defeat, this time to Man Utd, although the Blades do at least put in a spirited display in this one before running out of legs / viable substitutes in the second half and sliding to another L. Still, there's some praise for McBurnie, Robinson, Trusty, and Souza, a positive switch to 4-4-2, some questioning of Wes' reluctance to get his knees muddy, and the need for better set-pieces. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Craven Display - Fulham Recap, Man U Preview
October 18, 2023 11:57 - 48 minutes - 40.1 MBBen and Andrew are back to full fitness and ready to talk about United's distressingly limp display at Fulham, as the Blades at least manage a goal but otherwise are completely outplayed - and lose Chris Basham to a terrible injury. We spotlight a few players including Vini Souza and Auston Trusty, and look ahead to what should hopefully at least be a feisty night under the lights against Man Utd this weekend. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Hammer & Fail - West Ham Recap, Fulham Preview, Heckingbottom's Future
October 04, 2023 12:56 - 57 minutes - 46 MBBen and Andrew muse over the Blades' latest defeat at West Ham, before looking at the wider picture of Paul Heckingbottom's future as manager and this weekend's "Loser Leaves Town" match-up with Fulham FC. Cheers for listening and UTB!
The Hateful Eight - Newcastle Recap
September 27, 2023 10:31 - 45 minutes - 35.6 MBBen and Andrew try and find some words for United's historic hammering on Sunday, and wonder how the team can pick themselves up from it. Have a nice day, hardcore listeners!
Timed Out - Spurs Recap, Newcastle Preview
September 19, 2023 14:59 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBBen and Andrew reflect on the Blades' latest late kick to the teeth as an improbable 3 points becomes the expected 0 points thanks to two very late goals. We talk timewasting, added time, the scenes for Hamer's goal, and the spiky media aftermath from the game itself. We also look ahead to Newcastle at home on Sunday. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Reasons to be Cheerful, Reasons to be Fearful | Spurs Preview
September 13, 2023 12:55 - 59 minutes - 50.1 MBAs the international break comes to a close, Ben and Andrew pick out some reasons to be cheerful and reasons to be fearful for the rest of United's Premier League season. Plus, we look ahead to our weekend trip to Spurs. Cheers for listening, and UTB!
Pickford Giveth, Pickford Taketh Away - Everton Recap
September 04, 2023 13:08 - 57 minutes - 48 MBBen and Andrew review United picking up their first point of the season via the back of Jordan Pickford's head, and it would've been all three but for Jordan Pickford's face. Some afternoon for the England keeper, and some debut for Cameron Archer in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Citizen Pain: Man City Recap, Everton Preview and the Cameron Archer signing with Hal Stewart
August 30, 2023 13:02 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBHal Stewart of Sheff Utd Way joins Ben this week to discuss a thrilling game with Man City, the delight of seeing United get a meaningful goal against the Champions, and all the other big moments from the game. We also discuss Cameron Archer's signing, hopes for the remainder of the transfer window, a big game with Everton, and Billy Sharp's LA Galaxy debut. Thanks so much to Hal for joining me, and to you for listening. UTB!
Hamer in the evening - Forest Recap
August 21, 2023 12:59 - 50 minutes - 41.5 MBBen and Andrew discuss some green shoots to come out of a second straight defeat for the Blades, as Gustavo Hamer swerves in United's first goal of the season and Vinicius Souza puts in an impressive debut in midfield before the ongoing lack of depth puts paid to a first point. Plus, we look ahead to the free hit of Man City at home, and two big weeks to get the squad straight before "the season really starts" in September. Finally, I (Ben) am launching a newsletter today covering Sheffield ...
Odsonne Ends - Palace Recap, Hamer & Davies sign
August 16, 2023 13:14 - 54 minutes - 45.7 MBBen and Andrew discuss the arrivals of Gustavo Hamer and Tom Davies before a brief-ish chat about Crystal Palace: a starting XI from our nightmares, but a hard-working effort from the Blades nonetheless. We also touch on Billy Sharp signing for LA Galaxy, and the Lionesses reaching the World Cup final as well as our game with Forest on Friday night. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
How To Avoid Relegation
August 10, 2023 13:40 - 1 hour - 70.4 MBBen and Andrew discuss the Berge > Burnley sale, the arrival of Vinicius Souza, and the overall situation at the club on the eve of the new Premier League season. Then, after successfully (...) providing a multi-step plan for guaranteeing promotion last season, we turn our eyes towards mapping out what needs to go right for United to stave off relegation this time round - and how likely we think each one is to come off. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Bye Bye Iliman Ndiaye & Preseason Predictions
August 03, 2023 14:35 - 58 minutes - 47.9 MBBen and Andrew give their final word on the Iliman Ndiaye departure and where it leaves United, before going head-to-head with some predictions with a difference ahead of the new season. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
10 Things To Look Forward To This Season
July 20, 2023 15:10 - 1 hour - 59 MBThings are starting to move at the Lane, and Ben and Andrew discuss the fact that Iliman Ndiaye is not currently one of them (despite Facebook Marketplace listings), plus the new signings of Anis Slimane, Yasser Larouci and Benie Traore. Then, we give our 10 things that we're looking forward to this season, including: can Ndiaye be our Zaha, who will be the next Billy Sharp-esque leader, and the chance to right a few "wrongs" after the behind-closed-doors season. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Countdown to Kick-off: 1 month to go
July 12, 2023 13:55 - 56 minutes - 46.4 MBWith 1 month to go until Sheffield United v Crystal Palace to start our Premier League campaign, Ben and Andrew go over the current state of the club... including Iliman Ndiaye potentially leaving sooner than we'd all like. We also discuss potential new signings, squad players penning new deals, next summer's contract malaise, and a vibe check on enthusiasm levels for the Premier League season. Finally, we look at a potentially exciting summer for United Women as they begin their transition t...
Farewell to Enda Stevens & Jack O'Connell
June 22, 2023 15:04 - 59 minutes - 49.3 MBBen and Andrew have a quick chat about United's first few fixtures of next season, before reminiscing about two modern Blades greats who have now departed the club: Enda Stevens and Jack O'Connell. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
The Billy Sharp Tribute Episode
June 13, 2023 13:06 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBBen and Andrew go over United's released and retained list, and the end of an era for the Blades as Jack O'Connell, Enda Stevens and Billy Sharp depart the club. We'll be talking more about O'Connell and Enda next time, but the rest of this one is all about the skipper. We discuss what it meant to us having Sharp as captain and talisman of a successful (and, for that matter, occasionally unsuccessful) team, before picking out our ten favourite Billy Sharp goals from his Blades career. Thanks...
Drafting the best Blades team of the last 25 years
June 01, 2023 11:53 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBBen and Andrew go head-to-head to see who can draft the best team from every player who's represented Sheffield United in the last 25 years. 3-5-2 is the formation, and position matters - no crowbarring George Baldock in at left wingback. Who ends up with the best XI at the end of the draft? Head to @bladespod on Twitter to cast your vote. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Class of 2022-23: Player Ratings
May 19, 2023 13:25 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBIt's that time of year again: Ben and Andrew hand out player ratings to 22 eligible players from United's promotion winning 2022-23 season, with detailed reasoning for each one plus some discussion on the fringe players who didn't quite play enough to merit a rating. Does anyone crack 10/10 this year, and who will inherit Oli McBurnie's wooden spoon from last season? Settle in for almost 100 minutes of podcast on that very subject. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Premier League Blades, Over and Out + 10 Big Moments in Winning Promotion
May 12, 2023 12:26 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBBen and Andrew wrap up the final two games of the Championship season as the Blades reach a club-record 91 points at this level, before picking out our 10 biggest moments from the season: the events and decisions that underpinned United's return to the Premier League. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Four-get The Maths - Preston Recap & More Promotion Thoughts
May 02, 2023 14:32 - 59 minutes - 49.7 MBBen and Andrew relish United's 4-1 victory lap over a fairly-pathetic Preston, as the promotion party shows no sign of stopping and John Fleck signs off (maybe?) with one last goal for the road. Plus, we compare this promotion to the 2019 Chris Wilder-led one, and also revisit our "How To Win Promotion" blueprint from preseason. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Promotion Is Now
April 27, 2023 11:16 - 38 minutes - 31.8 MBThe Blades are going up: Ben and Andrew are tired but giddy and ramble their way through some immediate thoughts on United clinching a return to the Premier League by beating West Brom last night. Thanks for listening and UTB!