Truth about Billy Sharp and Gary Madine as ex-Wednesday man surprised Sheffield United players

Sheffield United come up against a striker they know all too well tomorrow evening in Gary Madine.

The 31-year-old is now in the orange of Blackpool and having helped them to promotion last season is again proving influential, sitting joint top of their goalscoring charts with eight goals.

He's been in red hot form lately, scoring two in the last three to help the Tangerines pick up nine points and move to within six points of tomorrow's visitors in the final play-off spot.

Neil Critchley's men are looking for a fourth win on the bounce and both Billy Sharp and Paul Heckingbottom have been quick to point out the threat their former player poses.

Madine moved to Bramall Lane on loan in January 2019 as an insurance signing to help get Chris Wilder's side over the line in their push for promotion.

He more than played his part in the run-in but having criticised Billy Sharp on social media, his arrival did raise eyebrows among the Sheffield United fanbase.

However, Sharp says there was no problem between the pair when he joined.

In fact, Madine immediately surprised the players in training with just how hard he was willing to work and the now Blackpool striker enjoyed his time in the red and white.

“I think everyone thought he hated me because of something that came out on social media," Sharp explained.

"He’s a decent enough guy and he did well for us when he was here.

"I still speak to him every now and again. There's not much hate between us.

“I remember Chris Wilder saying to me does he mind me bringing him in because he must have thought also there must be an issue, but I said there's no issue from me and if he's going to help us get promoted then bring him in and do what we have to do.

“From the first day in training