It's probably fair to say most Sheffield United fans would not have expected the start to the season they have had.

Chris Wilder's side sit in second spot after 16 matches and look like serious contenders for promotion to the Premier League.

One of the main reasons behind the Blades' success so far has been striker Leon Clarke.

The experienced frontman has look like a man possessed at times this season, and his eight goals have helped propel the Sheffield side right up the table.

The writers here at FLW have issued their verdicts on Clarke's season so far....

Chris Gallagher

Surprising!

Clarke has done extremely well this season, scoring eight goals. Although, they have incredibly only come from three games.

However, Chris Wilder has transformed him into a great team player and he has been influential behind the Blades great start to the season and not many could've seen that coming.

George Dagless

Unbelievable.

Clarke has been all over the place trying to find a club where he can settle down and score goals regularly and it appears he has at last found it.

Chris Wilder and Sheffield United have worked wonders with him and he now looks a formidable striker. Let's see if he can keep it up.

Adam Simeoni

Topsy-turvy.

One minute the player doesn't look cut out for this level, the next he's banging in four goals in one match.

Nobody can criticise Clarke this season after his eight goals, but will this run continue? Only time will tell, but he's unstoppable at the moment.

Alfie Burns

Sensational, he has been the Championship’s surprise package this season.

Clarke’s work-rate is phenomenal and he is adding more and more goals to his game, as he establishes himself as Wilder’s main man in attack.

The 32-year-old is a big game player, scoring goals against Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves, as well as putting in an unbelievable shift against Leeds last month.

However, his four goals against Hull last weekend was probably the season’s most clinical performance.