Blades boss focused on events on the pitch

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 20 November 2014


SHEFFIELD United’s progress on the field has been overshadowed by events off it — but Blades manager Nigel Clough insists things are moving smoothly.

The furore over the return to training of convicted rapist Ched Evans continues to rumble on, with athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill stating she would want her name removed from the Bramall Lane stand should the striker ultimately resume his career in a United shirt.

Charlie Webster, Dave Berry, Lindsay Graham and Paul Heaton have all resigned as patrons of the club’s Community Trust over the issue, and two sponsors have also threatened to cut ties

Released from jail last month, the 25 year old served half a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a Rhyl hotel room.

Evans denied the charge but was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court. An appeal was rejected and the case is due to be examined by the Criminal Case Review Commission.

While some would argue the club could have handled the matter more delicately, Clough is keen to focus on the present.

That means continuing to try improving the form that has brought 29 points from 16 games — three better than Athletic. The Blades also made it into the second round of the FA Cup this week.

“We keep hearing we are in crisis, but we are averaging something like two points a game since September,” Clough said. “If that’s a crisis, I’d hate to see what it’s like when there really is one.”