Sydie Peck on his debut Sheffield United season | OneFootball

If Sheffield United’s season had a bright spark. His name was Sydie Peck. It’s always exciting when a player comes through the academy. But when he’s got the ability. Plus, the passion to celebrate every goal more than the goalscorer. An adopted Blade from London goes from exciting to a new cult hero.

Recently, Sydie opened up on his first season, speaking to the club’s media team. Here’s what he had to say.

The Interview

Turning 20 in September, with Vinicius Souza, Ollie Arblaster, and Tom Davies in front of him. Unsurprisingly, Sydie Peck didn’t expect to play the 42 Championship matches that he contributed to last season.

After the unfortunate injury to Arblaster during the Steel City Derby. The Blades needed someone to step up and Sydie took his chance. Although, the young Blade is very humble about the chance he was given.

“It’s been a good season, a proud season for me.

“If someone said to me I’d make 40 appearances this season. I would’ve probably bit someone’s hands off for it.”

Sydie and the City

Sydie Peck as referenced before has become something of a cult hero. With his passionate approach to everything winning the hearts of all Blades. His growth as a cult player at the club was cemented when he was named Young Player of the Year.

The love between Sydie and the Blades works both ways with the young midfielder amazed by the support shown at games and on the streets.

“I hear them singing my name. When I’m playing it gives me a real boost. Around the city as well I see people singing my name just when I’m out walking.”

He admitted that his passion a key part of what makes him so beloved stems from his playing style.

“I don’t really think about that. I play my game and I’m passionate I want to win, I like to think that I’d do anything to win.

“It’s just a good feeling when we score a goal and we’re winning. I just come out with things in the moment.

“I don’t know what I’ll do when I score.”

The Bramall Lane atmosphere

When coming into men’s football it can be both exciting and daunting. Young players will only benefit from having a supportive crowd behind them. Sydie has been impressed with the atmosphere at beautiful down town Bramall Lane this season.

“When you’re the home side. I can imagine it’s very frightening as the away side. It’s a great atmosphere to play in been very enjoyable to play in every game.

“The Greasy Chip Butty song gets me going. It gives me goosebumps, a feeling I don’t think I can really describe it. Just makes me ready to go pumped up.”

Relationship with Brooks and other academy players

Peck wasn’t the only academy player to develop their game this season. Alongside him has been Andre Brooks and Femi Seriki. Peck and Brooks especially have had some great moments together with Sydie highlighting the match at Vicarage Road.

“It was one of the moments. The whole team had a great game we had to dig deep and get the win. Brooksie scored and I was delighted for him.”

Peck spoke about how important having his academy teammates in the first team with him in the 2024-2025 season.

“It’s helped all of us because we know how each other play. We’ve played with each other in the academy we know each other off the field as well. We’re comfortable around each other so it always helps.”

A re-cap of Sydie’s season

It’s safe to say Sydie Peck has had an excellent first season for Sheffield United. One he seemingly has taken a lot of deserved enjoyment from.

On a basic statistical level, whilst he and we wait for that first Blades goal. He managed two Championship assists. Ending the season with a solid pass accuracy of 81.7% and completing 11 successful crosses.

Defensively, he was also very solid. Peck won 55.9% of his aerial duels and 53% of his duels. He also completed 143 recoveries as he, Souza and Davies provided a strong barrier for the defence.

Most importantly both Peck and Davies stepped up when they were needed during a winter period without Souza or Arblaster. They held the fort until Souza returned and reinforcements like Hamza Choudhury could be signed.

With Peck ultimately doing such a good job that Choudhury could be shifted into fill the right-back slot.

Takeaways

Ultimately, Sydie Peck has had one of the best breakthrough seasons in recent times. A hard achievement given recent seasons have given us Ndiaye and Arblaster. But to come in during a time of uncertainty due to injuries and a thin squad. To play with the maturity of a more experienced player and simply get what being a Blades player is.

Sydie Peck has had a breakthrough season to remember. A breakthrough season that has led to rumours of West Ham looking to sign him. It’s likely they aren’t the only ones who may have interest in his services given his performances last season.

As Blades it can only be hoped the club hang on to him unless there is an offer too high for any one to refuse. Because, another season of Sydie Peck in midfield is something any Blades should want to see.