Sheffield United: Boss identifies the people he wants around him when Blackpool visit Bramall Lane
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Despite entering the meeting with Michael Appleton’s side on top of the table, United have taken only a point from their last three outings after drawing with Birmingham City and losing to both Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.
As well as telling The Star “these moments” are when players truly reveal their personalities, Heckingbottom also told those hoping to use the injury crisis engulfing Bramall Lane as an opportunity to secure permanent places in his starting eleven that they can make a “positive” impression by deliver assured performances this afternoon.
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Hide Ad“If you want an excuse to fail then yes, we’ve got one,” said Heckingbottom, referring to the fact nine of his most influential names are confined to the treatment room. “But we don’t want to make excuses and we don’t want to fail. That’s not what we want at all.
“In these moments, it’s much easier to make positive judgments when people step up to the plate. If they do that then we’ll view them in a really positive light, of course.”
Despite learning that Sander Berge, the Norway international, and Jayden Bogle, who had only just returned from knee surgery, are the latest additions to United’s casualty list, Heckingbottom’s plans for Blackpool were boosted when it emerged George Baldock and Anel Ahmedhodzic could both feature after taking part in training this week. Oli McBurnie is also available again following suspension. The striker had scored five times in his last seven appearances before being handed a one match ban under the totting-up rules.
Blackpool expect former United centre-forward Gary Madine to spearhead their front line despite a slight groin issue.
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Hide Ad“If you want an excuse, then it’s easy to look for them,” added Heckingbottom, whose team travels to Coventry City on Wednesday night. “It’s the people who step up and help you get over the line, those are the ones that you want around you. Those are the ones who make a difference.”