Chaos reigned at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night as Sheffield United slipped to their seventh Championship defeat of the season and their fourth at home. But the Blades not only had to battle with visiting Southampton they were not helped by a shocking performance from referee Adam Herczeg. He denied Sydie Peck and United a late equaliser, claiming Saints' goalkeeper had been impeded when clearly he had not. Herczeg, responsible for a catalogue of errors, also dismissed Blades manager Chris Wilder in a heavy handed approach after an accidental incident after the half-time whistle. Despite all this, United produced their best performance of the season. Having taken the lead, they only has themselves to blame for seeing it overturned. But nevertheless, this was a performance which demonstrated United are edging closer to putting their derailed season back on track.

Summary:

• Referee Adam Herczeg's numerous misjudgments.
• Despite the defeat, there were noticeable signs of progress in Sheffield United's overall performance.
• The absence of Chris Wilder from the touchline could significantly affect United's upcoming game against Hull City.
• Tom Davies showcased his potential and received praise for his performance during the match.
• United's recent switch to a three-man defence doesn't seem to suit captain Japhet Tanganga playing as a right-sided centre-back
• The players exhibited a new-found confidence

Where are the goals going to come from? When Sheffield United finally get their season up and running, there is still an issue which hasn't been talked about. Talk this week of interest in striker Patrick Bamford, a free agent after terminating his contract at Leeds, if true, reveals concern behind the scenes about United's firepower. Something that Blades boss Chris Wilder can't start to address until the January transfer window.

The appointment of Portuguese coach Guilherme Ramos, yet another addition at Bramall Lane with a connection to Bulgarian football, raises more questions about the role of James Bord, the entrepreneur and former gambler who is now in the analytics business.

Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannon had warm words for Wilder this week but it's unlikely they will have been of much comfort after the home defeat to Charlton on his third return to the Bramall Lane hot-seat

SUMMARY

• Talk of interest in Patrick Bamford indicates a shortage of dependable firepower at the Lane.
• New coach Guillerme Ramos's appointment raises more questions about the influence of external connections in the club.
• Barry Bannon's words of encouragement cold comfort for Blades boss Wilder

Links referenced in this episode:

• viewfromthejohnstreet.com

Chris Wilder could hardly believe what he was seeing at a near sell-out Bramall Lane on his third return as manager. Having worked with his Sheffield United players for the best part of a week, there was little response. A 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic exposed all of the failings under sacked manager Ruben Selles as the rock-bottom Blades suffered their sixth straight Championship defeat.

Summary:

• United's disappointing performance against Charlton Athletic exposed a lack of cohesion.
• The Blades only managed a single shot on target.
• Chris Wilder expressed concern over the team's continual defensive lapses.
• The atmosphere fell flat, reflecting fans' frustration and disappointment.

Blades fans prayers are being answered. Chris Wilder is set to return for the third time, three months after being sacked. The controversial decision has backfired big-time on Sheffield United's American owners COH Sports. Wilder's replacement, Ruben Selles, a man whose managerial record is insignificant compared to his predecessor, has overseen six defeats from his six matches in charge, culminating in a 5-0 thrashing at Ipswich. That was the final straw. United, who went within a few minutes of reclaiming Premier League football in May, sit rock-bottom of the Championship with zero points and one goal. Now the owners are being forced to eat humble pie and return for the man they sacked three months after giving him a three-year contract extension.

Sheffield United fans are in a state of bewilderment and excitement. Over the course of just two weeks frantic transfer activity after weeks of stagnation, has transformed what was a grim outlook. And after all the speculation concerning prize asset Gus Hamer, he has somehow remained at Bramall Lane.

The club have reached the international break on the back of five straight defeats under manager Ruben Selles who is facing demands be sacked from a growing number of angry fans. The Spaniard initially disappointed about his bosses handling of recruitment, now finds himself at the helm of a squad that is very different from the one he inherited.

The new ownership, despite their perceived shortcomings, has eventually done good business. With 14 players arriving and 16 departing, United have made an estimated profit of approximately £11million.

On the footballing front, the additions are welcome, yet raise questions regarding balance. Recruitment appears somewhat scattergun, particularly in the defence where SIX centre-backs have been added.

Takeaways:

• The recent transfer window at Bramall Lane has been unprecedented in its late drama and activity.
• The management strategy appeared chaotic, leaving fans confused about the club's direction.
• Substantial changes means the squad now better reflects manager Ruben Selles's vision.
• Sheffield United's financial dealings have resulted in a net gain of approximately £11 million.
• The club has significantly strengthened its defensive ranks, adding six centre-backs.
• The signing of 33-year-old free agent Danny Ings may prove to be a masterstroke providing the experienced striker can stay fit.
• The arrivals appear to have bought Selles a little more time. He now appears in control of his own destiny which will be determined by the next few results.

Links referenced in this episode:

• viewfromthejohnstreet.com

Ruben Selles defiantly faced angry Blades supporters at the away end after defeat at Middlesbrough, Sheffield United's fifth consecutive loss under his leadership. 'Your getting sacked in the morning' they chanted, while choruses of 'Chrissy Wilder and Alan Knill' rang out frequently during the second half. Tellingly, the players maintained a discreet distance as abuse was hurled at their boss. For many Blades supporters, sacking Selles now, having reached the international break, seems an ideal time to replace him. But it's not that simple for the club's American owner who have dug themselves into a big hole. Also, is it only fair, after not supporting their man until late in the summer transfer window, that the Spaniard is given more time to try and turn a dire situation around with the influx of new arrivals at his disposal?

SUMMARY:

• Ruben Selles' defiant stand in front of angry Blades fans at Middlesbrough and lack of support from players demonstrate a troubling disconnect.
• Selles has evidently lost the confidence of both fans and players.
• The club's management faces a self-inflicted dilemma regarding Selles' future after five successive defeats under his leadership.
• United's poor showing this season also raises questions about the decision-making of the club's ownership.

Striker Danny Ings and defender Japhet Tanganga are the headline names added to Sheffield United's squad this week, following on from defender Ben Godfrey's arrival and debut last week. Suddenly, there is renewed hope for the future after a desperate start to the season under new manager Ruben Selles. Now, as the Blades prepare to face table-toppers Middlesbrough at the Riverside, Selles, under intense pressure from an unhappy fanbase suddenly has a chance to reset.

SUMMARY:

• The recent defeat against Millwall has left Sheffield United fans feeling disheartened and uncertain about the team's future.
• Frantic transfer activities have provided renewed hope for United as they seek to get their season on track.
• Manager Ruben Selles is under immense pressure to achieve a turnaround.
• The arrival of players like Danny Ings and Japhet Tanganga has positively affected the mood among supporters.
• Selles has to influence a dramatic turnaround between the two international breaks or surely his short time at Bramall Lane will be over..

Ruben Selles's future as Sheffield United's head coach must be in serious doubt after a home defeat by Millwall made it four from as many matches under the Spaniard. Next up is just what he didn't want – a trip to early Championship table-toppers Middlesbrough at the Riverside. But the international break which follows affords Selles an opportunity to rescue United and his job.

SUMMARY:

• Four defeats under Ruben Selles, three of them in the Championship, has resulted in Sheffield United already losing serious ground before the season's hardly got underway..
• Management issues, particularly in recruitment, have exacerbated the team's struggles and fan frustration but are not an excuse for the unacceptable performances being dished up.
• The upcoming international break and the fixtures that follow present an opportunity for the manager to redeem himself.
• Fans are growing increasingly impatient as expectations remain high for the team’s performance.
• The potential for a turnaround is there, but it's going to require a monumental effort from Selles and a buy-in from his players that hasn't been visible so far..