Garth Crooks is feeling the wrath of the Sheffield United fans after his latest comments about their club.
Speaking as a pundit on the BBC’s Final Score, Crooks watched the Blades’ Premier League trip to Chelsea.
At the time they trailed 1-0 to the Blues thanks to the first of two goals from Tammy Abraham. Down 2-0 at half-time, United came back to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge.
“I’ve got to say this is the third game I’ve seen Sheffield United. They’re going to struggle,” Crooks said.
“They lack potency upfront and quite frankly, I think their style of football is quite basic for the Premier League.”
(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Just as with Danny Mills and his suggestion on Sky Sports that the Blades are “direct”, what really riles supporters is the apparent lazy punditry.
Crooks is perfectly entitled to claim Chris Wilder’s side will struggle. That is his opinion and in truth, it is difficult for newly promoted teams to survive in the top flight.
What frustrates people is when they describe the style of sides they appear not to have watched. Calling United “basic” is in stark contrast to all those who have praised Wilder for his innovative tactics.
Tactics, it should be added, that have already earned his team five points in four league games. That has included points on the road against Bournemouth and Chelsea.
What these Sheffield United fans think of Garth Crooks comments
Disrespectful comments by Crookes. Lazy punditry. Great character shown by the Blades coming from two down, make the has-been eat his words United!
— Michael Rodgers (@Michael89300079) August 31, 2019
Pundits should have to explain what they are saying. This ignorant clown clearly has no idea what he’s talking about and just enjoys throwing statements out there with little/no research
— Luke speck (@Lukespeck2) August 31, 2019
Its ridiculous that he gets payed full stop for what he does. Also tried saying that Leicester would have 0 chance of getting close to top 6 and that Everton were looking better than them.
— Luke Waddington (@LWad2000) August 31, 2019
Lacking potency. That didn’t age will did it Garth !!!
— Sharpest Blade (@SharpestBlade) August 31, 2019
Has he ever watched us? Seriously BBC is this the standard of prep?
— Phil Hindley (@blademanphil) August 31, 2019
Lazy is spot on. He says he has watched us three times this season and I would imagine the total minutes would be less than twenty. He has pinched a living since he stopped playing
— Lee Dawson (@BlaaadesLee) August 31, 2019