Smith on Soccer

ONE step forward, two steps back - or four in Sheffield United's case.

Seasoned Blades were almost speechless with despair after Saturday's defeat by Southampton, some were still shaking their heads on Monday morning.

Tuesday night was hardly any better but at least United are showing fight and scoring goals even if the draw against Cardiff meant four games without a win.

It might take half a season for Bryan Robson to get the players playing the way he wants and teams in transition can look very ordinary, or worse.

Brian Laws team appear to be coming out of their early season torpor and there's only three points between the Owls and Blades, but what's that rumble in the distance?

It's not been heard for a while but apparently it's just like watching Brazil again at Oakwell.

A heady reminder of the Reds in the Premiership, Simon Davey's young team are turning back the clock to the days of Hendrie, Redfearn and Sheridan.

Against the odds Barnsley are South Yorkshire's finest by a distance - at least for now

n Policeman looking younger, constantly being shocked by the price of beer and saving carrier bags are all sure signs.

But you know for sure the bus pass is on the way when you start to worry that football and foootballers are getting out of control.

It's the rugby that does it. Steaming great Orc forwards with no ears and tape around their heads standing like teenage smokers in the headmasters office as the referee points out the error of their ways .

Not a swearword, murmur of dissent or even a Kevin and Perry shrug of the shoulders.

They just take it and keep quiet.

Then look at some of our footballers. Seething, whining, faking and bleating about one decision after the next. It's an emotional game, we accept that and there is a hell of a lot of money and glory at stake but if rugby players can learn discipline so can footballers.

Of course they never behaved like that in our day.

Trevor Hockey, Tommy Craig, Denis Law, Billy Bremner, Nobby Stiles, Francis Lee and the rest would never have dreamed of it.

n There is no truth to the rumour that Chelsea and England captain John Terry's protective mask is a disguise to stop the referee recognising him when he tries to prevent the official raising a red card.