Exactly a decade ago, Nigel Clough was appointed as the new manager of Sheffield United - and inherited a Blades squad facing a real struggle. United had picked up a little under the caretaker charge of club legend Chris Morgan, following the disastrous experiment of David Weir that lasted only 10 league games and brought only one win, and Clough’s arrival was the catalyst for a remarkable season that saw the Blades reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and finish only one place adrift of the play-offs, after effectively surrendering almost a quarter of the season.
“I am very proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage here,” Clough said at the time. I will try and build a team and squad capable of getting promotion. We are not miracle workers, it takes time to mould and recruit a team. To be realistic, let’s get out of the bottom four and then get a squad together that can challenge.”
United certainly did that, losing in the play-offs the following season before Clough was sacked - somewhat harshly, in the view of some. Things had to get worse before they got better, with the Nigel Adkins experience followed by Chris Wilder’s era. But what happened to the first United side that Clough picked after being appointed on October 23, 2013? Some have made it to the very top of the game, while another was reduced to delivering pizzas to make ends meet after falling out of the game...
1. George Long
The goalkeeper made over 100 appearances for the Blades after coming through the academy ranks, and later enjoyed spells at Hull City and Millwall after leaving the Lane. Still only 29, he signed a two-year deal with Norwich City in the summer
2. Tony McMahon
Right-back McMahon played over 60 times for United after arriving from Middlesbrough. He later played for clubs including Blackpool and Bradford City before moving into coaching with Darlington and Scunthorpe. He joined York City as assistant manager earlier this year Photo: James Hardisty
3. Harry Maguire
No Blades fans need reminding what has happened to the academy graduate in the years since he left United – England caps, fame and fortune and status as the most expensive defender in world football. Constant debate over his future at Manchester United but he remains at Old Trafford
4. Neill Collins
Maguire’s former centre-half partner has made the transition into the dugout, impressing in management with Tampa Bay Rowdies before swapping Florida for Barnsley after being tempted back to South Yorkshire earlier in the summer to take charge at Oakwell