Sheffeld United: Paul Heckingbottom sheds some light on how is team is preparing to face Fulham
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Heckingbottom tasked Lester, his new head of player development, with counselling United’s attack following his appointment as manager towards the end of last month.
A former United striker himself, Lester’s tutelage has coincided with a marked upturn in performance from United’s frontline with Sharp scoring in their wins over Bristol City and Cardiff City and Rhian Brewster also on target against Nigel Pearson’s side.
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Hide AdAlthough Brewster missed the trip to the Welsh capital with a hamstring injury - despite hopes he would return to action shortly, medical staff have now pushed back his comeback date - McGoldrick found the back of the net during United’s victory there.
Asked if Lester’s knowledge was already proving beneficial, Heckingbottom said: “Don’t give Jack too much credit! He’s reminding me of it all the time as it is.
“I want Jack to give them his expertise and guidance, give them his attention. That’s the way the game is going to go, I think. I believe it, I really do. It’s a trend that’s emerging and there’s a reason for that.
“It’s something we’re definitely very interested in.”
Speaking soon after Heckingbottom was unveiled - his predecessor, Slavisa Jokanovic, was sacked following a review of United’s “strategic vision” - Lester told The Star how the 44-year-old intended to organise sessions at the club’s Shirecliffe training complex.
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Hide AdAlthough ‘broad brush’ sessions would remain an important part of the weekly agenda, much of Lester’s time would be devoted to helping the likes of Sharp and McGoldrick. Stuart McCall, Heckingbottom’s assistant, would oversee tailor-made programmes for midfielders having operated there for Scotland, Rangers and Everton before finishing his career at Bramall Lane.
Heckingbottom was a defender for clubs including Bradford City, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday and, as such, is assuming special responsibility for ensuring United’s record in this department improves.
With Monday’s home game against QPR being postponed after a number of the visitors tested positive for Covid-19, United are scheduled to return to action at Fulham next week.
“Doing things this way, I think it brings tactical development not only to try and win the next game but also over the longer term,” Heckingbottom said. “Everyone sees the relationship that goalkeepers build with their goalkeeping coaches for example. I don’t see why others should be any different.
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Hide Ad“I do think it helps, definitely. They (goalkeepers) definitely benefit from that and I think other positions can do as well.”
“Obviously we do a lot of work together,” Heckingbottom added. “That’s vitally important as well, because it’s all about the group and working together. But there’s certain things that are more specific, more relevant if you like, depending on where you play as well. And they’re worth looking at too, because it’s all about those small margins and small gains that can make a big difference.”