Sheffield United: Why a legend loves watching these Blades

Out of respect for Chris Wilder and his staff, Tony Currie rarely gets involved in footballing matters behind the scenes at Bramall Lane.
Lifetime Acheivement winner Tony Currie at the Star Football Awards: Glenn Ashley.Lifetime Acheivement winner Tony Currie at the Star Football Awards: Glenn Ashley.
Lifetime Acheivement winner Tony Currie at the Star Football Awards: Glenn Ashley.

But when the Sheffield United legend and former England international does express an opinion, his words carry weight, as assistant manager Alan Knill has revealed.

“TC will be delighted to see these two doing well,” he said, charting the progress of Mark Duffy and David Brooks. “Because I know they’re two players he really enjoys watching.

David Brooks (left) and Mark Duffy: Simon Bellis/SportimageDavid Brooks (left) and Mark Duffy: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
David Brooks (left) and Mark Duffy: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“Before we brought Duff in, whenever we spoke, he was always talking about him and saying what a good player he thought he was. The same goes for Brooksy who, of course, has come through the system.”

Duffy and Brooks were named United’s player and young player of the year respectively at The Star’s Football Awards dinner earlier this week. Currie, officially the greatest footballer ever to represent the club, was also recognised for his achievements in the game. Four months ago, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his arrival at United.

Currie used his acceptance speech to praise the work of Wilder and Knill since taking charge two years ago.

“What’s happened, they’ve brought the pride back again,” he said. “No matter what the result, win, lose or draw, it’s a delight to go and watch the lads at the moment, it really has.

“The way they go about things, the way they approach the games and their football in general, is just brilliant. It reminds me so much of our team in the Seventies.”