Alan Biggs: Moore to come from top team-spirit Sheffield United, says goalkeeper Simon

Sheffield United's indomitable team spirit is 'testament to the manager,' says one of his signings '“ 'for bringing not just players of fantastic ability to the club but a fantastic mentality as well.'
Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon MooreSheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore
Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore

By definition of that one-for-all mentality, the speaker is not talking about himself.

There is no “big I am” in this Blades team.

Hence they are as together a bunch as Bramall Lane has seen since the days of Dave Bassett and Neil Warnock, and, more fleetingly, the teams of Danny Wilson and Nigel Clough.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But, in making the point that holds so true, Simon Moore certainly embodies it.

Eyebrows were raised when Chris Wilder committed a fee rising to around £500,000 for the Cardiff keeper, which is well over the going rate for that position in the third tier.

But, as with other signings, the Blades boss paid for more than just ability, having thoroughly vetted the 26 year old’s character.

Similarly, it’s not just with physical presence that the 6ft 3in ‘keeper commands his area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Skipper Billy Sharp says of Moore: “The first thing we noticed in training was that he was shouting relentlessly at the back.

“Then the fans picked up on it. There’s 20,000 people but all you can hear is Simon screaming orders. It does help, makes you stay switched on.

“And he’s kept us in many games, helped us to a lot of victories.”

It can be a cliche for players and managers to glibly trot out references to a great team spirit.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tensions within are a natural product of a large group, especially in a frenzied environment like football. So it’s a pretty remarkable achievement when none are visible.

And when Moore makes a point of insisting there is “no animosity” in the camp you have to believe him.

All the evidence is there in the results and performances powering United to what will surely be a magnificent promotion. It is customary for even top teams to scratch out results at this stage of the season.

Not United with 12 goals in their last four games going into Saturday’s visit of Charlton. And, with Jay O’Shea having scored his first goal in the 4-2 midweek win at Swindon, all the January recruits have come to the party.