Nottingham Forest loaned Tyler Bindon out to Sheffield United in the Championship this summer, but the Kiwi international had a debut to forget against Bristol City.
Bindon joined Sheffield United in what looked to be the perfect loan destination for the centre-back, providing a step up in quality while also reuniting him with Rubén Sellés who was his manager at Reading.
Indeed, Bindon was excited about joining Sheffield United with the Sellés factor a major selling point, as well as the chance to be competing at the top of the Championship table.
However, the opening day couldn’t have gone much worse for Bindon and his teammates as they lost 4-1 at home to Bristol City, with the Forest loanee garnering criticism online.
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty ImagesTyler Bindon criticised after 4-1 Sheffield United defeat
Bindon won Reading’s Player of the Season before departing the club so there was an expectation that he would make the step up to Championship level without an issue.
On Saturday’s showing, though, the transition may not be so simple as Sheffield United fans took to social media to criticise his efforts.
One Blades fan said: “I’m not sure about Bindon, he looked out of his depth,” while another added: “Bindon got turned inside out for the first two goals.”
Have Bindon and Norrington Davies ever played football before ? Like seriously questioning if they’re even professional
— Connor Levesley (@levesley_connor) August 9, 2025
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One added: “Bindon was awful today,” with another Blades fan adding: ‘Bindon hasn’t filled me with confidence.”
Just take Bindon off. Put Knill centre half. Enough is enough #UTB
— Mat Coll (@ColliverM) August 9, 2025
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Another fan said: “Have we kept the receipt for Bindon?” While another said: “Bindon looked lost.”
Not the perfect introduction, then, but there were some signs to suggest that Bindon could grow into life at Championship level.
Tyler Bindon may need time to adapt to the Championship
His talent is well known, but at 20 years old and in his first Championship appearance, Bindon could’ve done with a calm, experienced head alongside him.
However, his defensive partner, Rhys Norrington-Davies, had an even worse afternoon at Bramall Lane, filling in as Sheffield United remain in the market for a stronger partner for Bindon.
There were some positive signs in Bindon’s display, completing the most passes in the game while also winning both of the tackles he attempted.
Hopefully, then, the Blades can find a defender to help the Forest loanee adapt to the league and show what he did at League One level.