The loan route into United’s first team
Promise: Erik Tonne is among the Lanes young talents
Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson has challenged Erik Tonne to use his loan spell with Blue Square Conference Premier side York City as a springboard into the first team at Bramall Lane.
Despite being dispatched to Bootham Crescent for the rest of the season, the Norwegian winger is among a clutch of players Wilson believes have the potential to forge successful careers in South Yorkshire.
Tonne, whose last appearance for United was three months ago, is expected to make his debut for Gary Mills’ side when they face fellow promotion hopefuls Grimsby Town this weekend.
With United chasing an instant return to the Championship, the 20-year-old would have suffered from a dearth of opportunities had he remained at Shirecliffe, but Wilson said: “You can’t beat playing competitive football when it comes to building someone’s experience.
“Playing against hardened professionals for points is, ultimately, what it’s all about.
“When, in some cases, people’s careers and livings are on the line, it’s an excellent learning curve.
“What Erik has got to do now is soak all of that up and put the knowledge he gleans to good use when he comes back.”
Mills, a former teammate of Wilson at Nottingham Forest, revealed he needed to persuade United that City could provide the right environment for Tonne to flourish.
“I spoke with Danny and they (United) were a bit reluctant to let Erik come out,” he said. “Nevertheless, they feel it is right for him to come here and that’s great for us.
“Erik is a good player and he’s hungry to do well in this country.”
Tonne has hit the target twice for United this term. Having opened his account in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy success over Burton Albion, he also produced a superb finish in the League One rout of Bury.
“We need another midfielder and someone who can score us goals from that area,” added Mills.
“That’s why we brought Erik here.
“We feel as if he can create too because he’s a good crosser of the ball and obviously knows where the net is.”
With last weekend’s game against Colchester postponed due to a frozen pitch at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, United return to League One action when they host Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Wilson’s charges, who are fourth in the table, trail second-placed Sheffield Wednesday by four points but have played two matches less than their arch-rivals.
With a visit to third placed Huddersfield Town following hot on the heels of their outing against Wanderers, United’s margin for error is uncomfortably slim.
Hence, Wilson’s preference for deploying tried and tested names rather than gambling on youth and inexperience.
Nevertheless, as the decision to offer Danny Philliskirk a new contract demonstrates, Wilson’s conservative selection policy should not be interpreted as a slight on those looking to progress through the ranks.
David McAllister, the United midfielder, has impressed since joining Shrewsbury Town on loan last month and could extend his stay at Greenhous Meadow.
Wilson, speaking soon after McAllister’s move to Shropshire, said: “David is scheduled to stay there for a month but, depending upon the situation, could stay there for longer.”
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Comments
There are 11 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Blade 1889
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 02:15 PM#8 your comment is beyond hypocritical. Its only Wednesday that have been hauled up in the courts for not paying tax. Not United. It’s actually your shocking club that is constantly dragging the city’s name through the courts. United are not responsible for Ched’s actions and are simply doing the decent thing and standing by an employee who is innocent until proven otherwise. You’ve obviously got a selective memory because if it wasn’t for more money than sense Mandy then pigs would be history now, that’s how close it was.
Donny Blades
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 10:03 AM@4. England have stripped Terry of captaincy he can still play for his country! Evans is not captain so he cannot be stripped of it, he can still play for SUFC though so that blows that one out a water!
steelcItyblue.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 08:37 PMim going to sue you comment 6 for impersonating me and making fun. Youve been told. im steelcityblue a real miserable piece of LINCOLN5H1TE DIRT and telling tales and being mardi is the sort of thing im good at! Stroll on.
PaulSheffield
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 06:38 PMWell now our mega rich owner has been cleared we can now wait for the next shocking set of accounts from the blades which will show them rocketing towards bankcruptcy and then dragging of the cities name through the courts with the alleged rapists case Shocking club shocking....
ROYKNOWSBEST
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 05:23 PM@4 BLAH BLAH BLAH PIGGY PAUL.
steelcityblue the runt of the litter
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 04:49 PMThis little piggy went to market. Skeg Ness market. It was cold but worth it for the bargains.....wee wee wee
lanzarote owl
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 01:24 PM@2 you´ll find not guilty is something you get after being tried, its not proven either way yet.
PaulSheffield
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 01:10 PMYup for months they made their mouth about him being sent down for a paltry amount it was OBVIOUS it was BS and the tax man trying his luck As usual they always get it wrong .... Now lets see how their alleged rapist goes on At Least England had the decency to out Terry unlike the Blades who continue to play this man tarnishing football .... SWFC the only club with integrity in this city
lanzarote owl
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:52 PMDifference being Manderic has already been tried.
HideTheCretinsForTheGoodOfSheffield
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:25 PMThink you'll find Ched is also still NOT guilty - until proven otherwise.
lanzarote owl
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 11:42 AMManderic not guilty, lets see how Ched does eh!
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