Sheffield United legend Brian Deane sends strong message to players
‘Lightweight’ forwards need to ‘step up’ says Sheffield United hero
Sheffield United legend Brian Deane says the team need to start making headlines for all the right reasons as they return to Bramall Lane after the international break against Lincoln City on Saturday.
The Blades have suffered from a lack of firepower in attack so far this season, scoring just nine goals in their opening eight matches.
Brian Deane, who scored 96 goals for United in 225 appearances across three spells, suggests the forwards could be ‘lightweight’.
He told The Star via NewBettingOffers.co.uk, “I haven't heard the names of the forwards mentioned enough just in passing.
“So, that would indicate to me that perhaps they are a little bit lightweight.
“It's fact that if people are scoring goals, then you get to hear about them. If people are making an impact on the pitch, you get to hear about them.
“I don't think it would be unfair to say that I don't hear enough about the players. That's not to be unkind to anybody. That's just fact.”
Although there is no prolific goalscorer in the setup, different players have contributed to the Blades goals.
Patrick Bamford and Tom Cannon are tied at the top of the scoring charts for United this season on two, with Japhet Tanganga, Kalvin Phillips, Romelle Donovan and Sydie Peck all with a single goal each to their name.
“Whether it's the development of the player or the player himself has to step up,” Deane added.
“When we call ourselves professional, we owe it to ourselves to put that as your number one priority. And if you do things over and over again in the right way, then things start to stick. If you want to be an elite player, then you've got to want it.”
When asked if the departure of star players could act as a distraction, he replied: “No, it's no excuse. I mean, I'm sorry, but anybody who uses what's going on at the club to feel sorry for themselves shouldn't be a professional footballer. The word professional means professional.”
He continued, “I would not let any player use what's going on at a club to feel sorry for themselves and to create a cancerous mindset within the squad.”