2014–15 Sheffield United F.C. season

Sheffield United
2014–15 season
Group ChairmanAbdullah bin Musa'ed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (50%)
Kevin McCabe (50%)
ChairmanKevin McCabe
Jim Phipps
(Co-group Chairman)
David Green
(Football Club Chairman)
ManagerNigel Clough
League One5th
Play-offsSemi-finals (eliminated by Swindon Town)
FA CupFourth round (eliminated by Preston North End)
League CupSemi-finals
(eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur)
Football League TrophyArea quarter finals
(eliminated by Walsall)
Top goalscorerLeague:
Jamie Murphy (11)
All:
Jose Baxter/Marc McNulty (13)
Highest home attendance26,078
(vs Chesterfield)
Lowest home attendance17,030
(vs MK Dons)
Average home league attendance19,805

Sheffield United Football Club participated in League One, the third level of English football, during the 2014–15 season.

Kit[edit]

In April 2014, United announced that they had agreed a deal with German sportswear company Adidas to produce the team kit for the 2014–15 season and beyond, ending the club's previous association with Macron.[1] This was followed in June with DBL Logistics being unveiled as the club's secondary shirt sponsor until 2016,[2] and in July by the announcement of luxury car dealers, John Holland Sales as the club's main shirt sponsor.[3] In September United released a third kit, featuring a yellow and black shirt, sponsored by Topspring.[4] On 17 October, Sheffield United announced a two-year deal with local business Blue Portal Telecoms with their logo appearing on the shorts of the first team.[5]

Season overview[edit]

Pre-season[edit]

Craig Alcock joined United in July 2014.[6]
South Yorkshire born Andy Butler joined United in June 2014.[7]

On 16 May 2014, Sheffield United released their retained list; Darryl Westlake, Matt Hill, Shaun Miller, Sean McGinty, Elliott Whitehouse, Jasper Johns, Jordan Hodder and Jahmal Smith were all released. Chris Porter was also on the released list, however Nigel Clough confirmed that the club was still in negotiation with him over a new contract.[8] The retained list also confirmed that Mark Howard, Bob Harris and Terry Kennedy had all had their contracts extended.[8] Three days later United signed Jamal Campbell-Ryce on a two-year deal after his release from Notts County, and paid an undisclosed fee to Livingston for Marc McNulty who signed a three-year deal.[9] On 5 June, United announced another double signing with Chris Basham joining on a three-year deal from Blackpool and South Yorkshire born Andy Butler joining on a two-year deal from Walsall.[7] The subsequent week both Ben Davies and Chris Porter signed one-year deals,[10] followed another week later by Tranmere Rovers midfielder James Wallace.[11] As manager Nigel Clough continued to reshape his squad there was continued speculation around the future of defender Harry Maguire with reported interest from Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with offers of around £1.5 million being rejected by United.[12] On 25 June, Febian Brandy was released halfway through his two-year contract, exactly a year to the day from him joining the club.[13] The following week, striker Lyle Taylor was sold to Scunthorpe United for an undisclosed fee after only a year at Bramall Lane.[14] Meanwhile, off the field, co-owner Prince Abdullah was appointed to a government role in his home nation of Saudi Arabia and as such stepped down from his position on the board, installing his advisor Jim Phipps as his replacement in the role of co-chairman.[15]

Striker Michael Higdon joined United in August 2014.[16]

July began with Callum McFadzean joining Burton Albion on a six-month loan deal,[17] and with pre-season training underway, defender Craig Alcock was added to the squad on 15 July.[6] Three days later another defender was added to the squad as Blackpool youngster Harrison McGahey was signed for an undisclosed fee.[18] United kicked off their pre-season fixture list on 19 July but suffered a disappointing 4–0 defeat at Burton Albion with Callum McFadzean, on loan from the Blades, numbering amongst Burton's goal scorers.[19] A trip to Northampton Town the following week earned United a better result as they drew 1–1 with their hosts.[20] On 25 July, George Long joined Oxford United on a six-month loan deal,[21] while the same evening United recorded their first win of pre-season when they beat Scottish Premiership side Dundee 4–2 at Bramall Lane.[22] On 29 July, incumbent Player of the Year, Harry Maguire, was sold to Premier League side Hull City for £2.5 million after months of speculation about his future at Bramall Lane.[23] The same evening the Blades suffered a narrow 1–0 home defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town in the latest of their pre-season friendlies.[24] Two days later United beat Turkish Süper Lig champions Fenerbahçe 2–1 in a charity friendly in aid of the Soma mine disaster,[25] before completing their pre-season fixture list with a 2–0 loss to York City at Bootham Crescent on 2 August 2014.[26] With the start of the new season imminent, on 4 August United signed experienced striker Michael Higdon from Dutch side N.E.C. Nijmegen for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract.[16]

August and September: Late goals and a slow start[edit]

Goalkeeper Iain Turner joined in August 2014.[27]
The Blades ahead of their Football League Cup victory against West Ham United at Upton Park in August.
Defender Jay McEveley joined United in August 2014.[27]

United kicked off their league campaign with a lunchtime fixture in front of the television cameras. With six of the summer signings making their competitive débuts for the Blades, United were edged out in a 2–1 defeat to Bristol City.[28] Later that week youngster Louis Reed signed a three-year professional contract with the Blades,[29] before United's first win of the season came in the first round of League Cup against Mansfield Town.[30] On 15 August, United announced the signing of defender Jay McEveley on a one year-deal and goalkeeper Iain Turner on a six-month deal,[27] with striker Joe Ironside joining Alfreton Town on a one-month loan deal a day later.[31] Back in the league United lost 1–0 away at Coventry City.[32] The following match saw United earn their first three points of the season in a 2–1 victory away at Peterborough United.[33] This was followed by a 1–0 home victory over Crawley Town.[34] On 26 August, United progressed to the third round of the League Cup after beating West Ham United on penalties.[35] Back in the league, United rounded off August with a 1–1 away draw at Preston North End with Jose Baxter getting his third goal in three league games.[36]

Following the international break Andy Butler re-joined former club Walsall on an initial one-month loan,[37] and academy product George Willis joined Bradford Park Avenue on a short-term deal.[38] Returning the league action, United beat Rochdale 1–0 at Bramall Lane with Jamal Campbell-Ryce claiming his first goal for the club.[39] On 16 September, the Blades secured an away victory Colchester United, winning 3–2 after coming from two goals down.[40] On 20 September United's seven match unbeaten run came to an end away at Swindon Town in 5–2 defeat.[41] Three days later, United returned to winning ways with a 1–0 away victory over Leyton Orient in the third round of the League Cup.[42] United rounded off September with a 2–1 victory over Gillingham, scoring twice in the final two minutes to come from behind.[43]

The Blades in the 2–0 win over Yorkshire rivals Bradford City at Valley Parade.

October and November: More late goals and Yorkshire derbys[edit]

Paddy McCarthy joined on loan in October 2014.[44]

October started with Paddy McCarthy joining United from Crystal Palace on an initial one-month loan.[44] On 4 October, United lost 3–2 away at Chesterfield with Michael Higdon receiving a red card.[45] The Blades' next match was in the Football League Trophy, winning 2–1 away at Hartlepool United on 7 October,[46] two days before Diego De Girolamo joined York City on a short-term loan deal.[47] Back in the league United needed late goals to come from behind again to record a 2–2 draw against Leyton Orient.[48] Seven days later they were 2–0 victors in a televised away fixture against Bradford City as defender Bob Harris scored his first goal in the club's colours and Marc McNulty netted his fifth of the season.[49] Three days later, United made it two wins on the bounce with a 2–0 home win against Yeovil Town.[50] On 23 October, Andy Butler was sent out on loan to home-town club Doncaster Rovers until January.[51] United made it three wins and three clean sheets in three games with a 1–0 victory away at Crewe Alexandra on 25 October as Stefan Scougall scored his first goal of the season.[52] United rounded off October with a 2–1 away victory over Milton Keynes Dons thanks to a late brace from Michael Higdon, which sent United to the last eight of the League Cup in the fifth round.[53]

The Blades in the 1–0 loss to South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley at Bramall Lane.
Chris O'Grady joined United on loan in November 2014.[54]

November began with a 1–0 home defeat to local rivals Barnsley.[55] On 4 November, Diego De Girolamo was recalled early from his loan spell at York City[56] after fellow striker Michael Higdon had pulled his hamstring during training.[57] On 8 November, United's first round FA Cup match resulted in a goalless draw away at Crewe Alexandra, meaning a replay of the match at Bramall Lane.[58] On 12 November, United crashed out of the Football League Trophy in a 1–0 away loss to Walsall.[59] On 13 November, it was confirmed that Paddy McCarthy's loan with United had been extended until the end of the calendar year.[60] On 14 November, United signed 18-year-old striker Che Adams for an undisclosed fee from Ilkeston.[61] United's first victory of the month came in a 1–0 win on 15 November in another Yorkshire derby away at Doncaster Rovers with United going down to ten men after Paddy McCarthy was shown the red card, then Mark Howard saved a penalty before Jamie Murphy scored at the other end; all in the space of under three minutes.[62] On 18 November, United beat Crewe Alexandra 2–0 at Bramall Lane to progress to the second round of the FA Cup thanks to a brace from Ryan Flynn.[63] On 22 November, Joe Ironside joined Hartlepool United on loan,[64] later that day United drew 1–1 at home with Oldham Athletic with substitute Jamal Campbell-Ryce rescuing a point in the second half after United conceded early on.[65] On 25 November, it was confirmed that George Long had been recalled early from his loan spell after Oxford United manager Michael Appleton revealed that Long was no longer part of his plans and had dropped Long from the first team.[66] On loan transfer deadline day on 27 November, Diego De Girolamo rejoined York City on loan with the deal set to expire on 4 January,[67] whilst United completed the loan signing of summer target Chris O'Grady from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of January 2015.[54] The following day United completed the signing of Kieran Wallace from Ilkeston on a deal until the end of the season whilst academy product CJ Hamilton joined Mickleover Sports on a youth loan.[68] That evening, United ended the month with a 1–1 draw at home to Notts County.[69]

Former loanee John Brayford joined United permanently in January 2015.[70]

December and January: Cup Runs and Return of the Beard[edit]

Paul Coutts joined United in January 2015.[71]

December began with a 1–0 home loss to Milton Keynes Dons.[72] The following weekend, United were 3–0 victors over Plymouth Argyle as Jose Baxter converted two penalties to send United to the third round of the FA Cup.[73] On 13 December, Sheffield United's first ever senior match with Fleetwood Town ended in a 1–1 away draw as youngster Kieran Wallace made his professional début.[74] On 16 December 2014, Marc McNulty scored the only goal in a 1–0 home victory over Southampton to send United to the semi-finals of the League Cup with youngster Che Adams making his senior début.[75] Back in the league United had another draw, this time at home to Walsall on 20 December with Chris O'Grady scoring his first goal in United's colours.[76] On 26 December, United's poor form in the league continued with a 2–1 away loss at Port Vale.[77] On 29 December, Brighton & Hove recalled O'Grady from his loan spell at United due to a striker shortage.[78] On 30 December, Sheffield United were fined £4,000 by The Football Association for failing to control the behaviour of coaching staff, in particular first-team coach Chris Morgan during the League Cup victory over Southampton.[79] The following day, Joe Ironside returned from his loan spell at Hartlepool United.[80]

The Blades in the Football League Cup Semi-finals with Tottenham Hotpsur at Bramall Lane in January.

January began with a 3–0 away victory over Queens Park Rangers of the Premier League with Jamal Campbell-Ryce scoring a second half brace.[81] Paddy McCarthy returned to Crystal Palace at the start of January[82] and on 6 January, Andy Butler was sold to hometown club Doncaster Rovers for an undisclosed fee.[83] On 10 January, United beat promotion rivals Preston North End 2–1 at Bramall Lane with Marc McNulty scoring his tenth goal of the campaign.[84] On 15 January, youngster Joe Ironside was released by United and joined Alfreton Town on an 18-month deal.[85] On 16 January, youngsters Otis Khan and Julian Banton joined Matlock Town on loan.[86] United's first loss of the calendar year came on 17 January at the hands of Milton Keynes Dons in a 1–0 defeat.[87] On 21 January, Tottenham Hotspur took a 1–0 lead in the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals at White Hart Lane with Andros Townsend converting a penalty after Jay McEveley accidentally handled the ball in the box.[88] On 22 January, Chris Porter joined Colchester United on an 18-month deal after being released by the Blades.[89] On 23 January, United brought in two players from Nigel Clough's former club Derby County, midfielder Paul Coutts who signed for an undisclosed fee and former loanee from last season Kieron Freeman joined on a free transfer; both players signed two-and-a-half-year contracts.[71] The following day United announced the signing of John Brayford from Cardiff City on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.[70] The same day, United drew 1–1 away at Preston North End in the fourth round of FA Cup, with Diego De Girolamo scoring his first goal for the club, earning a replay at Bramall Lane.[90] In the League Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur on 28 January 2015 at Bramall Lane, with Spurs winning 1–0 at half time, Che Adams replaced Jamal Campbell-Ryce after 74 minutes and five minutes later he had scored his first goals for Sheffield United with two goals in just over two minutes, which would have taken the game to extra time had Christian Eriksen not scored his second goal of the match for Tottenham Hotspur in the 88th minute to win 3–2 on aggregate.[91] On 30 January, Stephen McGinn joined Dundee on loan for the remainder of the season,[92] youngster Jamie McDonagh joined Matlock Town on loan[93] and Jason Holt joined United on loan from Heart of Midlothian for the rest of the season.[94] The following day Jamie Murphy signed a new two-year contract and Terry Kennedy signed a new one-year contract however Diego De Girolamo declined a new contract with the club.[95] Later that day, United rounded off January with a 2–0 home victory over promotion rivals Swindon Town with Jamie Murphy coming off the bench in the second half and scoring a brace.[96]

Striker Matt Done joined United in February 2015.[97]

February and March: Inconsistency[edit]

Steve Davies joined United on loan in March 2015.[98]

Transfer deadline day on 2 February saw two players leave Bramall Lane and one arrive. Stephen McGinn's loan to Dundee was made permanent after his United contract was cancelled by mutual consent[99] and George Long went on loan to Motherwell for the rest of the season.[100] Coming into Bramall lane saw Rochdale's Matt Done join United for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half-year-deal.[97] On 3 February, United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round replay as they lost 3–1 at home to Preston North End despite Jamie Murphy opening the scoring.[101] Four days later, United lost 2–0 away at Gillingham with the Gills scoring two later goals.[102] On 10 February, the Blades were 4–1 home victors over Colchester United with Jose Baxter scoring a brace, Matt Done scoring on his début and Jay McEveley scoring his first for the club; this was also the first time United had scored more than three at home since November 2012.[103] On 13 February, Harrison McGahey joined Tranmere Rovers on a youth loan until the end of the season.[104] On 14 February, United were 3–1 victors away at league leaders Bristol City with Matt Done scoring a brace with Jamie Murphy assisting on both occasions and scoring the third himself.[105] After declining a new contract with United, on 17 February, Diego De Girolamo was loaned to York City for the remainder of the season.[106] That evening, United were 2–1 victors away at Notts County with Matt Done scoring the winner making it four goals in three games since he joined.[107] On 24 February, United were lucky to draw 2–2 at home to Coventry City as Jose Baxter was sent off for a foul early on and Coventry City took an initial 2–0 lead.[108] United returned to winning ways in the next match on 24 February with a 2–1 away victory over Rochdale.[109] On 26 February, Jamal Campbell-Ryce joined former club Notts County on loan for the rest of the season with the option of a recall after 28 days.[110] On 28 February, the month ended with a 1–1 away draw at Crawley Town with Marc McNulty converting a late penalty to earn United a point.[111]

March started with a 2–1 home defeat to Peterborough United on 3 March with the Posh scoring two very late goals to give them three points.[112] On 6 March, Steve Davies joined United on loan from Blackpool for the rest of the season and Florent Cuvelier was loaned to Burton Albion for the remainder of the season.[98][113] On 7 March, United suffered another 2–1 home defeat, this time at the hands of League One newcomers Fleetwood Town in their first ever visit to Bramall Lane.[114] On 14 March, the Blades drew 1–1 away at Scunthorpe United with Keiron Freeman scoring his first goal for the club.[115]

Players[edit]

Current squad[edit]

As of end of season.[116]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Mark Howard
2 DF England ENG Craig Alcock
3 DF Scotland SCO Bob Harris
4 MF England ENG James Wallace
5 DF England ENG John Brayford
6 MF England ENG Chris Basham
7 MF Scotland SCO Ryan Flynn
8 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Michael Doyle (captain)
9 FW Scotland SCO Jamie Murphy
10 MF Scotland SCO Stefan Scougall
11 MF England ENG Jose Baxter
12 FW Scotland SCO Marc McNulty
13 GK England ENG George Willis
14 FW England ENG Matt Done
15 DF Scotland SCO Neill Collins
16 MF England ENG Ben Davies
No. Pos. Nation Player
18 MF Scotland SCO Paul Coutts
19 DF Scotland SCO Jay McEveley
21 FW England ENG Michael Higdon
22 MF England ENG Louis Reed
24 GK Scotland SCO Iain Turner
26 DF Wales WAL Kieron Freeman
27 DF England ENG Terry Kennedy
28 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Connor Dimaio
29 FW England ENG Che Adams
30 MF England ENG Ben Whiteman
32 FW England ENG Steve Davies (on loan from Blackpool)
33 MF England ENG Kieran Wallace
35 MF Scotland SCO Jason Holt (on loan from Heart of Midlothian)
36 MF England ENG Dominic Calvert-Lewin
— FW Wales WAL Jake Eyre
— MF England ENG Callum McFadzean

Out on loan[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
17 DF England ENG Harrison McGahey (on loan at Tranmere Rovers)
20 MF Jamaica JAM Jamal Campbell-Ryce (on loan at Notts County)
23 FW Italy ITA Diego De Girolamo (on loan at York City)
25 GK England ENG George Long (on loan at Motherwell)
No. Pos. Nation Player
31 MF Pakistan PAK Otis Khan (on loan at Matlock Town)
34 MF Belgium BEL Florent Cuvelier (on loan at Burton Albion)
— DF England ENG Julian Banton (on loan at Matlock Town)
— MF Northern Ireland NIR Jamie McDonagh (on loan at Matlock Town)

Left before the end of the season[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
5 DF England ENG Andy Butler
14 MF Scotland SCO Stephen McGinn
18 FW England ENG Chris Porter
No. Pos. Nation Player
— FW England ENG Joe Ironside
26 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Paddy McCarthy (on loan from Crystal Palace)
32 FW England ENG Chris O'Grady (on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)

Transfers and contracts[edit]

In[edit]

Summer[edit]

Squad # Position Player Transferred from Fee Date Contract length Source
20 MF Jamaica Jamal Campbell-Ryce England Notts County Free 19 May 2014 2 years [9]
12 FW Scotland Marc McNulty Scotland Livingston Undisclosed 19 May 2014 3 years [9]
6 MF England Chris Basham England Blackpool Free 5 June 2014 3 years [7]
5 DF England Andy Butler England Walsall Free 5 June 2014 2 years [7]
16 MF England Ben Davies England Derby County Free 9 June 2014 1 year [10]
4 MF England James Wallace England Tranmere Rovers Undisclosed 13 June 2014 2 years [11]
2 DF England Craig Alcock England Peterborough United Free 15 July 2014 2 years [6]
17 DF England Harrison McGahey England Blackpool Compensation 18 July 2014 2 years [18]
21 FW England Michael Higdon Netherlands N.E.C. Nijmegen Undisclosed 4 August 2014 2 years [16]
19 DF Scotland Jay McEveley England Swindon Town Free 15 August 2014 1 year [27]
24 GK Scotland Iain Turner England Barnsley Free 15 August 2014 6 Months [27]

Winter[edit]

Squad # Position Player Transferred from Fee Date Contract length Source
29 FW England Che Adams England Ilkeston Undisclosed 14 November 2014 2 years [61][117]
33 MF England Kieran Wallace England Ilkeston Free 28 November 2014 1 years [68]
26 DF Wales Kieron Freeman England Derby County Free 23 January 2015 2.5 years [71]
18 MF Scotland Paul Coutts England Derby County Undisclosed 23 January 2015 2.5 years [71]
5 DF England John Brayford Wales Cardiff City Undisclosed 24 January 2015 3.5 years [70]
14 MF England Matt Done England Rochdale Undisclosed 2 February 2015 2.5 years [97]

Loan in[edit]

Squad # Position Player Loaned from Start End Source
26 DF Republic of Ireland Paddy McCarthy England Crystal Palace 3 October 2014 2 November 2014 [44]
26 DF Republic of Ireland Paddy McCarthy England Crystal Palace 13 November 2014 28 December 2014 [60]
32 FW England Chris O'Grady England Brighton & Hove Albion 27 November 2014 29 December 2014 [54][78]
35 MF Scotland Jason Holt Scotland Heart of Midlothian 30 January 2015 3 May 2015 [94]
32 FW England Steve Davies England Blackpool 6 March 2015 3 May 2015 [98]

Out[edit]

Summer[edit]

Squad # Position Player Transferred to Fee Date Source
19 MF England Febian Brandy England Rotherham United Free 25 June 2014 [13][118]
2 DF England Darryl Westlake Scotland Kilmarnock Free 30 June 2014 [8][119]
6 DF England Matt Hill England Tranmere Rovers Free 30 June 2014 [8][120][121]
12 FW England Shaun Miller England Coventry City Free 30 June 2014 [8][122][123]
20 DF Republic of Ireland Sean McGinty England Rochdale Free 30 June 2014 [8][124]
27 MF England Elliott Whitehouse England Notts County Free 30 June 2014 [8][125]
30 DF Northern Ireland Jasper Johns Free 30 June 2014 [8]
— DF England Jordan Hodder Free 30 June 2014 [8]
— FW England Jahmal Smith Free 30 June 2014 [8]
10 FW England Lyle Taylor England Scunthorpe United Undisclosed 30 June 2014 [14]
5 DF England Harry Maguire England Hull City £2.5 million 29 July 2014 [23]

Winter[edit]

Squad # Position Player Transferred to Fee Date Source
5 DF England Andy Butler England Doncaster Rovers Undisclosed 6 January 2015 [126]
— FW England Joe Ironside England Alfreton Town Released 15 January 2015 [85]
18 FW England Chris Porter England Colchester United Released 22 January 2015 [89]
14 MF Scotland Stephen McGinn Scotland Dundee Released 2 February 2015 [99]

Loan out[edit]

Squad # Position Player Loaned to Start End Source
— MF England Callum McFadzean England Burton Albion 3 July 2014 January 2015 [17]
— GK England George Long England Oxford United 25 July 2014 25 November 2014 [21][66]
— FW England Joe Ironside England Alfreton Town 16 August 2014 November 2014 [31]
— DF England Julian Banton England Bradford Park Avenue 22 August 2014 21 September 2014 [127]
5 DF England Andy Butler England Walsall 11 September 2014 20 October 2014 [37][128]
13 GK England George Willis England Bradford Park Avenue 11 September 2014 6 October 2014 [38]
23 MF Italy Diego De Girolamo England York City 9 October 2014 4 November 2014 [47][56]
5 DF England Andy Butler England Doncaster Rovers 23 October 2014 6 January 2015 [51][83]
— FW England Joe Ironside England Hartlepool United 22 November 2014 31 December 2014 [64][80]
23 MF Italy Diego De Girolamo England York City 26 November 2014 4 January 2015 [67]
— MF England CJ Hamilton England Mickleover Sports 28 November 2014 [68]
— DF England Julian Banton England Matlock Town 16 January 2015 [86]
31 MF Pakistan Otis Khan England Matlock Town 16 January 20154 [86]
14 MF Scotland Stephen McGinn Scotland Dundee 30 January 2014 2 February 2015 [92][99]
— MF Northern Ireland Jamie McDonagh England Matlock Town 30 January 2015 [93]
25 GK England George Long Scotland Motherwell 2 February 2015 3 May 2015 [100]
17 DF England Harrison McGahey England Tranmere Rovers 13 February 2015 3 May 2015 [104]
23 MF Italy Diego De Girolamo England York City 17 February 2015 19 March 2015 [106][129]
20 MF Jamaica Jamal Campbell-Ryce England Notts County 26 February 2015 3 May 2015 [110]
34 MF Belgium Florent Cuvelier England Burton Albion 6 March 2015 3 May 2015 [113]
23 MF Italy Diego De Girolamo England Northampton Town 19 March 2015 30 June 2015 [129]
15 DF Scotland Neill Collins England Port Vale 26 March 2015 30 June 2015 [130]
33 MF England Kieran Wallace England Lincoln City 26 March 2015 30 June 2015 [131]

Contracts[edit]

New contracts and contract extensions.

Player Date Length Contracted until Reference / Notes
Scotland Bob Harris 16 May 2014 1 Year Summer 2015 [8]
England Mark Howard 16 May 2014 1 Year Summer 2015 [8]
England Terry Kennedy 16 May 2014 1 Year Summer 2015 [8]
England Chris Porter 9 June 2014 1 Year Summer 2015 [10]
England Louis Reed 12 August 2014 3 Year Summer 2018 [29]
England Terry Kennedy 31 January 2015 1 Year Summer 2016 [95]
Scotland Jamie Murphy 31 January 2015 2 Year Summer 2017 [95]

Season firsts[edit]

Player début[edit]

Players making their first team Sheffield United début in a fully competitive match.

Squad # Position Player Date Opponents Ground Notes
2 DF England Craig Alcock 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane [132]
6 MF England Chris Basham 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane [133]
21 FW England Michael Higdon 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane [134]
17 DF England Harrison McGahey 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane [135]
20 MF Jamaica Jamal Campbell-Ryce 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane Sub[136]
12 FW Scotland Marc McNulty 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane Sub[137]
5 DF England Andy Butler 13 August 2014 Mansfield Town Bramall Lane League Cup[138]
19 DF Scotland Jay McEveley 16 August 2014 Coventry City Sixfields Stadium Sub[139]
4 MF England James Wallace 26 August 2014 West Ham United Upton Park League Cup[140]
26 DF Republic of Ireland Paddy McCarthy 4 October 2014 Chesterfield Proact Stadium [141]
24 GK Scotland Iain Turner 7 October 2014 Hartlepool United Victoria Park Football League Trophy[142]
32 FW England Chris O'Grady 2 December 2014 Milton Keynes Dons Bramall Lane
33 MF England Kieran Wallace 13 December 2014 Fleetwood Town Highbury Stadium [74]
29 FW England Che Adams 16 December 2014 Southampton Bramall Lane League Cup
5 DF England John Brayford 31 January 2015 Swindon Town Bramall Lane
18 MF Scotland Paul Coutts 31 January 2015 Swindon Town Bramall Lane
26 DF Wales Kieron Freeman 31 January 2015 Swindon Town Bramall Lane
35 MF Scotland Jason Holt 7 February 2015 Gillingham Priestfield Stadium
14 FW England Matt Done 10 February 2015 Colchester United Bramall Lane Sub[103]
32 FW England Steve Davies 7 March 2015 Fleetwood Town Bramall Lane [114]
36 FW England Dominic Calvert-Lewin 25 April 2015 Leyton Orient Brisbane Road Sub[143]

Début goal[edit]

Players scoring their first goal for Sheffield United in a competitive fixture.

Squad # Position Player Date Opponents Ground Notes
21 FW England Michael Higdon 9 August 2014 Bristol City Bramall Lane [134]
5 DF England Andy Butler 13 August 2014 Mansfield Town Bramall Lane League Cup[138]
12 FW Scotland Marc McNulty 13 August 2014 Mansfield Town Bramall Lane League Cup[137]
20 MF Jamaica Jamal Campbell-Ryce 13 September 2014 Rochdale Bramall Lane [136]
26 DF Republic of Ireland Paddy McCarthy 11 October 2014 Leyton Orient Bramall Lane [141]
3 DF Scotland Bob Harris 18 October 2014 Bradford City Valley Parade [144]
32 FW England Chris O'Grady 20 December 2014 Walsall F.C. Bramall Lane [76]
23 FW Italy Diego De Girolamo 24 January 2015 Preston North End Deepdale FA Cup[90]
29 FW England Che Adams 28 January 2015 Tottenham Hotspur Bramall Lane League Cup[91]
14 FW England Matt Done 10 February 2015 Colchester United Bramall Lane [103]
19 DF Scotland Jay McEveley 10 February 2015 Colchester United Bramall Lane [103]
26 DF Wales Kieron Freeman 14 March 2015 Scunthorpe United Glanford Park [115]
35 MF Scotland Jason Holt 24 March 2015 Scunthorpe United Bramall Lane [145]
32 FW England Steve Davies 4 April 2015 Barnsley Oakwell [146]
6 MF England Chris Basham 11 May 2015 Swindon Town County Ground Play-offs[147]

Competitive fixture[edit]

First ever meeting of the two clubs in a competitive fixture.

Opposition Date Venue Result Score Notes
Fleetwood Town 13 December 2014 Highbury Stadium Draw 1–1 [74]

Stadia[edit]

First ever visit to a stadium for a competitive fixture

Venue Opposition Date Result Score Notes
Highbury Stadium Fleetwood Town 13 December 2014 Draw 1–1 [74]

Squad statistics[edit]

Appearances and goals[edit]

As of end of season
No. Pos Nat Player Total League/Playoffs FA Cup League Cup FL Trophy
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1 GK England ENG Mark Howard 50 0 37 0 6 0 7 0 0 0
2 DF England ENG Craig Alcock 32 0 18+7 0 3 0 3 0 1 0
3 DF Scotland SCO Bob Harris 57 3 37+5 3 5+1 0 7 0 2 0
4 MF England ENG James Wallace 13 0 7+3 0 0+1 0 1+1 0 0 0
5 DF England ENG John Brayford 23 1 23 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 MF England ENG Chris Basham 50 1 37+2 1 5 0 4 0 2 0
7 MF Scotland SCO Ryan Flynn 45 3 20+14 1 5 2 5 0 1 0
8 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Michael Doyle 57 1 35+9 1 5 0 6+1 0 1 0
9 FW Scotland SCO Jamie Murphy 58 12 43+2 11 4+2 1 5+1 0 0+1 0
10 MF Scotland SCO Stefan Scougall 35 1 20+6 1 4+1 0 3 0 0+1 0
11 FW England ENG Jose Baxter 48 13 28+6 10 5+1 2 3+3 0 1+1 1
12 FW Scotland SCO Marc McNulty 43 13 12+20 9 2+2 2 6 2 0+1 0
13 GK England ENG George Willis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 FW England ENG Matt Done 17 8 13+4 8 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 DF Scotland SCO Neill Collins 12 1 8 1 0 0 3 0 0+1 0
16 MF England ENG Ben Davies 19 4 11+3 4 1 0 3 0 1 0
17 DF England ENG Harrison McGahey 22 0 11+4 0 1 0 3+1 0 2 0
18 MF Scotland SCO Paul Coutts 22 0 21+1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
19 DF Scotland SCO Jay McEveley 46 1 33+3 1 5 0 4+1 0 0 0
20 MF Jamaica JAM Jamal Campbell-Ryce 32 7 14+5 4 5 2 4+2 0 1+1 1
21 FW England ENG Michael Higdon 20 5 9+4 2 2+1 0 1+3 3 0 0
22 MF England ENG Louis Reed 32 0 10+9 0 4+2 0 4+1 0 2 0
23 FW Italy ITA Diego De Girolamo 6 1 0 0 1+3 1 0 0 2 0
24 GK Scotland SCO Iain Turner 13 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
25 GK England ENG George Long 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
26 DF Wales WAL Kieron Freeman 21 2 15+6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 DF England ENG Terry Kennedy 13 0 10+1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
28 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Connor Dimaio 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
29 FW England ENG Che Adams 13 3 5+6 1 0 0 0+2 2 0 0
30 MF England ENG Ben Whiteman 1 0 0 0 0+1 0 0 0 0 0
31 MF Pakistan PAK Otis Khan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
32 FW England ENG Steve Davies 15 3 11+4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
33 MF England ENG Kieran Wallace 6 0 2+2 0 0 0 0+2 0 0 0
34 MF Belgium BEL Florent Cuvelier 5 0 1+2 0 0+1 0 1 0 0 0
35 MF Scotland SCO Jason Holt 17 5 12+5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
36 FW England ENG Dominic Calvert-Lewin 2 0 0+2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
— MF England ENG Callum McFadzean 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Players who left before the end of the season:
5 DF England ENG Andy Butler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
14 MF Scotland SCO Stephen McGinn 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0
18 FW England ENG Chris Porter 5 0 0+1 0 0 0 1+1 0 2 0
26 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Paddy McCarthy 11 1 10+1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
32 FW England ENG Chris O'Grady 4 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
— FW England ENG Joe Ironside 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Top scorers[edit]

As of end of season
Place Number Nation Position Name League/Playoffs FA Cup League Cup FL Trophy Total
1 11 England FW Jose Baxter 10 2 0 1 13
12 Scotland FW Marc McNulty 9 2 2 0 13
2 9 Scotland FW Jamie Murphy 11 1 0 0 12
3 14 England FW Matt Done 8 0 0 0 8
4 20 Jamaica MF Jamal Campbell-Ryce 4 2 0 1 7
5 21 England FW Michael Higdon 2 0 3 0 5
35 Scotland MF Jason Holt 5 0 0 0 5
6 16 England MF Ben Davies 4 0 0 0 4
7 29 England FW Che Adams 1 0 2 0 3
32 England FW Steve Davies 3 0 0 0 3
7 Scotland MF Ryan Flynn 1 2 0 0 3
3 Scotland DF Bob Harris 3 0 0 0 3
8 26 Wales DF Kieron Freeman 2 0 0 0 2
9 6 England MF Chris Basham 1 0 0 0 1
5 England DF John Brayford 1 0 0 0 1
5 England DF Andy Butler 0 0 1 0 1
15 Scotland DF Neill Collins 1 0 0 0 1
23 Italy MF Diego De Girolamo 0 1 0 0 1
8 Republic of Ireland MF Michael Doyle 1 0 0 0 1
26 Republic of Ireland DF Paddy McCarthy 1 0 0 0 1
19 Scotland DF Jay McEveley 1 0 0 0 1
32 England FW Chris O'Grady 1 0 0 0 1
10 Scotland MF Stefan Scougall 1 0 0 0 1
Total 71 10 8 2 91

United also benefited from one own goal in the Football League Cup, and one own goal in the playoffs.

Clean sheets[edit]

As of end of season
Rank Pos No. Nat Name League One FA Cup League Cup FLT Total
1 GK 1 England Mark Howard 8 4 2 0 14
2 GK 24 Scotland Iain Turner 2 0 0 0 2
Total 10 4 2 0 16

Penalties[edit]

As of end of season

Disciplinary record[edit]

As of end of season
Number Nation Position Name League/Playoffs FA Cup League Cup FL Trophy Total
Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card
6 England MF Chris Basham 9 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 11 1
3 Scotland DF Bob Harris 7 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 10 0
11 England FW Jose Baxter 4 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 6 1
8 Republic of Ireland MF Michael Doyle 6 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 9 0
19 Scotland DF Jay McEveley 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0
18 Scotland MF Paul Coutts 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
21 England FW Michael Higdon 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
2 England DF Craig Alcock 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
20 Jamaica MF Jamal Campbell-Ryce 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
32 England FW Steve Davies 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
7 Scotland MF Ryan Flynn 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0
35 Scotland MF Jason Holt 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
27 England DF Terry Kennedy 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
26 Republic of Ireland DF Paddy McCarthy 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
12 Scotland FW Marc McNulty 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
9 Scotland FW Jamie Murphy 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
22 England MF Louis Reed 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
10 Scotland MF Stefan Scougall 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
5 England DF John Brayford 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
16 England MF Ben Davies 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
1 England GK Mark Howard 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
29 England FW Che Adams 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
36 England FW Dominic Calvert-Lewin 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
34 Belgium MF Florent Cuvelier 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
26 Wales DF Kieron Freeman 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
17 England DF Harrison McGahey 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
4 England MF James Wallace 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Total 68 4 6 0 12 0 3 0 89 4

International Call-ups[edit]

No. P Name Squad Competition Opposition Date Cap Goals Notes
— MF Jamie McDonagh Northern Ireland Northern Ireland U19 2014 Milk Cup[148] China China U19
Mexico Mexico U19
Canada Canada U19
— MF Shea Gordon Northern Ireland Northern Ireland U17 2014 Syrenka Cup[149] Belgium Belgium U17 26 August 2014 Y 0
Poland Poland U17 28 August 2014 Y 0
— MF Jamie McDonagh Northern Ireland Northern Ireland U19 Friendly[150] Iceland Iceland U19 3 September 2014 Y 0 [151]
Iceland Iceland U19 5 September 2014 Y 2 [151]
— DF Ioan Evans Wales Wales U19 [149] Montenegro Montenegro U19 4 September 2014 Y 0 [152]
— MF Connor Dimaio Republic of Ireland Ireland U19 Friendly[153] Netherlands Netherlands U19 8 September 2014
— MF Joel Coustrain Republic of Ireland Ireland U19 Friendly[153] Netherlands Netherlands U19 8 September 2014
23 FW Diego De Girolamo Italy Italy U20 [149] Germany Germany U20
Poland Poland U20
Switzerland Switzerland U20
31 MF Otis Khan Pakistan Pakistan Friendly  Afghanistan 6 February 2015 N 0 [154]
31 MF Otis Khan Pakistan Pakistan 2018 World Cup qualification – AFC Yemen Yemen 12 March 2015
Yemen Yemen 17 March 2015

League One table[edit]

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion, qualification or relegation
3 Preston North End (O, P) 46 25 14 7 79 40 +39 89 Qualification for League One play-offs[a]
4 Swindon Town 46 23 10 13 76 57 +19 79
5 Sheffield United 46 19 14 13 66 53 +13 71
6 Chesterfield 46 19 12 15 68 55 +13 69
7 Bradford City 46 17 14 15 55 55 0 65
Updated to match(es) played on 3 May 2015. Source: BBC Sport
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored
(O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted
Notes:
  1. ^ Four teams play for one spot and promotion to Football League Championship.

Matches[edit]

Key[edit]

  Win   Draw   Loss

League One[edit]

9 August 2014 Sheffield United 1–2 Bristol City Bramall Lane
12:15 Higdon 32' (Report) Wilbraham 20'
Elliott 72'		 Attendance: 19,889
Referee: Paul Tierney
16 August 2014 Coventry City 1–0 Sheffield United Sixfields Stadium, Northampton
15:00 Harris 78' (og) (Report) Attendance: 2,279
Referee: Graham Scott
19 August 2014 Peterborough United 1–2 Sheffield United London Road Stadium
19:30 Brisley 34' (Report) Baxter 25'
Davies 84'		 Attendance: 6,578
Referee: Scott Duncan
23 August 2014 Sheffield United 1–0 Crawley Town Bramall Lane
15:00 Baxter 48' (Report) Attendance: 18,178
Referee: Andy D'Urso
30 August 2014 Preston North End 1–1 Sheffield United Deepdale
15:00 Little 11' (Report) Baxter 41' Attendance: 11,058
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
13 September 2014 Sheffield United 1–0 Rochdale Bramall Lane
15:00 Campbell-Ryce 84' (Report) Attendance: 19,122
Referee: Gary Sutton
16 September 2014 Colchester United 2–3 Sheffield United Colchester Community Stadium
19:45 Moncur 31'
Sears 77'		 (Report) Davies 83' (pen.), 88'
Flynn 85'		 Attendance: 3,084
Referee: Oliver Langford
20 September 2014 Swindon Town 5–2 Sheffield United County Ground
15:00 Smith 13', 55'
Obika 58'
Williams 76'
Thompson 86'		 (Report) McNulty 66'
Davies 72'		 Attendance: 7,536
Referee: Gavin Ward
27 September 2014 Sheffield United 2–1 Gillingham Bramall Lane
15:00 Higdon 87'
Murphy 90'		 (Report) Norris 84' Attendance: 18,487
Referee: Kevin Wright
4 October 2014 Chesterfield 3–2 Sheffield United Proact Stadium
13:00 Ryan 26'
Roberts 45'
E. Doyle 73'
Lee Red card 41'		 (Report) McNulty 81'
Collins