Brief History
Formed in 22nd March 1889 Sheffield United Football Club is an English professional association football club from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Sheffield United has won the original Football League back in 1898 and the FA cup four times – 1899, 1902, 1915 and 1925. Their closest rivals are Sheffield Wednesday or ‘Owls’. Interesting fact is Sheffield United are known as ‘The Blades’, but originally the name was taken from Sheffield Wednesday which changed their name from ‘The Blades’ to ‘The Owls’ after moving to their new Owlerton stadium. As good as the early years was for the Sheffield United Football Club, 1970’s and 80’s brought pain and misery to the once great Sheffield United. They reached an absolute low in 1981 when they got relegated to Fourth Division. By the year 1984 ‘The Blades’ got promoted to Second Division. After few not so great seasons Sheffield United fell back to Third Division in 1988. Sheffield United’s new manager Dave Bassett masterminded fast come back to First Division after 14 years of misery. It is still remembered as Sheffield United’s one of the most successful eras. They fought in First Division (later in 1992 known as Premier League) for four seasons before being relegated in 1994. For the next 12 Years ‘The Blades’ fought outside the top flight. They were struggling at the bottom of Division One while the financial side of Sheffield United Football Club was also a disaster. Few years later led by Neil Warnock ‘The Blades’ returned to Premier League by finishing 2nd in re-branded Championship. Altough Sheffield United lasted in Premier League only for one season following the controversy of Carloz Tevez who was signed by West Ham United and played a big part in their escape from relegation. After relegation Neil Warnock resigned from Sheffield United Football Club. Few years later, Sheffield United won the court battle against West Ham United, but it was already too late and the damage was done as Sheffield United hit the rock bottom of League One once again.
The rise of Phoenix
On September 2013 it was confirmed that Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had bought 50% stake in Sheffield United’s parent company ‘ Blades Leisure Ltd’ for £1 promising to get Sheffield United back to Premier League as soon as possible. In May 2016 Sheffield United Football Club appointed Chris Wilder as a manager for the club. Chris Wilder is known as a lifelong Sheffield United fan and also former player for The Blades. Once appointed as a club manager he then purchased some new players on free transfers and made Sheffield born Billy Sharp a club captain. Who knew back then that Chris Wilder born blade and Billy Sharp – another born and raised Sheffield United fan, will turn around Sheffield United Football Club. First season wasn’t so bright as Wilder was making changes and adapting his tactics to his boyhood club, however 2016-17 season came and after a weak start Sheffield United with Chris Wilder and Billy Sharp in front pushed through and became League One Champions scoring 100 points in process. 2017-18 the first season back in Championship Chris Wilders Sheffield United finished 10th. In the 2018-19 season ‘The Blades’ enjoyed a very successful season and achieved automatic promotion to premier league. Sheffield United destroyed Leeds United hopes to compete at Premier League with just one game to spare, by beating already relegated Ipswich Town 2-0 at Bramall Lane on 27April 2019. The controversial Leeds United draw 1-1 with Aston Villa the next day ensured top flight for The Blades first time in 12 years. After Chris Wilders successful 4 year campaign to bring Sheffield United from ashes back to Premier League had earned him LMA manager of the year award in 2019, leaving Mourinho, Guardiola and others behind. After promotion to Premier League Chris Wilder made some wise purchases of new players, making their Premier League debut a success. Never minding football pundits who were predicting ‘The Blades’ fall from Premier League in the first season, Chris Wilder and the team proved everyone wrong by drawing with Premier League favourites like Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Wolves. Sheffield United Football Club is now sitting 5th in the Premier League table in front of Arsenal, Tottenham, Wolves, Manchester United, Everton and the rest. Now The Blades are keeping their eyes on to qualify for UEFA Europa League.
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