2008–09 Sheffield United F.C. season
During the 2008–09 English football season, Sheffield United F.C. competed in the Football League Championship.
| 2008–09 season | |
|---|---|
| Manager | Kevin Blackwell |
| Stadium | Bramall Lane |
| Championship | 3rd (qualified for play-offs) |
| Playoffs | Runners-up |
| FA Cup | Fifth round |
| League Cup | Third round |
| Top goalscorer | League: James Beattie (12) All: James Beattie (12)[1] |
| Highest home attendance | 30,786 (vs. Sheffield Wednesday, 7 February 2009) |
| Lowest home attendance | 23,045 (vs. Crystal Palace, 20 December 2008) |
| Average home league attendance | 26,023[2] |
Season summary
Despite the sale of the previous season's top scorer, James Beattie, to Premier League newcomers Stoke City during the season, Sheffield United improved on the previous season's unsatisfactory form and were unlucky to finish the season in third place, three points behind Birmingham City. With this third-place finish came qualification for the playoffs: after narrowly defeating Preston North End 2–1 over two legs in the semi-final, United reached the playoff final, against Burnley, at Wembley. United lost 1–0, to a 13th-minute strike from Wade Elliott, which saw United consigned to a third consecutive season in the Championship.
Kit
Sheffield United continued their kit manufacturing agreement with French company Le Coq Sportif, who produced a new kit for the season, designed by United season ticket holder Ben Frost. A black away kit with silver trim, chosen by the club's players, was also introduced. The previous season's black and fluorescent green away kit was retained as the third kit.
The club ended their kit sponsorship agreement with American bank Capital One at the end of the previous season. The new kit sponsor for the season was visit Malta.com.
Players
First-team squad
- Squad at end of season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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References
Notes
- Kenny was born in Halifax, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally through his parents and made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in June 2004.
- Montgomery was born in Leeds, England, but also qualified to represent Scotland internationally and represented them at U-21 level.
- Ward was born in Birmingham, England, but also qualified to represent Northern Ireland internationally through his grandfather and represented them at U-18 and U-21 level before making his international debut for Northern Ireland in August 2011.
- O'Toole was born in Harrow, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally through his grandparents and represented them at U-21 level.
- Starosta was born in Sheffield, England, but also qualified to represent Poland internationally through his grandfather and represented them at U-20 level.
- Armstrong was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and represented England at U-20 level, but also qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his grandmother and represented them at B level.