Where are the goals going to come from? When Sheffield United finally get their season up and running, there is still an issue which hasn't been talked about. Talk this week of interest in striker Patrick Bamford, a free agent after terminating his contract at Leeds, if true, reveals concern behind the scenes about United's firepower. Something that Blades boss Chris Wilder can't start to address until the January transfer window.

The appointment of Portuguese coach Guilherme Ramos, yet another addition at Bramall Lane with a connection to Bulgarian football, raises more questions about the role of James Bord, the entrepreneur and former gambler who is now in the analytics business.

Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannon had warm words for Wilder this week but it's unlikely they will have been of much comfort after the home defeat to Charlton on his third return to the Bramall Lane hot-seat

SUMMARY

• Talk of interest in Patrick Bamford indicates a shortage of dependable firepower at the Lane.
• New coach Guillerme Ramos's appointment raises more questions about the influence of external connections in the club.
• Barry Bannon's words of encouragement cold comfort for Blades boss Wilder

Links referenced in this episode:

• viewfromthejohnstreet.com

Chris Wilder could hardly believe what he was seeing at a near sell-out Bramall Lane on his third return as manager. Having worked with his Sheffield United players for the best part of a week, there was little response. A 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic exposed all of the failings under sacked manager Ruben Selles as the rock-bottom Blades suffered their sixth straight Championship defeat.

Summary:

• United's disappointing performance against Charlton Athletic exposed a lack of cohesion.
• The Blades only managed a single shot on target.
• Chris Wilder expressed concern over the team's continual defensive lapses.
• The atmosphere fell flat, reflecting fans' frustration and disappointment.

Blades fans prayers are being answered. Chris Wilder is set to return for the third time, three months after being sacked. The controversial decision has backfired big-time on Sheffield United's American owners COH Sports. Wilder's replacement, Ruben Selles, a man whose managerial record is insignificant compared to his predecessor, has overseen six defeats from his six matches in charge, culminating in a 5-0 thrashing at Ipswich. That was the final straw. United, who went within a few minutes of reclaiming Premier League football in May, sit rock-bottom of the Championship with zero points and one goal. Now the owners are being forced to eat humble pie and return for the man they sacked three months after giving him a three-year contract extension.