Sheffield United: The big beneficiaries of Covid-19 fixture shambles are revealed

Sheffield United’s youngsters have been told they can exploit the fixture chaos threatening to undermine the club’s push for promotion by using it as a springboard into the first team.
James Shield
By James Shield
Published 5th Jan 2022, 12:08 BST
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With four of their matches over the Christmas and New Year period being postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul Heckingbottom’s side are facing a challenging few months as they attempt to plot a course back into the Premier League.

The United manager recognises that will place even greater pressure on his squad than would otherwise be the case - particularly if it suffers a spate of positive tests for the coronavirus.

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As a result, Heckingbottom has urged the most promising graduates of Bramall Lane’s development programme, which he oversaw before succeeding Slavisa Jokanovic two months ago, to prove they are ready for senior action should the need arise.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom wants to bring young players through the system at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom wants to bring young players through the system at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom wants to bring young players through the system at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
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“We need everyone, and I mean everyone, to step up and show they can do it,” he told The Star. “It’s not a case of who is in the 11. If you want to achieve something, then it’s about everyone else involved here as well. Everyone.”

Despite possessing myriad attacking options, opportunities could present themselves in both midfield and defence for graduates of United’s development programme over the next few weeks.

Zak Brunt, Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata during a Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis / SportimageZak Brunt, Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata during a Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Zak Brunt, Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata during a Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis / Sportimage

With last month’s scheduled meeting with Preston North End rearranged for Tuesday 18 January, United’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup this weekend marks the start of a hectic period for Heckingbottom’s men.

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After returning from Molineux, they face trips to Derby County and then Deepdale before hosting Luton Town in what will be their first appearance at home for nearly two months on January 22nd.

With many of his most prized talents expected to take part in all of those outings, Heckingbottom is aware some could succumb to fitness issues caused by the fast turnaround in games.

And that has convinced him to issue a reminder about the importance of being ready for an unexpected call-up; particularly given the lack of cover in positions such as centre-half where John Egan, Chris Basham and Jack Robinson could be the only experienced options at his disposal at Wolves.

Related topics:Paul HeckingbottomCovid-19Premier LeagueSlavisa Jokanovic