January Possibilities I
January is approaching faster than we realise and Sheffield United need an injection of new blood. I will be doing a series of articles called Blades Fantasy Football, it will look at possible improvements and also utilising the best we already have at the club. Whilst I know everyone has their own personal opinions and desired targets, some realistic some on the verge impossible, I will be looking at players who are out of contract, not in their current clubs first team plans and those who could be persuaded with our new found wealth.
Phil Bardsley
It is well documented that Bardsley is unwanted at Sunderland, the reasons behind this may put off a lot of fans accepting him as a possible signing. But the defender has Premiership experience and has also played for Sheffield United before. He was meant to sign for us permanently, The Blades having agreed terms with Manchester United but the deal fell through. The centre half has all the qualities we are short of at the back and would slot in nicely next to Harry Maguire. At 28 he is not over the hill but he is also old enough to compose himself to the physical nature of League One.
Radosław Majewski
The Twenty Six year old versatile Polish midfielder could be just what we need to boost our power going forward. Capable of playing on the right wing and supplying a generous amount of assists, he can also provide us with the technique and goalscoring prowess to slot into the attacking centre midfield role. Whether as a replacement for Kevin McDonald or a winger I would make him one of the top targets for January. Not exactly the first on the team sheet at Forest, with the prospect of first team football, promotion and a good offer he could be brought in.
Kieth Fahey
Kieth is currently without a club, and is currently training with The Blades, so whilst not strictly a possible January signing (as we can sign him any time) I think he should be a definite signing. He is no spring chicken but the Midfielder is exactly what this team requires to step up a level. The ideal replacement for Michael Doyle, great going forward, strong when defending and capable of making some quality passes. He has International experience and has played at a high standard in the League. If I were Nigel Clough this would be my first signing.
Dean Lewington
A veteran of this division and a very capable left back Lewington has been someone I have wanted us to sign for several years. He can play a good pass but most of all is defensively sound, not fazed by the nitty gritty nature of League One and still able to play football under pressure, Lewington is capable of being an integral part of the creation of this divisions best defence. A first team regular at MK Dons and team captain it would cost us to bring him here, but in order to strengthen we have to spend money. On a personal level Lewington may be reluctant to leave, he has never played for anyone else, and was at the original Wimbledon, on the youth books there remaining at the club when they re franchised and formed the MK Dons. But if he is ambitious this move could really tempt him.
Seamus Conneely
A player who was released under Danny Wilson, a player who Gary Speed and Chris Morgan believed had a bright future, a player who I believe could have been, and still could be our next great right back. We have had several, Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton, Matthew Lowton, does Conneely have the pace these young men had, probably not, but as far as playing football and picking out a pass young Seamus wins hands down. Now playing in the Irish Leagues for Sligo I do not believe the physical nature of League One would be a problem, and after playing in the Europa League against a strong calibre of opponent, Seamus could make a big impact if he was persuaded to return.
Matt Derbyshire
I can hear you all now saying it in unison "Matt Derbyshire, are you mad?" yes I know he has not scored in a long time, no one can remember the last time he scored in the Championship, and he only scored four in eighteen games for Oldham in 2012. Matt Derbyshire is short of confidence, he has the ability to score bags of goals, but confidence is his enemy right now. He scored four in League One with a team not playing great football or giving him particularly good deliveries, a team not playing to Derbyshire's strengths. The Championship is not where Matt is going to regain his confidence and find form. If he were to come to us, have the delivery given to him, have the support play adapted to assist his strengths, he will score goal after goal, regain his confidence and become a Blades legend. He is currently on Loan at Blackburn until the end of 2013, I think for a modest transfer fee and a clever contract this could be a very goof bit of business.
In the next Blades Fantasy Football I will be looking at the squad we have and trying to pick the strongest candidates to match this shopping list of players.
Jonathan Gascoigne
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