Over the decades at Bramall Lane a host of Sheffield United players have made themselves cult heroes and fan favourites by showing many of the characteristics that define the football club. But at the same time there have been some plying their trades elsewhere who just have that United ‘feel’ about them.
So, for a bit of international break fun, we put the appeal out to Blades fans to choose the most ‘Sheffield United’ players to have never pulled on the famous red and white stripes - and some of the illuminating responses highlighted exactly what Unitedites want to see from their players. From World Cup winners to former Leeds men and even a current Wednesday man, here are some of the suggestions...
13. Jimmy Bullard
Always an entertaining figure but a better footballer than he was given credit for, good enough to be called up to the England squad although he never won a cap. Mick Kerrigan sees him as an ideal Blade | Getty Images
14. John Swift
Swift was also a long-time United target but the Blades couldn’t get him to Bramall Lane and after a spell at Reading he is now at West Brom, and will go up against the Blades shorty. Suggested by Steven Whitehead | Getty Images
15. Lewis O’Brien
Another player constantly linked with the Blades almost every transfer window but has not pulled on the red and white shirt – yet. Would have been a perfect John Fleck replacement with his quality left foot had United got promoted instead of Forest, when he was leaving Huddersfield on a free | Getty Images
16. Luke Ayling
A man linked with the Blades as recently as this summer before he went to Middlesbrough instead on a permanent after his loan spell last season, Ayling’s experience and ability despite his advancing years – see his goalline clearance against the Blades recently – would have been beneficial | POOL/AFP via Getty Images