Romelle Donovan proves you can be a show pony at Sheffield United
Romelle Donovan may frustrate his manager at times but he’s being given the freedom to
There's something in the Bramall Lane air that Chris Wilder expects to "frustrate the life out of me."
And no, it's not the Sheffield United board - even if any natural emotion in that regard is being cloaked in a masterclass of tact and diplomacy.
But where he will lose it from time to time is with Romelle Donovan, the brilliant teenager who won it for United last midweek and, for me, has been the star turn of United's season so far (writing ahead of Tuesday's game).
While talk raged about the 19-year-old's spectacular stoppage time goal against Bolton, his manager had recovered sufficiently from his own jubilant charge down the touchline to temper a dream-like moment with reality.
"He will lose possession and he will frustrate the life out of supporters - and he'll frustrate the life out of me," said the Blades when we spoke afterwards.
But it's evidently a willing trade-off because Wilder's main message to the youngster is: Don't change.
Don't stop running with the ball, don't stop trying to beat your man, don't stop trying to make something happen.
Added to which, Donovan, on loan from Brentford, shares a trait in common with all United's most gifted individuals of recent years.
Namely that he's not just an individual. You can't be a show pony at Bramall Lane.
Think of Morgan Gibbs-White, Iliman Ndiaye, Gus Hamer and the most recently departed Callum O'Hare.
All four contributed hungrily and willingly off the ball.
Wilder sees the same in Donovan. The manager added: "He epitomises what we're about, even as a kid. He's tenacious, he tracks back, he wants to do the ugly side of the game. And when he picks the ball up, he's brave and he's positive."
At least Lane fans have evidence that the creative heart of the side hasn't been completely ripped out. No thanks to the owners.
If they "frustrate the life out of" Wilder he's not saying. But I think we all suspect the answer to that one!