BladesPod - The Sheffield United Podcast
327 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsPodcast by Ben Meakin
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Episodes
Best & Worst of 2019/20: BladesPod Season Awards
August 01, 2020 12:59 - 2 hours - 224 MBBen and Andrew look back on the 2019/20 season for Sheffield United, and give out their awards for the best and worst players, moments, performances, pundits, surprises, signings, goals and more. Plus, every team in the Premier League summarised in a single word, and finally a revisiting of our preseason predictions from last summer (some of which have not aged well). Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Southampton & Reflections on the 2019/20 season
July 27, 2020 11:56 - 1 hour - 124 MBBen and Andrew tick off the final game of the 2019/20 campaign and reflect on the season as a whole as the Blades finish 9th in their first year back in the Premier League. There's some love for Leon, respect for Redmond, chiding for Che, and some other non-alliterative thoughts too - plus, we attempt to pick a few players from the three relegated sides that we'd realistically like the Blades to try and sign. Thank you for listening to this episode, and right the way through the season. Coul...
Everton reaction, Henderson & Mousset's future, and is anyone else going to mention Hawkeye?
July 22, 2020 11:28 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBThe Blades' hopes of Europe finally come to an end in the 37th game of the season (!) - Ben and Andrew react to a disappointing game with Everton, plus discuss the signing of Will Foderingham and what it means for the future of Dean Henderson, the Lys Mousset situation and general lack of squad depth in attack, George Baldock vs Luca Digne Pt 2, a pressure-free trip to Southampton on Sunday, and ponder whether anyone outside of S2 is going to mention Hawkeye's ghost goal ever again? Thanks a...
Wilder gets stuck in as Blades outfought and outfoxed by Leicester
July 17, 2020 11:23 - 1 hour - 92.4 MBBen and Andrew react to not only United's disappointing showing against Leicester, but also Wilder's no-holds-barred post-match fury, our respect for Jamie Vardy, a dominant performance from Wilfried Ndidi, and a thank-god-for-that effort from Dean Henderson in goal. Finally, a look at the permutations for the rest of the season, not only for United but also which teams we think will go down - and which ones we want to. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
David McGoldrick Appreciation Hour: Blades 3-0 Chelsea
July 12, 2020 14:02 - 1 hour - 126 MBThe McGoalDrought is OVER! Ben and Andrew attempt to do justice to one of the best results in United's modern history, and the performance that went with it... plus a ton of appreciation for that man, David McGoldrick, breaking his duck and then adding another one for good measure. Also discussed: the tactical battle between Wilder and Lampard, Jorginho getting sent for a Bovril, Hendo's towering header, plus a look ahead to Leicester later this week. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Egan Again - United 1-0 Wolves
July 09, 2020 11:05 - 1 hour - 99.3 MBBen and Andrew react to United's dramatic last-minute win over Wolves to round off a fantastic 6 days for the Blades. We pick out some key performers, discuss Wolves' second half record (apparently it's quite good?), the job done on Adama Traore, Osborn's nonstop energy, a good cameo from Zivkovic, football played in the right spirit, and of course that towering header by John Egan from Cork. Finally, a few words ahead of the Chelsea game at the weekend. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Rodwell that ends well - Burnley Review
July 06, 2020 15:08 - 1 hour - 110 MBShoulda won, shoulda lost, take the point? Ben and Andrew are pretty upbeat about United coming from behind to get a 1-1 draw with Burnley, especially with John Egan bagging his first Premier League goal. We go through the game, the Blades' tactical switches, pick out a few key performers, and discuss Jack Rodwell briefly trending on Twitter. Finally, a preview of our game with Wolves at Bramall Lane this week. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
The Blades are back: United 3-1 Spurs
July 03, 2020 12:18 - 1 hour - 98.9 MBAh come on, it's not like they ever went away really is it? All the same, United put in one of their best performances of the season in blowing away Tottenham Hotspur - Ben and Andrew discuss the game in glorious detail (it's been 117 days since our last win, alright) and pick out the performances of Ben Osborn, Oli McBurnie and Sander Berge once again. Plus, some respect for Jose and a look ahead to Burnley at the weekend. Thanks for listening, UTB!
Arsenal Review: Berge and McBurnie good, Paul Tierney & Steve McManaman bad
June 29, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 118 MBThe Blades go out of the FA Cup, but actually put in a decent performance (and score a goal that actually counts!) for the first time since the lockdown... Ben and Andrew discuss the game in detail, taking some positives and facepalming over some dumb moments. Plus, we take a close look at the performances of Berge and McBurnie, talk about Jack Robinson's long throw, let off some steam about Paul Tierney and Steve McManaman, and have a look ahead to Spurs on Thursday (Spursday). Thanks for l...
Concentrate on the Cup I guess? Man Utd review, Arsenal preview
June 25, 2020 11:13 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBBen and Andrew give their thoughts on United being completely outclassed at Old Trafford, whether there's anything we could have done differently, and what the long-term implications might be. Finally, a lengthy preview of this weekend's FA Cup tie with Arsenal, who seem to be competing with the Blades for the title of "which team is having the worst time of it since football came back"... Cheers for listening, and UTB!
Newcastle Horrorshow: Redux
June 22, 2020 15:51 - 1 hour - 114 MBSteve Bruce Voodoo strikes again as the Blades turn in one of their worst performances under Chris Wilder - Ben and Andrew vent their feelings on an embarrassing showing before discussing the state of the first week back generally, and look ahead to the small matter of Manchester United away in a few days... Thanks for listening, you are truly dedicated if you get through this one ;)
Goal Line Indecision: Blades v Villa reaction
June 18, 2020 12:10 - 1 hour - 134 MBFootball is back, and haven't we missed it! Ben and Andrew go through the controversial non-decision, try to unpick a poor performance, and discuss the overall surreal nature of the viewing experience. Then, five players from other teams we're looking forward to seeing back in action, and a preview of United's belated trip to Newcastle this weekend. Thanks for listening throughout the lockdown, and UTB!
Premier League Restart: What To Look Out For
June 10, 2020 15:19 - 1 hour - 160 MBWith one week to kickoff, Ben and Andrew go through a "refresher lesson" to recap the state of the Premier League, and give our take on what to watch our for: when will Liverpool win the league, who's in Champions League contention, who's going down, which United players have the most to prove, is home advantage out the window, and will David McGoldrick score a Premier League goal? Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Football's Coming Back!
June 03, 2020 14:47 - 1 hour - 103 MBTwo weeks from TODAY, we'll be watching the red and white wizards back in action! Ben and Andrew discuss the importance of having football back in our lives, how the Blades might fare, Wilder's "bring it on" attitude vs that of other clubs, and how other fans are reacting to the return of the Premier League. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
2013-14 Revisited PART 2: FA Cup Semifinal and setting a new club record
May 30, 2020 11:53 - 1 hour - 136 MBBen and Andrew pick up the story of 2013/14 in January with the arrival of Brayford, Scougall and Harris - from the low of Crewe away to the FA Cup wins over Fulham, Forest and Charlton on the way to Wembley, plus the setting of a new club record. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
2013-14 Revisited PART 1 - David Weir, The Prince, and Nigel Clough
May 29, 2020 14:04 - 1 hour - 170 MBFootball is coming back! But before it does, Ben and Andrew take another dip into the Blades' past, this time heading back to the summer of 2013 and United's attempt at a footballing revolution under David Weir. It... did not go so well. But then Nigel Clough took over and it got better (at least, until it didn't). A season with 22 debutants, some fantastic memories, some rotten ones, and the arrival of Prince Abdullah as joint-owner of the club: lots to talk about, look out for Part 2 soon!
2016/17 Revisited: When Chris Wilder Came Home (PART 2)
May 15, 2020 14:02 - 1 hour - 129 MBIn Part 2 of our review of the 2016/17 season - Chris Wilder's first as Sheffield United manager - Ben and Andrew pick up the story in early February as the Blades march to promotion. (Spoiler alert, we don't lose a single game in this episode). Cheers for listening, don't miss Part 1 if you've not seen it - UTB!
2016/17 Revisited: When Chris Wilder Came Home (PART 1)
May 14, 2020 18:04 - 2 hours - 175 MBBen and Andrew head back to where it all began: the summer of 2016/17, our sixth year in League One, when Chris Wilder came home. Who would've thought that that terrible start would lead to a glorious 100 points and promotion back to the Championship? We relive every game and every signing throughout the season - look out for Part 2 soon. Cheers for listening, and UTB!
Bouncing Day Revisited - Sheffield Wednesday 2-4 Sheffield United
May 01, 2020 19:06 - 1 hour - 147 MBBen and Andrew take a very enjoyable deep dive into the Day The Bouncing Stopped, September 24 2017, as United rock up at Hillsborough and leave with a 4-2 win. We talk about Leon Clarke, David Brooks, Mark Duffy, the build-up, the fallout, our favourite little details, and this match as a sliding doors moment for both Sheffield clubs. Hope you enjoy, I know we did! Cheers for listening and UTB.
2006/07 Revisited - Masochist Edition
April 18, 2020 14:57 - 3 hours - 299 MBThe podcast you didn't know you needed: Ben and Andrew return to the 2006/07 season, warts and all. The highs, the lows, and trying to work out what the hell went wrong (quite a lot). Includes graphic descriptions of Paddy Kenny's eyebrow incident. Thanks for indulging us and for listening!
Top 5 Blades Cult Heroes
April 09, 2020 10:09 - 1 hour - 116 MBBen and Andrew discuss what it means to be a cult hero, then pick their top 5 personal cult heroes from the time supporting the Blades, before finishing with a quick look at some honourable mentions who didn't quite make the cut. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Reliving the 2002-03 Triple Assault Season PART TWO
March 29, 2020 11:53 - 1 hour - 123 MBTime for Part Two of our retrospective on the 02/03 Triple Assault season, picking up the story just after the Blades hammer Wednesday, on their way to another FA Cup semifinal and then one of the greatest games every played at Bramall Lane. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Reliving the 2002/03 Triple Assault season [PART ONE]
March 29, 2020 09:59 - 1 hour - 175 MBBen and Andrew return to one of the best seasons in United's modern history, the "Triple Assault" of 2002/03 as the Blades reached two cup semifinals and the playoff final. In Part One, we look at the first half of the season, culminating in the win over Liverpool, and the Michael Brown-inspired derby win over Sheffield Wednesday. Thanks for listening, Part Two will be out very soon!
Season Retrospective - Reliving 1997/98
March 19, 2020 10:13 - 2 hours - 196 MBBen and Andrew look back at the 1997/98 season, one of the wildest ones for United in modern times: an FA Cup semifinal, a playoff run, manager resignations, Deane/Fjortoft, Alan Kelly, Dane Whitehouse, Vas Borbokis, Wayne Quinn, boardroom controversy, and so much more. Split into five parts: kicking off with the summer of 1997, the return of a Blades legend, plus Nigel Spackman replacing Howard Kendall, then part 2 (13:44) looks at our great start to the season. Part 3 charts the fallout fr...
Doing the double over Norwich | Newcastle Preview with Andy from Gallowgate Shots
March 12, 2020 16:49 - 1 hour - 116 MBBen and Andrew dissect United's win over Norwich City at the weekend, including Billy Sharp closing in on 100 Premier League goals, Enda Stevens' new contract, Basham putting himself into the Player of the Season conversation, and of course - the Dean Henderson Show. Then, Ben is joined by Andy from Gallowgate Shots to get a Newcastle United fan's take on their season so far, the previous meeting between the two teams, and this weekend's game. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Sharp sends Blades into the FA Cup QFs | Norwich Preview
March 05, 2020 12:22 - 1 hour - 114 MBBen and Andrew discuss United's progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after Billy Sharp yet again comes to the rescue to defeat Reading. We pick out some standout performers, including Ben Osborn and Luke Freeman, and also look ahead to the home tie with Arsenal. Finally, a preview of Saturday's Premier League game with Norwich City. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Blades 1-1 Brighton + Fleck's New Contract & Reading FA Cup Preview
February 24, 2020 12:09 - 1 hour - 109 MBBen and Andrew discuss an enjoyable if ultimately frustrating draw with Brighton, including their tactical approach, Wilder's tetchy interview, a spotlight on John Fleck celebrating his new contract with another fine display, plus the performances of Berge, McBurnie and Osborne. Finally, a preview of next week's FA Cup tie with Reading. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Blades In Europe, "Weak" Premier League, and Brighton Preview
February 19, 2020 17:07 - 58 minutes - 65.4 MBBen and Andrew go over what Manchester City's UEFA ban means for United's European hopes, as well as discussing the myth around the current "weak" Premier League. Finally, an in-depth preview of Saturday's game with Brighton. Cheers for listening and UTB!
The Blades Are Staying Up (Duh) - United 2-1 Bournemouth
February 11, 2020 12:06 - 1 hour - 112 MBThe Blades beat Bournemouth at Bramall Lane to go within 2 points of a Champions League spot (!). Ben and Andrew discuss the game, including impressive displays from McBurnie and O'Connell, Bournemouth's antics, who would be the hardest Premier League manager, and whether we're playing better or worse without McGoldrick in the team. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Blades beat Palace + Jake Wright Tribute & Bournemouth Preview
February 05, 2020 11:57 - 1 hour - 133 MBUnited's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace gives them a first league double of the season as well as a first win in London in 20 Premier League games. Ben and Andrew I go over the win including Berge's debut, "bullying" of Zaha, John Egan being immense, and a few other things. Then, a tribute to Jake Wright, and a look ahead to Bournemouth at home and what could be a pivotal month for the Blades' season... Finally, some detective work into Blades players beginning with Z. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Sander Berge Emergency Pod
January 31, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBOccasionally something happens where you just have to do an emergency pod, and signing Sander Berge is definitely it. Ben is joined first by Jay aka Blades Analytic to break down the Berge signing, as well as Richairo Zivkovic and Panagiotis Retsos, then Andrew is on the line to talk about what this means for SUFC, the emotional rollercoaster of following this transfer, and covering off the outgoings from the club on transfer deadline day. Cheers for listening, UTB!
Anyone for a cup run? Plus Sander Berge + other transfer news
January 28, 2020 12:58 - 59 minutes - 87.6 MBBen and Andrew run through the standout performers from the Blades' 2-0 FA Cup win over Millwall and discuss the possibilities of a cup run. Next, transfer news including the Sander Berge rumours and Callum Robinson potentially leaving as the deadline approaches - and finally, a preview of next weekend's Premier League match with Crystal Palace. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Man City review - Dean Henderson's Masterpiece
January 22, 2020 19:55 - 1 hour - 96.4 MBBen and Andrew react to the Blades' battling defeat to Manchester City, including Dean Henderson's masterpiece performance, the fine margins of playing the champions, getting physical, and Oli McBurnie's excellent showing. Finally, the referees we dread seeing (hello, Lee Mason) and quick thoughts on Millwall in the FA Cup. Cheers for listening, and UTB!
Fleck Rescues Blades At Arsenal | Man City Preview
January 20, 2020 11:59 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBBen and Andrew discuss the key moments from the Blades' draw at the Emirates this weekend, plus thoughts on the January transfer window so far, before looking ahead to Manchester City's visit to Bramall Lane. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Blades 1-0 West Ham, Wilder's New Contract, Stearman send-off
January 13, 2020 12:58 - 1 hour - 129 MBThe Blades triumph over West Ham in a dramatic Friday night game at Bramall Lane. Ben and Andrew discuss the new contracts for Wilder and Knill, before breaking down the match with the Hammers in detail, including of course the last minute VAR incident. Then, some thoughts on the improving Oli McBurnie, whether to sign Mo Besic, a send-off for Richard Stearman, and a few thoughts on Arsenal this weekend. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Outclassed at Anfield, FA Cup, West Ham preview
January 04, 2020 16:47 - 1 hour - 113 MBBen and Andrew discuss the game at Anfield as the Blades find the soon-to-be-Champions a step too far. We talk about Dean Henderson's redemption after the first game between the two sides, training in Stanley Park, and Klopp's tactics. Then, some thoughts on this weekend's FA Cup tie with Fylde, next week's match with West Ham, and then the signing of Jack Rodwell.
Controversy as Blades lose to Man City
December 30, 2019 13:49 - 1 hour - 93.1 MBThe Blades' 11-month unbeaten away record comes to an end in controversial fashion at the Etihad, and Ben and Andrew pick the bones out of it. We discuss the main incidents, the brilliant bits of play by United, the fact we probably should actually have beaten the defending champions, and a performance for the ages by John Fleck. Thanks for listening to this episode, and for all your support for the podcast in 2019. Here's to a great 2020 - happy new year to you all!
Blades 1-1 Watford on Boxing Day
December 27, 2019 12:09 - 58 minutes - 88.4 MBBen and Andrew discuss yesterday's Boxing Day draw with Watford, including the brilliance of Ben Foster, a fine showing from Oli Norwood despite a slightly below-par performance overall, and a look ahead to two very easy fixtures coming up. No worries. Thanks for listening and hope you're having a great Christmas!
Blades 5th At Christmas - Brighton 0-1 United
December 23, 2019 16:55 - 44 minutes - 66.1 MBThe Blades sit 5th in the Premier League table at Christmas. I'll give you a moment to just re-read that one. Ben is joined by special guest Jay, Mr Blades Analytics himself, to discuss the win over Brighton, the season so far, where we might be if McGoldrick DID take his chances, and some potential targets for January... Thanks for listening, and to all Blades out there, have a great Christmas!
Brighton Preview & Villa quick thoughts
December 19, 2019 22:26 - 37 minutes - 58.1 MBBen is joined by Brighton fan Liam Tharme of Albion Analytics to preview this weekend's game, discuss Brighton's transformation under Graham Potter, and spend some time talking about former Albion man Oli Norwood.
Blades Back To Winning Ways At Norwich | Villa Preview
December 10, 2019 12:43 - 1 hour - 132 MBBen and Andrew recap the Blades bouncing back at Norwich with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from both wingbacks. We discuss the rapid development of star man George Baldock, a huge save from Dean Henderson, the different directions United and Norwich seem to be heading in, and yet more VAR fun and games. Finally, a preview of our next game, with Aston Villa. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
"Just Play To The Whistle" - Blades v Newcastle
December 06, 2019 13:16 - 1 hour - 103 MBBen and Andrew work through some, uh, emotions about last night's home defeat to Newcastle United. We discuss the inevitable VAR talking point, the performance of the team overall, whether Newcastle have shown everyone how to beat us, and a few thoughts on Norwich away. Cheers for listening and UTB!
Blades Unbeaten Away Run Goes On | Newcastle Preview
December 03, 2019 12:17 - 1 hour - 122 MBThe Blades make it seven games unbeaten away from the Lane with an excellent 1-1 draw with Wolves. Ben and Andrew break down the game, talk about the ridiculousness of Adama Traore (19:04), digest the FA Cup draw with Fylde (57:25), and finally look ahead to Thursday night's visit of Newcastle United (1:06:44). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Won It, Lost It, Drawn It - Blades 3-3 Man Utd
November 26, 2019 12:42 - 1 hour - 131 MBBen and Andrew attempt to make sense of a wild game at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon in this week's pod. We talk about how Man U tried and (largely) failed to outdo us tactically, the ending of Phil Jones' career, the brilliance of our play, what went wrong in a mad 7 minutes, and generally reliving what was an extremely entertaining and enjoyable game. Finally, a quick preview of Wolves away at the end there. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Worst Blades XI of the Decade + Best/Worst Moments and Games | Man United Preview
November 20, 2019 16:27 - 1 hour - 144 MBFinal international break of the year (hurray), which means it's also the final break of the decade - so a fine opportunity to fill it with some decade-related content, which is what Ben and Andrew do here. We pick our Worst Blades XI from the 2010s, before also touching on which players might be heading for a suspension in the next few weeks, thoughts on recruitment in January, which United players we can't do without (and which ones we might be able to get by without), and finally a previe...
Spurs Review - Blades Good, VAR Bad
November 11, 2019 17:32 - 1 hour - 135 MBBen and Andrew talk through an eventful but deserved draw at Tottenham, including some love for David McGoldrick (of course), a rant about VAR (sadly, also of course), George Baldock's finishing, sitting in the home end, and lots more. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Opposition View From StatsBomb's James Yorke
November 07, 2019 14:39 - 37 minutes - 56.1 MBIn this bonus episode, Ben is joined by Spurs fan James Yorke, who is a writer, podcaster, and Head of Analysis at StatsBomb, one of the premier football analytics services. We talk about what's up with Spurs, how things might get better for them, his thoughts on Sheffield United, and who he's picking for the Premier League title and relegation. Huge huge thanks to James for coming on the podcast, and thank to you for listening!
Brilliant Blades Slice Through Burnley
November 04, 2019 13:47 - 1 hour - 136 MBA superb performance from the Blades as Burnley are taken apart at Bramall Lane. Ben and Andrew talk about “Super” John Lundstram going global, marvellous Mousset (29:40), Burnley’s slightly baffling approach (46:00), whether anyone from 2006/07 would get in this team (1:04:26), and finally a look ahead to – and some memories of – Tottenham Hotspur (1:21:08). Cheers for listening and UTB!
Bonus Episode: Opposition View from Burnley's Natalie Bromley
October 31, 2019 15:44 - 41 minutes - 60.4 MBIn this bonus episode, Ben is joined by Natalie Bromley of the Burnley podcast No Nay Never to get an opposition's view ahead of this weekend's game with the Blades. We talk about the similarities between Dyche's Burnley and Wilder's United, THAT playoff final, Matt Lowton's return to Bramall Lane, and the key players to watch out for on Saturday. Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Mousset Does It Again | West Ham Review | Burnley Preview
October 28, 2019 16:50 - 1 hour - 130 MBBen and Andrew discuss an entertaining draw at West Ham as Mousset’s goal make those Tevez masks look a little silly(er). We break down the game in detail (06:16), then also talk Declan Rice, Robert Snodgrass, Andrew’s Colombia shirt, and Bramall Lane vs the Olympic Stadium (49:25). Finally, some memories of Burnley, including Stan Ternent vs Neil Warnock, and a look ahead to the game itself (1:07:17). Thanks, as always, for listening, and UTB!