Daring to dream: Here's 25 pictures from Sheffield United’s last top tier campaign as Blades close in on automatic promotion
It’s now so close you can almost taste it: Sheffield United are on the verge of their first return to the Premier League since 2007. The prestige, the chance to face the countries strongest sides and the cash windfall are within the Blades’ grasp, after the club surged their way past Leeds United into the automatic play-off places over the Easter weekend.
By richie.boon1
Published 23rd Apr 2019, 13:41 BST
Updated 25th Apr 2019, 21:55 BST
As Blades fans dare to dream about a long awaited return to the English top tier, here’s 25 classic snaps from the club’s tumultuous 2006/07 Premier League campaign...
9. SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 02: Keith Gillespie (R) celebrates scoring the winning goal with Derek Geary of Sheffield during the Barclays Premiership match between Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane on December 2, 2005 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Catch me if you can! Gillespie bursts past his teammates to celebrate with the supporters as Bramall Lane roared on their victorious side. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) Photo: Ross Kinnaird
10. Sheffield, UNITED KINGDOM: Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock congratulates stand in goalkeeper Paul Jagielke after they beat Arsenal 1-0 during their English Premiership football match at Bramall Lane, in Sheffield, 30 December 2006. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS Mobile and website use of domestic English football pictures subject to subscription of a license with Football Association Premier League (FAPL) tel : +44 207 298 1656. For newspapers where the football content of the printed and electronic versions are identical, no licence is necessary. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
What a moment to be part of! United rounded off a tough 2006 with a galvanising 1-0 win over Arsenal. Christian Nade scored the all-important goal to give the Blades their first league win over the Gunners since 1973. And yes, that is Jagielka wearing Paddy Kenny's shirt - the defender stepped in and saved his side's bacon with a terrific showing between the sticks. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
11. SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 30: Christian Nade of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring as Jens Lehmann of Arsenal looks on during the Barclays Premiership match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane on December 30, 2006 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Absolute scenes as Christian Nade beats Jens Lehmann to score the winner! (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Photo: Shaun Botterill
12. SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 30: Colin Kazim-Richards of Sheffield and Phillippe Senderos of Arsenal exchange words during the Barclays Premiership match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane on December 30, 2006 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Arsenal were highly frustrated against their disciplined opponents, and it all boiled over when Philippe Senderos had a right old pop at Colin Kazim-Richards (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) Photo: Ross Kinnaird
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.