When news was confirmed that Sheffield United had done a loan deal with Cardiff City for striker Gary Madine, it’s fair to say the Blades fanbase were a little bit split given his history.
Not only playing for the Hillsborough outfit, but there was also the clash with Billy Sharp previously that led Chris Wilder himself to criticise the now 28-year-old. Wilder did identify him as having a role to play for us in the second half of the campaign as we continue to fight for what everyone hopes will be automatic promotion to the Premier League, and Madine said all the rights things on his arrival, Sharp did as well, and Wilder asked for some patience from the fans and trust.
GOAL MACHINE 🔥
🏆 Today’s @doordeals MOTM is Gary Madine#SheffieldUnited #sufc pic.twitter.com/BVtXwuXac0
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 16, 2019
Last weekend’s clash with Reading saw tangible proof of that patience coming off as he scored a brace as we romped to a 4-0 victory as he built on his two assists so far.
Madine was obviously delighted, as was Wilder – but importantly so were the fans themselves as they took to social media to comment on his efforts.
what a game he’s had????⚽️
— CaitlinElise♡ (@Caitlinelisepe1) February 16, 2019
All were fantastic, but Madine was different class ⚔️
— Dave Ward (@wardyblade1975) February 16, 2019
If Carlsberg did Washing Machine's! Well done lad! ⚔️. Won the fans over!
— Jason Kinder (@JasonKinder38) February 16, 2019
Well @CardiffCityFC Mr Madine playing very well so far and 2 goals today ????????????
— Mark (@markmellars) February 16, 2019
Different class, what a signing
— Jamieirony (@IronsideJamie) February 16, 2019
Gary Madine is a bagsman
— Jobi (@Jobi_sufc) February 16, 2019
Hogan and Madine fully fit would be frightening in the championship the way we play #sufc #brilliant
— Matt Hodson (@FinZane) February 16, 2019
A Bramall Lane standing ovation for Gary Madine. Who'd have thought, eh? ???? The big man deserves it, though. What a performance, what an afternoon. Keep it up, Gaz!
????âš”#sufc #twitterblades— Blades Mad (@Blades_Mad) February 16, 2019
I was the same, how fickle we fans are. Make no mistake, I didn’t welcome him here and I don’t like what I know about him but I’m backing Wilders judgement, On the pitch Madine was brilliant yesterday.
— Geoff Calladine (@Glosblade) February 17, 2019