The Blades began the month by completing the signings of keeper Steve Simonsen (Stoke City) on a free transfer and midfielder Simon Walton (Plymouth Argyle) on a season’s long loan.
Simonsen was allowed to leave Premier League side Stoke City on a free transfer following a clause in his contract whilst former Leeds United midfielder Walton joins the Blades on loan for the entire season; although Argyle have the option to re-call and sell the player in January if they so wish.
The club also allowed Billy Sharp to leave the club; he was expected to join Burnley but in a twist joined South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers in a £1,100,000 transfer. The striker made 38 (16) appearances and scored 13 goals since he signed in July 2007.
The Red and White Wizards also announced the arrangement of a ‘massive’ friendly against South American club Champions Estudiantes de La Plata – the Argentinean club (managed by Ex-Blade Alex Sabella) will play at the Lane on 1 August.
It wasn’t long until the Red and White Wizards were back on the field; during July they were pitted against four English based sides (Mansfield Town, Burton Albion, Nott’s County and Rotherham United) as well as taking on a short trip to Malta for the second year running.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell fielded two sides at Field Mill; yet the home side dominated the first half but were rewarded in the second half when they scored past Estonian shot stopper Mihkel Aksalu.
Welsh striker Ched Evans came close to finding the net in the first half whilst Richard Cresswell was denied twice at close range whilst Leon Britton fired his free-kick over the top. Notable absentees from the visiting side were Jamie Ward, Darius Henderson, Stephen Quinn and Lee Williamson (injured).
New signing Simon Walton was stretchered off in that defeat at Field Mill and it soon emerged that the midfielder would be absent through injury for the entire season.
Three days later the Blades complete the signing of former defender Robert Kozluk on a free transfer following his release from Barnsley for whom he spent three years at Oakwell – he joins United on a twelve month deal. He was expected to complete a deal with Npower League One side Nott’s County until Kevin Blackwell stepped in at the last minute.
United also travel to the Mediterranean island of Malta to continue their pre-season preparations, initially playing two 45 minute friendly’s.
They went onto win the Maltese Cup after beating Hibernians (1-0) and Vittoriosa Stars (2-0) with goals from Richard Cresswell, Daniel Bogdanovic (penalty) and Adam Chapell.
Upon their return to England they recorded another loss to British opposition; Burton Albion winning 1-0; Daniel Bogdanovic starred in a team which failed to live up to its expectations.
Kevin Blackwell fielded three trialists during that defeat at the Pirelli Stadium; Gregory Vignal (ex-Liverpool and Birmingham City), Shaleum Logan (Manchester City) and Kerrea Gilbert (Arsenal); all would learn their fate days later!
In other transfer news, winger Kyel Reid leaves the Lane and joins up with Charlton Athletic whom he spent some time on loan with last season. He joins on a free transfer with a sell on clause included.