The inside track on Callum O'Hare after Sheffield United switch amid Coventry City "sideways move" verdict
Sheffield United fans offered glowing Callum O’Hare report as bitter Coventry City fans scratch heads at “sideways move”
Sheffield United fans can expect a “hard-working player who is full of energy and can make things happen” in Callum O’Hare, after the former Coventry City man made the move to Bramall Lane yesterday. The 26-year-old was a free agent after electing to leave the CBS Arena earlier this summer to further his career elsewhere.
O’Hare was a long-time target of Blades boss Chris Wilder and has penned a four-year deal at United, linking up once again with former Sky Blues teammate Gus Hamer. O’Hare was United’s fourth summer signing, following Jamie Shackleton, Sam McCallum and Kieffer Moore into the building, as the Blades look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt this season.
Unitedites know all about O’Hare’s abilities after his excellent two-goal showing in a 4-1 hammering away at Coventry back in 2022. But to get a fuller picture of the player, and the person, the Blades have brought in, we spoke to Andy Turner, who covers Mark Robins’ side for the Coventry Telegraph.
What can Sheffield United fans expect from Callum O’Hare?
“First and foremost, the Blades are getting a hard-working player who is full of energy and an exciting player who makes things happen,” Turner said. “His best position is as a ten, operating behind the strikers. He's excellent at receiving the ball fairly deep, turning smartly and driving forwards, creating openings and making things happen at pace.
“He can link the play and create chances for others, while also getting into good positions in the box, which is where he gets most of his goals. He has impressive close control and technical ability to play in tight areas or wriggle free into space in the area. He never stops running and puts a shift in every game, is always willing to track back to make tackles and help defend, and is a real threat on the break on counterattacks from defensive corners etc.
“An illustration of his work-rate is the fact that he covered over 17km during the FA Cup semi-final against Man U at Wembley - incredible figures.”
Coventry fans scratch heads at “sideways” Sheffield United move
O’Hare, Turner added, was a real fan favourite at Coventry, with a chant in his honour from the home fans. “They had a superb song for him. ‘We’ve got O'Hare ... Callum O'Hare ... I just don't think you understand ... We got him on a free, the Solihull Messi ... We’ve got Callum O’Hare...'
“As for his character, he's a bubbly personality with a real sense of fun. He's good friends with singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and even been on stage with him at the Godiva Festival in the city when the crowd, including lots of Coventry fans, sang his song.
“The fans loved him and many still have a lot of affection for him but quite a few have been left scratching their heads as to why he's walked away from City and made what many feel is a "sideways" move to another top-end Championship club.
“Most thought he was angling for a Premier League move but it looks as though virtually guaranteed starts every week is important to him as he continues to get to where he wants to be after recovering from his ACL which, coincidently, he did at Bramall Lane on Boxing Day, 2022.”