Our second programme review for the 2019/20 season has now been published. The review looks at Sheffield United’s impressive ‘UTB’ programme. Read our review of the issue below and click here to see all of the current season issues.
The Blades’ programme for their first top-flight season since 2006/07 is a 100-page A5 issue, titled ‘UTB’ – Up the Blades. With just 18 pages of advertising, UTB contains the joint-most pages of content of any issue in the league. These are used to good effect, with an impressive range of features, and an emphasis on retro articles that cover several points in the club’s history.
The historical articles are scattered throughout the issue, with many having a connection to the day’s opponents, Leicester City. ‘Fables & Folklore’ has Blades historian John Garrett discussing various matter relating to connections between United and Leicester. Here he recalls United’s promotion at Filbert Street in 1992 as well as various players to have turned out for the Blades and Foxes. Within the article, the author remembers Scotsman John Lang, who signed for Sheffield United for £75 in 1903. Lang stayed with the club until 1909 before another £75 transfer fee took him to Leicester Fosse, and one of his Scotland junior caps now resides at Bramall Lane.
Another former player to have appeared for both clubs was Alan Birchenall, who is the subject of a two-page photograph headed ‘From the Vault’. ‘Heroes and Villains’ looks at players that have hit the headlines in match-ups between United and Leicester down the years, while ‘Goalkeepers Union’ profiles notable keepers that have represented the Blades. Another player who connects the Blades and the Foxes is defender Colin Hill, who is the subject of a six-page interview, in which he looks back on the promotions he achieved with both clubs.
‘Team of the Year’ offers something a little different, recalling seasons in which United players have made the PFA Team of the Year. The feature recalls the PFA team, the Blades’ season, and the season in general – an imaginative piece that is well executed. ‘Cover Story’ looks back at past Sheffield United programmes, including images of the covers and information on the players and events featured. ‘Your Memorabilia’ meanwhile invites Blades fans to show off the United-related artefacts they have collected down the years. The programme also features the original artwork of Blades fan ‘Arty’ Bianco, with this issue including his ‘Pop Art’ style picture of former United striker Brian Deane heading home the Blades’ first ever Premier League goal against Manchester United in 1992.
In terms of more contemporary content, UTB includes several features with current players. ‘The Big Interview’ takes up eight pages, uninterrupted by adverts, and featuring plenty of text. The subject in the Leicester programme is new signing Luke Freeman, with the article including a career timeline and highlights. Other interviews include a discussion with midfielder John Lundstram, who had scored United’s winner against Crystal Palace the previous week, and defender Enda Stevens, who reflected on United’s positive start to life back in the big time.
Coverage of visitors Leicester City is spread over nine pages, with the section opening with a two-page spread that features a background image of the club’s stadium together with a large club crest and some introductory words on the club’s prospects. The next two pages provide a profile of Leicester’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, and an informative ‘Talking Tactics’ piece. ‘Ones to Watch’ picks out key Leicester players, here turning the focus on to ‘leader’ Johnny Evans and ‘match winner’ Jamie Vardy. These articles benefit from some nice design work, presented on a clipboard backing in the style of opposition scouting notes. The section also covers ‘Greatest Goal Scorers’, ‘All-Time Great’, and ‘Last Time We Met’. There is then a two-page feature looking back at memorable campaigns for the Foxes and a final section that provides various facts about Leicester’s stadium. This is a very well put together section, with a range of articles that could perhaps only be improved by more notes on the visitor’s squad.
The programme includes extensive club information. There is a column from manager Chris Wilder and several pages of news. ‘Snapshot’ is a photograph from a recent game, while there is a page of coverage for each of United’s under-23s, under-18s, and women’s teams. These include brief updates alongside fixtures and results – under the strapline “We’re All Blades Aren’t We?” Coverage of previous matches is well presented, with various photos from the games accompanied by line-ups, match stats, and ‘The Story’, which provides a brief commentary on key events from the match. The programme also includes ‘The Story so Far’ – a diary-style record of results and other developments at the club. A detailed stats section at the rear of the programme includes Premier League stats, appearance and scorer records, tables, and a two-page results and fixtures spread.
The number of features in the Sheffield United issue makes this programme an impressive read. With more than a dozen well-written original articles, and a welcome mix of historical and contemporary content, UTB contains a wealth of information about the club, past and present. With detailed club information and an equally impressive visitors’ section, all complemented by some well thought out design touches, this is an admirable effort from the Blades.