There was a buzz amongst many of the Sheffield United fanbase yesterday when an image of Jack O’Connell training was posted on the club’s Twitter account, only it wasn’t football that the Blades defender was training, as he was pictured Boxing with a sparring partner.
JOC prepping for 21/22. ?
? (‘jackoconnell22’) on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/aXPtADjrXo
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 30, 2021
The 27-year-old centre-back and has been at the club since 2016, but the Liverpudlian only played twice for Sheffield United this past season before a knee injury kept him out for the rest of the campaign as the Blades were relegated from the Premier League.
But Sheffield United fans were boosted by the image of O’Connell, who appears in good shape.
Sheffield United fans responded to the tweet joking that Championship attackers should be “scared” ahead of the new season.
Jesus. Imagine being an opposition striker and coming up against that next season ?? #sufc https://t.co/XOZbHYmBYO
— Danny Hall (@dannyhall04) May 30, 2021
Machine ?? https://t.co/mKMSVMPhBK
— ? Danny ? (@Danny42215339) May 30, 2021
Still working out whilst in what looks Dubai , how we missed him last season !!!
— brian wise (@nerjablade) May 30, 2021
Please don’t sell him
— Chopper (@joe_chopper) May 30, 2021
Solid!
— Paul Fey (@PaulFey3) May 30, 2021
He’s put some bulk on!
— Neil colclough (@Neilcolclough) May 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/JohnBrook51/status/1399099068044001290
He's masssssssiv
— Moorey (@LiamMoo83258862) May 31, 2021
O’Connell’s return to fitness comes as a timely boost for Sheffield United, who are preparing for life in the Championship again, under a new manager in Slavisa Jokanovic.
At least O’Connell has something to fall back on when his football career finishes. He wouldn’t look out of place on a pay-per-view fight for Eddie Hearn, would he?