Barnsley's Hair Bear Bunch help to lower expectations

By FBFR

Relief all round, after a draw at the Dingles, is not what you would have expected to be feeling at the start of season.

But, having woken up with only nine fully fit players that morning, relief is exactly what the manager and realistic supporters all felt after the battling draw, which, if you listened to the pundits, was like watching Brazil play Accrington Stanley!

There is only so much you can do with players half-fit and playing out of position. We might not have been easy on the eye but early on I thought Ward and Evans ripped the Barnsley defence to shreds. Certainly, a fully fit Ward would have enjoyed rewards for his speed and skill, but unsurprisingly he tired.

In normal circumstances, Ward and others would have been replaced when tiring, but our subs were used for yet more injuries and were not tactical as I’m sure had been the hope of the manager.

Bennett was superb in the first half, his best performance in a Blades shirt, and Killa gave a more committed performance at left-back than we have seen from him for a while. While the TV cameras may have been young Matthew’s motivation, both he and Bennett are big losses.

The arrival of Del Geary just about sums up our position. He was probably hoping for some time in the reserves later in the week, so just over 45 minutes at full pace must have come as a shock. Del sums up the spirit of the players and their commitment to the cause - nowhere near fully fit but willing to give it a go!

No one can argue that the manager does not have players with him - that was clear for all to see at Oakwell.

I am not sure we have the media with us though; Radio Sheffield in the car on the way home, Sky-plussed coverage back home and Mark Robins’ insane post-match comments left me feeling I had been at a different game.

The Hair Bear Bunch on their team did Killa's ankle then stamped on Walker’s back in his favourite little corner in front of the baying home fans, but that received little to no coverage. Instead, people focused on an alleged, attempted head-butt by Davis, which missed by about much distance as Macken’s attempts on goal.

So, patched up and battle weary, we stumble into the international break with expectations lowered by injuries and reduced finances. The Blades won’t make the play-offs this season is the ringing endorsement of our recent form.

I will finish with comment of a fellow supporter on Monday night: "I like watching the Blades at hard times like this - it makes things all the more enjoyable later on."

So with our hopes lowered and our chances of success non-existent, if we adopt a sensible level of expectation we are sure to enjoy it more!

Comments

[Neck Brace]

Jesus, where do you start with this? You seem to have bought Blackwells excuses regarding the "injury crisis" Most of those injured wouldn't get in the first choice XI anyway.

I'd also be worried that despite having a £5 million strike force up against a back four made of freebies and loanees, you could only muster 3 shots on target, 2 of which were penalties.

Please don't sack Blackwell!

[Neutral Observer]

An attempted headbutt is exactly that. Just because it missed, just because its a derby shouldnt matter at all. He should have gone and he was lucky not to be booked for that or any of the flayling elbows....

[DCM]

blades fans complaining about a team being too rough!! oh the irony!