My counterpart over at blades-mad has sent me a questionnaire this week regarding what we can expect in the coming season. I tried to be as optimistic as possible with my answers:
The takeover finally goes through and the club starts to put the fans first again giving us a club that we have pride in calling our own.
02. And the worst?
The takeover collapses and the club are "forced" to sell the likes of Simek and Beevers before the transfer window closes due to poor season ticket sales.
03. Young player to watch?
Beevers has attracted attention from a number of Premier League clubs and I expect him to continue his progression next season.
04. Most important player?
I am hoping that Akpo Sodje can stay fit this season as his power and work rate were top notch last term. I just hope with loan signing Jimmy Smith from Chelsea and a more consistent run from our wide players that the midfield are able to provide the strikers with better service this season.
05. Player you would like to get rid of?
I think wishing that on anyone would be a bit harsh before the start of the season. Leon Clarke has took some stick from the fans but did well as an impact sub in the last few games and if he has worked on his fitness as the club have stated the he perhaps deserves a chance.
Kenny Lunt is clearly not in the managers plans so if we could get a fee for him or at least free up his wages then that could come in handy.
If there is no takeover then he should probably stay. He produced some questionable tactics at times last season but seems to have created a good rapport within the dressing room. If however we were to be in a position to spend some money I am not sure he could attract the right sort of players.
07. What advice would you give him?
Far from me to give advice to any manager of any professional club but I would like us to be more positive in our play generally, especially in away games. There were times last season when we seemed content to play for a draw even against teams in the bottom half. Our poor start probably affected us as we needed to be cautious and avoid defeats at times so hopefully we can get of and running a bit quicker this time and see more from the midfield players.
08. Which team do you most want to beat this season?
Obviously the Sheffield derby is the biggest game for both teams at this level but defeat against any of the local rivals is hard to take. The games against Forest and Derby will also be interesting but above all else we simply need to get off to a decent start and not leave ourselves fighting an uphill battle from the off like last season.
09. Which opposition player will get the most stick?
As an ex-Owl Derek Geary will always get stick when he plays against us for the Blades but his performances in last seasons derby matches made us smile.
I don't think our starting 11 is bad at all but we do lack strength in depth. If we can stay injury free then the top half is a possibility. A few teams proved last season that good teamwork and belief can go along way and you don't necessarily need big name players to succeed in this division. Many of the teams are much of a muchness and so anything between 8th and 18th is realistic, how's that for sitting on the fence! Anything above 8th would be a big bonus all things considered but to finish in the bottom 6 would be disappointing.
As I say it is hard to judge at this level. I think the teams relegated from the Premier League will be amongst the favourites but United have a good squad and should probably expect to challenge for a play-off spot. Hopefully losing to the Owls in the play-off final-wishful thinking I know but surely all fans have a right to dream before the reality of another season kicks in?