Ahead of the visit of Sheffield United, Blade's supporters 'HeCanDoMagic' and 'NorfolkBlade' from the forum at S24SU.com answer our questions.

How long have you supported Sheffield United?

HeCanDoMagic: As is standard practice in Sheffield - you're either born a Blade or an Owl, so whether you're aware of it or not from the day you're born your allegiance has been pledged. In my case I have clocked up 30 years as a Blade.

Went to my first games in the 88/89 season and have seen many highs and lows since then. Served my apprenticeship by going to games with my Dad before finding the joy of beer and away games in my teens.

NorfolkBlade: Since about 2000/2001, so around 12 years.

What are your memorable moments and games between the U's and Blades?

HeCanDoMagic: Having not crossed paths that many times in my lifetime the first real memory for me is when we met at Bramall Lane in the 07/08 season. It was our first game following relegation from the Premier League and was Bryan Robson's first game in charge (the less said about that period the better!). For all his faults, Robson did at least do one thing right - bring James Beattie to the Lane. Beattie made his debut that day and scored in a 2-2 draw. You played without fear and we could have had no complaints at the result.

We played you at Layer Road (I bet you miss that place) the same season and saw Luton Shelton bag a rare goal in another draw.

NorfolkBlade: I've only actually seen us play Colchester the once, which was at your place last season. Nice ground but was a freezing cold night and we were lucky to come away with a point actually!

How has your team changed since we last played each other? (13th March 2012 - a 1-1 draw)

HeCanDoMagic: Quite drastically. Ched Evans has obviously left us, Richard Cresswell won't be featuring this weekend (for non footballing reasons) and two of our main attacking threats have also left the club in Lee Williamson (contract expired and now at Portsmouth) and Matt Lowton (Aston Villa). Our keeper that day, Steve Simonsen has also departed.

Between the 4 outfield players they contributed around 60 goals (which doesn't include assists) to our season and so that's going to be a major loss for any team. However, I think Danny Wilson has been quite astute in the transfer market, and as well as re-signing Kevin McDonald (our creative centre midfielder) he has brought in John Cofie (a young striker) on loan from Man United, Nick Blackman (striker) from Blackburn Rovers and Tony McMahon (right back) from Middlesbrough. The latter being quite a major coup given some of the clubs who were reportedly in for him.

It's early in the season and so very hard to tell if the new players can gel and provide half decent replacements, however there are some good early signs so fingers crossed. What is important is that we can maintain our passing and attacking approach to games. When you've had Dave Bassett, Neil Warnock and Kevin Blackwell as managers seeing the ball on the floor is a refreshing change!

NorfolkBlade: Drastically, although I'm glad the middle of the park hasn't changed at all. McDonald (if he keeps fit) will be a key player again for us this year. Of course we lost some key players who will be difficult to replace given financial constraints, but that said, I'm impressed with the new additions. Blackman looks a very capable player, quick, powerful and an eye for goal.

What are your expectations this season?

HeCanDoMagic: In the immediate aftermath of the play-off final defeat I think most fans expected a mass clear out of players and were not expecting another 90+ points haul. However, we have kept hold of Kevin McDonald, Harry Maguire, and Stephen Quinn - 3 players that all played major roles last season. With some good additions confidence has crept back in and I think most fans will be disappointed if we're not challenging for automatic promotion again. With our Play-Off record I think most Blades want a 1st, 2nd or 7th finish!

Our pre-season form was good - beating a couple of Maltese teams on our tour and then beating Morecambe and Rotherham. Our first ‘competitive' game against Burton in the League Cup was played at a pace more familiar with a friendly. We looked sluggish and to be fair struggled against a decent looking Burton side (their recent results backing this up).

Against Shrewsbury too on the opening day we looked a bit lethargic, even after going ahead on 4 minutes. Last season we would have gone on to dominate and win by 2/3/4 goals. However I'm hoping this is just early season rustiness – and let face it if we can pick up a win whilst not in top gear then that's got to be a bonus. I wasn't at the midweek game against Coventry but I hear we were improved but lacked a cutting edge. How we miss the goals of Evans!

NorfolkBlade: Realistically we must be looking for at least a play-off position again this year, which I think we should be able to manage, but hopefully we will go one better and not need to go through them this season. Our record in the play-offs as everyone knows is atrocious! Pre-season seemed to go ok, I was worried after our first game at home to Shrewsbury, but it sounds like we improved much more away at Coventry on Tuesday. That said, Shrewsbury are a good side and actually managed to beat Preston midweek, which would suggest they should not be taken lightly and a hard fought 1-0 was indeed a good result.

Who is your danger man?

HeCanDoMagic: Going on the last few games I have to say I think Nick Blackman is the one to watch. His hold up play has been impressive and has a decent turn of pace. Having played for Blackburn and a couple of Scottish Premier League teams he's obviously got something and his goal against Coventry will give him even more confidence. And, although he splits opinions amongst Blades fans, Stephen Quinn is often singled out by opposition fans as being our most influential player. He came through our academy and made his debut in our most recent Premiership season. He'll start on the left of midfield but will roam around looking for the ball to link up with the strikers.

NorfolkBlade: Would have to say there are three danger men in Quinn, McDonald and Blackman. If these three can link up and create chances/put them away, then we will be in a great position come the end of the season.

What do you know about our team?

HeCanDoMagic: I know your current team includes Clinton Morrison, and so with his Sheffield Wednesday connection can expect a ‘nice' reception from our fans! Anthony Wordsworth is a player that's always stood out - a good attacking midfielder and one that has always been mentioned amongst our fans as someone who we could perhaps try and pinch off you (and it would have to be pinch, because we're skint!). Freddie Sears I think will prove to be a smart acquisition for you too - should be able to get amongst the goals at this level.

I was gutted when you moved from Layer Road, one because I never got to visit, and two it meant moving to a new style stadium in the middle of nowhere. Don't get me wrong from a financial and corporate aspect it's almost a necessity for clubs these days, but from a purist point of view it's a hard thing to get used to. Having not been to the new stadium I will await making a verdict on the atmosphere (these new stadiums can be a bit soulless), but I doubt it could compare to what a packed ‘proper' ground like Layer Road could create.

NorfolkBlade: Despite being local(ish), not a great deal. I know you've recently moved grounds and have managed to sign some good players this summer (Sears being an example of this). And of course, I know you can't be doing with Norwich especially after the Lambert saga. It's funny how some people never change and how he was quick to bin them off and move on to Villa. Your 7-1 demolition of that lot a couple of years ago was absolutely brilliant - I never let them forget that when they remind me where my beloved Blades are currently residing, and they hate being reminded of it!

What's your prediction for the game?

HeCanDoMagic: If we can begin to re-create the fluidity of our attacking play from last season then I would be confident of a victory. However that may take some time to get back, so I think we may have to settle for a point. My head says 1-1 (Sears and Blackman). My heart tells me that if we score early then confidence will grow and we could perhaps go on to win 2-0. I'll go with my head.

NorfolkBlade: I think it'll be a tough fought draw, probably 1-1 and much like last season. If there is a winner, it will only be by an odd goal and I can't call a winner!

Will you be bringing a crowd?

HeCanDoMagic: Last season only that lot from across our glorious City could rival our away support. Whether numbers will fall this season I'm not too sure (there may have been a novelty value in visiting new grounds after spending many a year going to the same old stadiums in the Championship). I'd say at least 2,000 will make the trip.

NorfolkBlade: I honestly don't know, but if we travel like we did last season, then yes I would think so.

Finally, some imprisoned footballers get a second chance in the game - when the time comes that Ched Evans is released, would you have him back?

HeCanDoMagic: Ah, save the tricky question till last! It's obviously a very tough subject, and one that everyone, football fan or not has an opinion on. I think as a club Sheffield United have handled the situation very well, refusing to make any rash statements and being quite dignified about the whole saga.

During the trial SUFC fans on the whole went with the 'innocent until proven guilty' approach, and as such supported him on the pitch - and lets face it he was producing the goods, even given the scrutiny he was under. However if you go with that approach you then also have to accept the decision of a courtroom - and he was found guilty and finds himself behind bars.

An appeal is in process but as fans and a club we have to move on until the outcome of the appeal is known. If his appeal is successful - then yes I would take him back - the court system would have found him innocent (although even if they do it can take nothing away from how stupid he was to put himself in the position he did). If his appeal is unsuccessful and he serves his time then that's a far harder question to answer. Prisoners for less and worse crimes are released each day and integrate back into society with jobs/careers in all sorts of industries. Should a football club be any different to any other business?

I think the fans would be split, some would believe that he would be entitled to move on once a sentence is served, others will not want him to have anything to do with our club ever again. For me I honestly don't know what I'd think until the day comes. For the time being he's rightly behind bars and the club goes on without him.

NorfolkBlade: Personally I wouldn't, I think as a club we have to move on and look forward, regardless of what opinions we may have on whether he was guilty or not. What's done is done and we should be looking to the future rather than the past. Our history of bringing players back in recent years has been poor to say the least (Marcus Bent and James Beattie unfortunately spring to mind immediately). Granted they are much older than Ched will be on his release, but I don't think you should ever go back.

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