Clear-out coming soon to Bramall Lane.

Article by Sheffield United Correspondent Sam Attrap

Come January, who will be on their way out?

Ahead of this weekends fixture against Bristol City, Nigel Clough has confirmed that he will allow on-loan Manchester City striker, Harry Bunn, to return to his parent club.

“We have five or six players ahead of him, so we do have to thin the squad out.” Clough told Radio Sheffield.

The manager has numerously stated that he will give all members of the squad a chance to impress before making decisions on their future at the club. With Bunn leaving, we can expect Nigel Clough to have started making some of those decisions.

Who’s likely to leave?

Marcus Williams

The left-back signed by Danny Wilson has only played 38 games in 3 seasons at Bramall Lane. This position has long been a weakness of Sheffield United squads and Nigel Clough has looked to rectify this by signing Aidy White and also looks likely to make Simon Lappin a permanent signing in January.

Marlon King

Although he has only been at the club for a short amount of time, King (33), was not a popular signing and reflected a panic-buy on the part of David Weir. Rumours that he commands a high wage, added to the fact that he does not appear to be a first-choice player may see him leave, straight back out of the revolving door.

Chris Porter

Chris Porter has long been maligned by fans who have portrayed him as the focal point of Sheffield United’s recent failures. The striker, who was previously sold by Clough at Derby, does appear in favour with the manager and has scored 2 goals in 2 games. However, it may be that Clough brings in a new, more prolific striker in January, which could facilitate a move away for Porter. Largely, this will depend on his performances up until January.

Matt Hill

As previously stated, the left-back has been a problem position at Bramall Lane. Hill has always been consistent defensively, but offers very little going forward. His position could be in jeopardy depending on how many players Nigel Clough brings in. More likely he leaves in the Summer though.

Michael Doyle

Although it would be surprising if Michael Doyle left the club in January, he has captained over a period of decline and his leaving the club would signal a freshening up of the squad. Many fans would welcome such a fresh start, not necessarily because of Doyle’s performance or commitment, but because of a need to progress and develop some of the more promising player. Nigel Clough may indeed turn to younger players because this system has proved successful for Swansea City and Southampton and seeing as many of David Weir’s signings reflected this system, it is plausible that players (Baxter, Cuvelier, McGinn, Coady,) may be blooded at Doyle’s expense.

I certainly expect Clough to make bold decisions when the window re-opens. It could be that we essentially write-off this season, whilst relegation is unlikely, to give players with more potential than the likes of Doyle and King etc, a real first team chance. Seeing as promotion is extremely unlikely, perhaps this would be more beneficial long term.

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