Sheffield United

Odds: 5000/1

Last Five Seasons

2005/06 – 2 (Championship, Promoted), 2004/05 – 8 (Championship), 2003/04 – 8 (Championship),

2002/03 – 3 (Championship), 2001/02 – 13 (Championship).

2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Cup Third Round vs Colchester United (h) – lost 2-1.

Carling Cup Third Round vs Reading (a) – lost 2-0.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Neil Shipperley (striker) – 11 goals.

Players In

Claude Davis (Preston North End – £2,500,000), Rob Hulse (Leeds United – £2,200,000), Mikele Leigertwood (Crystal Palace – £600,000), Chris Lucketti (Preston North End – £300,000), David Sommeil (Manchester City – Free), Li Tie (Everton – Free), Christian Nade (Troyes – Free), Ian Bennett (Leeds United – Free).

Players Out

Bruce Dyer (Doncaster Rovers – Free), Simon Francis (Southend United – Free), Luke Beckett (Huddersfield Town – Free), Gary Mulligan (Gillingham – Free), Phil Barnes (Grimsby Town – Free), Jonathan Forte (Doncaster Rovers – Loan), Kevan Hurst (Chesterfield – Loan), Ian Ross (Notts County – Loan), Brian Dean (Released), Gary Flitcroft (Released).

Sheffield United returned to the top flight after a 12 year absence, but manager Neil Warnock will have his work cut out to ensure their arrival lasts longer than just a single season.

The Blades have spent the most money of the three promoted clubs, buying in the best Championship talent money can buy, along with a few shrewd free transfers of players who have experience at Premiership level.

Warnock enjoys having a plethora of strikers to choose from and with five senior forwards already available, Warnock signed another two this summer. Leeds United striker Rob Hulse signed in a deal which could rise from an initial £2.2 million to £3 million. Hulse scored 14 goals for Kevin Blackwell’s side last season. French striker Christian Nade signed a three year deal at the club following spells at Troyes and Le Havre.

Following Preston North End’s almost watertight defence last season, they became the subject of a £2.8 million joint raid for duo Claude Davis and veteran Chris Lucketti, while Manchester City defender David Sommeil joined the club on a free transfer. Sommeil cost City £3.4 million three years ago but was restricted to just 17 appearances last season.

Sheffield United signed China international Li Tie following his release from Everton. After joining the club three years ago on a permanent basis he missed the past two campaigns through injury. Crystal Palace defender Mikele Leigertwood arrived in £600,000 deal.

Verdict

The Blades have invested heavily in new players but it will all be in vain. Back Neil Warnock’s side with confidence to go down at 8/13.