Ahead of tonight’s match away to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the Second Round of the League Cup, we have done a Q&A with one of their supporters. Thank you to Adam for answering our questions at the last minute!
QUIZ: How much can you remember/do you know about the League Cup encounters between Sheffield United and Lincoln City in 2000? Have a go at our quiz here or further down the page!
Match Thread: Sheffield United v Lincoln City
How long have you supported Sheffield United?
Since 1981. I lived close to Hillsborough in the late 70s and went to Wednesday matches with my Grandad, often watched them one week and United the next. When the Blades were relegated to Division 4 I decided to be a United fan- friends say it was the first glimpse of my champion of the underdog personality!
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
The summer has been a bit comical at the Lane, in true Sheffield United style. Losing Ndiaye and Berger so late I thought we were certs to finish bottom. But I’ve been very encouraged by our start and as soon as the new players settle in and Hecky finds his best XI I think we can finish above the bottom 3- a decent cup run would also be nice.
What are your views on your manager?
I think he’s done a cracking job and is very underrated. He obviously has a lot of respect from the players, he’s very honest. It was a difficult job to win over the fans post Wilder but it is now Hecky’s United.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
Obviously, we try to play the ball around but have looked dangerous when we’ve gone more direct. So I think we are on the hybrid side – just need to be a bit braver in the Premier and get further up the pitch and make teams worry about us.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Hamer looks like a great signing, I wouldn’t like to play against Furious George Baldock. Andre Brooks and Coulibaly look like great young prospects.
Random fact about your Club?
More about the stadium, the first floodlit match was played at Bramall Lane in 1878.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Sheffield United?
The ‘bouncing day massacre ’ win at Hillsborough in 2017.
Least favourite: every play-off final & FA Cup semi-final!
Do you think you got promoted a bit too soon last season? From the outside other than Hamer there doesn’t seem to have been much squad building or replacements bought in for players who have left since then.
I went to nearly every home game last season. Many matches we were not great, but we just seem to have the knack of winning matches with a mix of technical players, grafters and some good old heads.
We have actually signed some decent players, Traore, Hamer, de Souza look like decent signings considering our budget- and Cameron Archer will be a great addition.
Is the Carabao Cup a priority for you this season?
I believe winning is a good habit and good cup runs are vital to clubs and supporters’ positivity.
From the outside, it appears your management and board have spent this season’s pre-season preparing for next season in the Championship, true or false?
I disagree. We had players coming to the end of their contracts. Ndiaye got an offer from his boyhood club and Berger decided to leave. The board have been slatted by the fans this summer but have used the transfer money received- and more- bringing in a number of new players.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top four in the Premier League and which do you think will finish in the bottom three?
City, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool.
Bournemouth, Luton and Everton.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Been to a couple of away matches years ago. Think the club does well given there is so much competition fairly close with Sheffield, Nottingham & Hull.
Think everyone had a soft spot for The Imps during the Cowley Brothers era.
What is your prediction for this match?
2-0 to the Blades.
"The summer has been a bit comical at the Lane, in true Sheffield United style." (Q&A):https://t.co/euPOYL5Bfl#SUFC #TwitterBlades #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 30, 2023
