BladesPod - The Sheffield United Podcast
326 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsPodcast by Ben Meakin
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Episodes
Rating our Summer Signings | Quarter Season Awards | Arsenal Preview
October 16, 2019 16:02 - 1 hour - 148 MBThe international break is almost over, and Ben and Andrew return with a close look at the performances of all ten summer signings so far (01:30), before giving out their Quarter Season Awards (40:25). Finally, a look ahead to Arsenal’s visit to Bramall Lane (1:03:25), before Andrew Mangan of Arseblog joins Ben to give a North London perspective on Monday’s game (1:16:21). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Blades Pick Up A Point At Watford
October 07, 2019 11:05 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBGood point or bad point? Ben and Andrew pick out the talking points from United’s goalless draw at Vicarage Road, including Watford’s surprisingly defensive approach (01:01), our own defence which is great but also makes weird mistakes (04:12), and Dean Henderson bouncing back (26:36). Finally, we talk about David McGoldrick’s rising stock, and whether we’re striking the right balance between attack and defence (31:28). Thanks as always for listening and UTB!
Liverpool analysis | Watford preview
September 30, 2019 16:24 - 1 hour - 102 MBBen and Andrew digest the defeat to Liverpool - talking Deano's error and the reaction to it (03:10), United's new-found counter-attacking ability and John Fleck's impressive form (23:13), and paying some respect to Virgil Van Dijk (36:30). Then, quick thoughts on the Sunderland game (49:45) before looking ahead to this weekend's meeting with Watford (52:48). Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Everton 0-2 Blades - Smash & Grab at Goodison
September 23, 2019 16:31 - 1 hour - 138 MBBen and Andrew relive a fantastic win for the Blades at Goodison Park this weekend – including a very strange first goal (17:18), that link-up between JL7 and the Moose (34:10), and a star turn from John Egan and our immense defence (45:00). Next, a look ahead to Sunderland in the cup (57:45) and the Liverpool game (1:02:47) before Ben is joined by Lizzi Doyle from The Anfield Wrap to get an opposition’s view (01:13:35).
Court Case Verdict! Plus Southampton review & Everton preview
September 16, 2019 16:09 - 1 hour - 148 MBBen and Andrew go over a frustrating defeat to Southampton at the weekend, including the David McGoldrick conundrum (09:30), VAR (21:20) Norwood (30:08), and Che Adams (40:08). Next! Reaction to today's ownership court case verdict (53:43), then a preview of Everton away (1:15:09) plus a guest appearance from Tom Clarke of The Toffee Blues to give an opposition view ahead of the game (1:23:31). Thanks for listening, and UTB!
Premier League Narratives & Southampton Preview
September 11, 2019 11:36 - 1 hour - 132 MBReal football is almost back! Ben and Andrew take a look at United's loanees (01:35) and our international Blades - including Oli McBurnie vs Scotland (09:05) - before "buying or selling" the Premier League narratives of the season so far (17:14). Finally, we wrap up with a look ahead to Southampton (54:55) before Ben is joined by Saints fan Matt Markstone of the Southampton Dellivery podcast (01:09:55). Cheers for listening and UTB!
Stamford Bridge Comeback: Chelsea 2-2 Blades
September 02, 2019 16:36 - 1 hour - 110 MBBen and Andrew dissect a fantastic fightback from the Blades at Stamford Bridge, as United overturn a 2-0 deficit to get a deserved point. We go over the turnaround in performance at half-time (12:50), McBurnie and Robinson (32:16), and a cameo from the Moose (38:52). Finally, talking about Garth Crooks and basic football (45:45), Sunderland in the League Cup (58:24), and whether United should have players in the England squad (1:00:30). Cheers as always for listening, and UTB!
Leicester Reaction | Chelsea Preview with Blades Analytics
August 27, 2019 12:33 - 1 hour - 134 MBBen is joined by Jay aka Blades Analytics for a special guest appearance, breaking down the defeat to Leicester this weekend, including the step up in performance in the second half (13:03) and the reaction to Wilder's post-match comments (42:25). Then, a look at the Blackburn cup game (49:50), Chelsea at the weekend (52:40), and a recap of Premier League predictions (57:20). Finally, writer, podcaster and Chelsea fan Ram Srivinas joins the pod to give some insight into how the Blues are pr...
Blades 1-0 Palace
August 19, 2019 17:22 - 1 hour - 104 MBBen and Andrew take a deep-dive into United's first Premier League win for twelve years, as the Blades make a great start to the season. We talk about the match in detail (07:24), overlapping centre-backs for the goal (14:30), and a great showing from John Lundstram (17:30). Next, shutting down Wilfried Zaha (28:24), and Oliver Norwood's ping (41:00). Finally, a look ahead to our next opponents, Leicester City (56:30). Thanks for listening, and UTB!
The Blades Are Back! Bournemouth Review, Palace Preview
August 12, 2019 12:36 - 1 hour - 141 MBThe Blades pick up their first point of the new Premier League season, and Ben and Andrew give their thoughts on the game. Next, memories of Mark Duffy (38:31), the Besic / Verrips signings (52:50), and a preview of the Palace game (58:29). Finally, Ben is joined by Jay Crame of TheEaglesBeak.com to get an insider view into Palace's season (1:12:50). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Premier League Predictions | Bournemouth Preview
August 07, 2019 18:06 - 1 hour - 160 MBBen and Andrew dive into a mammoth Premier League preview, predicting United's league position, the three relegated teams, Billy Sharp's goal tally, and more. Then, Ben is joined by Jeff Hayward from Bournemouth's Back of the Net podcast to get an insider view on this weekend's game. Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Oli McBurnie | Storylines of the Summer
July 31, 2019 18:03 - 1 hour - 105 MBBen and Andrew react to the news of United's impending deal for Oli McBurnie (03:58), plus review this week's friendlies with Barnsley (24:20) and Matlock Town (30:35). Then, how it feels to follow a Premier League team in 2019 vs 2007, and revisiting the United-related storylines of the summer, from court case drama to Wilder joining West Brom (38:30). Thanks for listening and UTB!
The Duffy Situation | Chesterfield review
July 24, 2019 15:28 - 52 minutes - 78.2 MBBen and Andrew break down the latest Blades news, including the Mark Duffy Contract Controversy (01:30). Then, some thoughts from last night's Chesterfield friendly (12:20) including getting excited about Callum Robinson (23:45), plus a closer look at Kean Bryan, Regan Slater and John Lundstram (25:30). Finally, a profile of the soon-to-be-signed Ben Osborn (30:10) and some musings about the strength of opposition in United's friendlies so far (38:00). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Callum Robinson, Ravel Morrison, Preseason Thoughts
July 17, 2019 17:57 - 59 minutes - 90.9 MBBen and Andrew discuss the latest Blades news, including new record signing Callum Robinson (03:20), the Burton friendly (07:05), Ravel Morrison (16:30), and the Lys Mousset rumours (23:50). Then, rating the “Premier League readiness” of the squad, position by position, looking at strengths and weaknesses (34:10). Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Top 5 Jagielka Moments | Luke Freeman | Wilder's New Contract
July 10, 2019 18:42 - 59 minutes - 90.8 MBAndrew of Roy's View From returns to join Ben in discussing the latest Sheffield United news, including the record signing of Luke Freeman (05:10) and the return of Phil Jagielka (12:05). Next, our Top 5 Phil Jagielka moments (19:25), Chris Wilder's new contract (45:10) and a few thoughts on Ravel Morrison and Joel Lynch (52:40). Cheers for listening and UTB!
Premier League thoughts w/ Andrew from "Roy's View From"
June 25, 2019 15:53 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBAndrew from "Roy's View From" makes his BladesPod debut to talk about the strangest fans' views of the season, as well as the experience of browsing Yeovil Town Facebook pages at 1am. Then, we turn our thoughts to the coming Premier League season, including United's new sponsor (24:30), transfer rumours (27:15), the fixtures we're looking forward to (39:45), before finishing with a discussion about how VAR might affect the experience of watching the Blades (47:30). Cheers for listening and UTB!
Season Retrospective Part 2
June 13, 2019 09:42 - 1 hour - 101 MBPart 2 of our 2018/19 season retrospective picks up on January 1st 2019, and relives every game and all the big moments of United's march to the Premier League. Thanks for listening and UTB!
Season Retrospective - Part 1
June 01, 2019 08:57 - 1 hour - 95 MBThe first part of our mammoth in-depth season retrospective on 2018/19 - looking back at every game, every signing, and trying to recall how we felt at the time. Part 1 kicks off in June 2018, includes preseason and every game through to Blackburn at home on 29th December. Look out for Part 2 soon! Thanks for listening and UTB!
Special Guest Benjamin Bloom
May 17, 2019 08:07 - 53 minutes - 79 MBEFL Championship expert Benjamin Bloom joins Ben this week to discuss the Blades' promotion, his Leeds hoodoo, playoff drama, and where it all went wrong for his beloved Ipswich this season. Check out Benjamin on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/benjaminbloom or on Twitter @benjaminbloom. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @BladesPod - thanks for listening and UTB!
Paul Coutts Tribute & 2018-19 Player Ratings
May 11, 2019 15:44 - 1 hour - 150 MBBack with a monster podcast, Ben and Jay spend some time paying tribute to Paul Coutts before getting into in-depth player ratings for every player in Sheffield United’s 2018/19 squad. Tangents a-plenty along with our attempts to pick a “Moretti Moment” for each player, and weigh up whether they’ll cut it in the Premier League. Thanks for listening and UTB!
2018/19 Season Awards Show
May 08, 2019 13:49 - 1 hour - 108 MBWith the 2018/19 season completed (the Blades are going up by the way), it's time to dish out some awards. Ben and Jay make their picks for a whole host of alternative awards, including Best New Player (03:44), Most Improved Player (11:30), Best Games (24:50), Best / Worst Moments (30:45), Connor Sammon Miss of the Season award(56:52), Unsung Hero (1:02:14) and Hendo Cam Moment Of The Year (1:09:30). Thanks for listening, we'll be back with plenty more season review pods in the next few week...
The Blades Are Going Up
April 29, 2019 20:22 - 48 minutes - 71.8 MBShoreham boys and girls, the Blades are going up! Sheffield United clinched promotion to the Premier League and partied hard, and Ben and Jay have recovered from their own celebrations enough to discuss it. In this pod we talk about the game itself (03:20), the most Wilder goal possible (15:00), Jack O’Connell sealing the deal (24:24), those celebrations (28:44), and John Egan: master songwriter (38:39). We did it. I still can’t quite believe it. Enjoy the moment, and thanks for listening. UTB!
Oh, David McGoldrick! Blades beat Hull
April 23, 2019 15:39 - 39 minutes - 57.9 MBUnited's amazing Easter gets even better with victory over Hull. Ben and Jay try to keep feet on the ground while discussing it - we go over the scenes in the stands (1:40), McGoldrick's incredible performance (05:14), Ipswich's form (12:00), United's resilience and unreal defensive statistics (14:57). Finally, a little bit of Player of the Season chat (32:40) reflecting on how good the whole team has been. Thanks for listening and UTB!
A Very Good Friday
April 21, 2019 19:21 - 33 minutes - 50.5 MBThe Blades enjoy an EXTREMELY Good Friday, so we couldn't not do a quick pod recapping it, even though it'll probably be hopelessly out of date when everything changes again in 24 hours... Here it is, Ben and Jay talking about the win over Forest, the promotion race, and our trip to Hull City. Enjoy!
Millwall Group Therapy Edition
April 16, 2019 12:53 - 36 minutes - 52.4 MBWelcome to a special Millwall Group Therapy Edition of BladesPod, where Ben and Jay will hopefully make both you and ourselves feel better about the Blades’ current situation. We talk about Sharp & Basham’s injury issues (08:05), whether Egan made the right decision to handball it (14:40), and our feelings on Madine coming on for Bash (17:21). Finally, trying to work out why we played so negatively (23:13) and then finishing with some glass half-full thoughts (30:43). Thanks as always for li...
Birmingham Review | Millwall preview
April 12, 2019 12:29 - 55 minutes - 81.4 MBBen and Jay discuss United’s draw with Birmingham and its wider meaning in the promotion race, including a look at the tactical approach of the two teams (02:24) and the difficulty of replacing Jack O’Connell (09:48). Then, we go through player ratings (22:30) including a discussion about John Fleck’s performance (30:23), and the importance of David McGoldrick (40:04). Finally, thoughts on Millwall and the promotion run-in (45:15). Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Blades Bounce Back At Preston
April 08, 2019 15:47 - 42 minutes - 67.7 MBBen and Jay talk through United’s brilliant response in the win over Preston North End this weekend, including the Blades’ formidable set-piece ability (06:50), McGoldrick the poacher (10:08), and then some player ratings (21:42). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Bristol City review | Looking ahead to Preston
April 02, 2019 12:20 - 51 minutes - 81 MBBen and Jay try to get to the bottom of a disappointing defeat to Bristol City at the weekend, with a close look at the tactics, subs and stats from the game (04:40), plus player ratings (23:47). Then, a comprehensive preview of this weekend’s trip to Preston North End (38:43). Thanks, as always, for listening!
International Break Mailbag Special
March 27, 2019 15:43 - 1 hour - 107 MBYour questions, answered! Ben and Jay tackle subjects like: could Billy Sharp cut it in the Premier League (02:47), what is the Most Valuable Championship XI (13:50), where would David Brooks fit in our current team (29:00), what happens to our squad if we get promoted (31:55), Baldock vs Freeman Redux (43:15), and how this squad compares to the Triple Assault / Promotion teams (47:30). Finally, what are Wilder's best and worst signings (53:07), and which players from 2005/06 would we swap fo...
Blades Finance Special with Price Of Football's Kieran Maguire
March 25, 2019 13:50 - 1 hour - 98.5 MBBen is joined by football finance expert Kieran Maguire of PriceOfFootball.com to talk about Sheffield United's finances. We look at how United run themselves as a business, what promotion to the Premier League would mean, the Championship as a whole, and the recent points deduction for Birmingham City. Thanks very much to Kieran for coming on - follow him at @kieranmaguire on Twitter, and check out PriceOfFootball.com. Cheers for listening and UTB!
Leeds 0-1 Blades review
March 19, 2019 14:35 - 1 hour - 92 MBUnited pull off a huge win at Elland Road to leapfrog Leeds into second spot as we head into the international break. Ben and Jay talk through how significant a win this was (05:40), how the game panned out (11:10), Chris Basham’s impact (22:55) and Billy Sharp’s work-rate (31:01). Finally, we talk about Pontus Jansson’s tweet (47:29) and look at our remaining fixtures (50:08). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Brentford vs the Great Wall of Sheffield | Leeds preview
March 14, 2019 16:52 - 54 minutes - 81 MBBen and Jay relive a fantastic night at Bramall Lane as 10-man United beat Brentford 2-0 with an incredibly gutsy defensive performance. Talking about playing with ten men (09:45), Jack O'Connell: Colossus (17:30), and wondering why Brentford are 14th (30:38). Finally, a preview of our game with Leeds (36:25). Thanks for listening and UTB!
Rotherham Recap with S2stats
March 11, 2019 15:11 - 1 hour - 95.4 MBBen is joined by special guest Antony Adshead, aka Twitter's S2Stats, to discuss the Blades' 2-0 win over Rotherham, including The Towel Incident (10:10), Mark Duffy's performance (18:40), and Rotherham's frustrating approach (29:18). Finally, some chat about how S2Stats came about (41:30), automatic promotion, and Paul Devlin (!). Cheers to Antony for coming on, and cheers to you for listening. UTB!
Sheffield derby review | Rotherham preview
March 07, 2019 14:13 - 43 minutes - 63.8 MBAnother 0-0 in the Sheffield derby… but still a fair bit to talk about! Ben gives his thoughts on the game and discusses the big moments and some fan reviews, before Jay joins the pod (10:10) to talk about Madine’s selection, an overly-cautious attitude (16:08), and what to expect from the Rotherham game on Saturday (30:05). Cheers for listening and UTB!
WBA Recap & Sheffield Derby Preview
February 25, 2019 17:29 - 59 minutes - 92.8 MBBen and Jay chat through a fantastic away win over West Brom, and then preview next week’s Sheffield derby. Includes discussion of our brilliant defending (02:25), Kieran Dowell (12:25), squad depth and rotation (15:30), what to expect from the derby (33:30), and the lineup that we’d go with (43:06). Finally, a quick prediction of the game (53:19). Thanks as always for listening, and UTB!
Blades 4-0 Reading | WBA Preview
February 19, 2019 17:26 - 54 minutes - 86.4 MBBen and Jay chat about the 4-0 thumping of Reading at the weekend, including another star turn for Gary Madine (06:50), a return to form for John Fleck (17:10), and a brilliant week for Enda Stevens, Jack O’Connell Impersonator (21:55). Next, we take a look at the West Brom game (32:30), chat about United’s accounts (shout-out to Kieran Maguire / @priceoffootball – 42:38)), and finally how we feel about the promotion run-in (48:50). Cheers as always for listening and UTB!
Beating Boro with Sam from DEM BLADES fanzine
February 14, 2019 11:53 - 52 minutes - 83.1 MBSam from DEM BLADES fanzine makes his BladesPod debut this week, joining Ben to discuss perhaps our best win of the season. Talking tactics and team selection (03:23), the impact of Madine (09:40), Boro's approach (14:00), and Richard Stearman, Model Pro™ (19:10). Then, we discuss the DEM BLADES fanzine (23:58), and Sam's thoughts on the season so far (35:35). Cheers for listening, check out Sam on Twitter @DEM_BLADES and grab the fanzine at demblades.co.uk.
Villa Park Facepalm | Boro Preview
February 11, 2019 14:19 - 58 minutes - 91.8 MBStill feeling bad about the Villa game? Worry not, Ben and Jay are here to accentuate the positives (and, of course, break down the negatives). We try to work out how we blew that game (05:03), Dean Henderson's performance (13:35), will the wheels fall off our season now(19:30)? Then: a hot take about our automatic promotion chances (23:20), excellent performances by Madine and Dowell (32:56), Billy Sharp's century (38:35), and finally a preview of the Middlesbrough game (46:25). Thanks as ...
A point from Norwich & Transfer Deadline Chat
January 30, 2019 16:37 - 49 minutes - 77.5 MBBen and Jay recap an excellent point from Carrow Road, before moving onto some transfer window talk as hashtag deadline day approaches. We address the Fleck-to-West-Ham story (17:15), profile Scott Hogan (26:05), chat about Leon Clarke potentially leaving (29:55) and then the state of the squad as a whole (33:10). Finally, we preview this weekend’s match with Bolton Wanderers (41:10). As always, thanks for listening and UTB!
Swansea analysis | Norwich preview
January 23, 2019 17:14 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBBen and Jay discuss what went wrong (and right!) against Swansea, including the impact of Dowell and Madine (11:55). Then, an in-depth discussion of THAT Mark Duffy tweet (20:15), the brilliance of Jack O'Connell (29:20), before a big ol' preview of Norwich away (32:55). As always, thanks for listening and UTB! Follow Ben @bladespod and Jay @blades_analytic on Twitter.
QPR, Gary Madine, and playoff odds
January 16, 2019 18:26 - 41 minutes - 61.5 MBFour wins in a row sends the Blades into second place in the table! In this pod, Ben and Jay recap the win over QPR, before spending some time talking about the merits or otherwise of Gary Madine (17:57), and finally discussing the roadmap to United making the playoffs (25:37). Cheers for listening and UTB! Follow Ben @bladespod and Jay @blades_analytic on Twitter.
Happy New Year: We've got Billy Sharp, record breaker
January 03, 2019 18:24 - 1 hour - 112 MBHappy New Year, Blades! Ben and Jay relive an amazing festive period for United, including the win over Derby (07:30), fitness levels and consistency (16:24). Of course, we had to talk a little – okay, a lot – about William Louis Sharp (20:48), plus the resurgent David McGoldrick (30:15). Finally, we dissect the Blackburn and Wigan games (33:45) and look ahead to the FA Cup and Kieran Dowell’s debut (49:20). Cheers for listening and UTB!
Beating Reading | WBA Preview
December 10, 2018 12:30 - 58 minutes - 91.8 MBThe Blades get the win at Reading, and Ben and Jay are here to review it. Includes some tactical analysis of the game and the difference between first half and second half (03:15), United being one of the best away teams in the league (16:15), a change of set-piece approach (20:15), and the lowdown on WBA ahead of Friday’s meeting (31:50) including players to watch. Finally, a little bit of time waxing lyrical about Sharp and Duffy (42:10). Thanks as always for listening, follow Ben (@blades...
Recapping Leeds, Brentford & Rotherham
December 03, 2018 14:03 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBBen and Jay recap an eventful week for the Blades, starting with some thoughts and analysis of the Leeds game (02:09) before discussing Rotherham (18:00) and Brentford (24:50). We also talk in detail about the enigma that is David McGoldrick and his missed chances (34:50), before finishing with some thoughts on the Championship as a whole. Cheers as always for listening and UTB!
Sheffield Derby review + stat special
November 21, 2018 12:45 - 1 hour - 118 MBBack with the longest, probably nerdiest episode so far… Ben and Jay discuss the Sheffield Derby, Sharp vs McGoldrick on penalties (08:50), how it might have gone differently (18:00), and John Fleck’s Scotland call-up (25:30). Then, we take a deep-dive into crossing (do United cross too much?) and whether United are good at set-pieces (27:40), and a look ahead to the Rotherham game (43:40). Finally, we answer some listener questions, including those Jermain Defoe / Shane Long rumours (55:30)…...
Steel City derby preview
November 07, 2018 10:19 - 50 minutes - 73.2 MBHow we feeling out there? Ben (@bladespod) and Jay (@blades_analytic) preview the derby, including debunking some derby-day cliches (formbook out the window! Pressure is all on us!). We also talk about the quality of the opposition (04:05) and how they might approach the game (13:25), then some quick thoughts on the Forest game (26:50), plus hot takes on Paul Coutts (32:50) and Ben Woodburn (37:50). Thanks for listening - COYRAWW!
Beating Wigan, Billy Sharp love-in, and listener Q&As
October 29, 2018 15:02 - 50 minutes - 72.5 MBBen and Jay chat about United's return to the top of the league with an emphatic 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic (01:30), then take another look at the remarkable Billy Sharp (15:20). Then we try and answer a few listener questions, including McGoldrick as a possible Duffy replacement (27:05), Nick Powell as a possible transfer target (31:25), Stearman vs Egan (34:40), and how will we cope without Basham against Forest (38:45). Cheers for listening, get us on Twitter @bladespod and @blades_analy...
How on earth did that happen? Blades 1-1 Stoke City
October 24, 2018 16:49 - 41 minutes - 59.6 MBWell, damn. United turn in a brilliant performance against Stoke City before getting sucker punched by Joe Allen. Ben and Jay break down the game, including performances vs results (02:10), asking whether United are clinical enough (12:30), what's up with Stoke (20:40), Clarke getting off the mark (26:45), and looking ahead to Wigan at the weekend (32:55). Cheers for listening, following us on Twitter @bladespod and @blades_analytic, and UTB!
Top Of The League | Quarter-Season Awards
October 08, 2018 19:40 - 1 hour - 89.9 MBSheffield United head into the October international break at the top of the EFL Championship, and Ben and Jay are here to discuss it. We break down the fact that this is no fluke (02:14), and the impact of having Kieron Freeman back (08:40). Then, we give out our quarter-season awards, including Best Moment (21:40), Player of the Season (27:00), Best Signing (34:30) and plenty more. Thanks as always for listening, you can follow Ben (@bladespod) and Jay (@blades_analytic) on Twitter, and re...
Beating Preston, Deadbat's Predictions
September 26, 2018 07:47 - 1 hour - 113 MBBen is joined by David Beeden, aka Deadbat, to recap a surprisingly-wild win over Preston North End at the weekend. There's in-depth player ratings and analysis (19:40), and then a look at Deadbat's preseason predictions for United and the Championship (52:10), and if he still thinks Wednesday will finish above United... You can follow Ben (@Bladespod) and David (@Deadbat_DB) on Twitter for more United thoughts and opinions. Don't forget to check out www.uptheblades.com for United articles. ...