28th March Neil Warnock has admitted swapping a defender for an attacker is a risk but one that he hopes will prove worthwhile. He has brought in Danny Webber from Watford but had to lose Danny Cullip as part of the deal."We've had to sacrifice Danny Cullip but that was the only way we were going to get Webber. We have taken a gamble by letting a defender go but you don't often get the chance to sign someone like Danny Webber" commented the Blades boss.

24th March The Blades have signed Watford striker Danny Webber on loan until the end of the season. The deal will see Danny Cullip going in the opposite direction. Webber arrived at Bramall Lane at lunchtime today to complete the signing formalities. the Blades have also agreed a fee of half a million pounds with Watford to sign Danny Webber on a permanent basis in the summer. As part of the the current arrangement, Blades defender Cullip will spend the remainder of the season at Vicarage Road. Also, neither player can take part in League match between the two clubs next month.

23rd March Danny Webber could join United before the transfer deadline after Watford admitted they would be prepared to sell him. The Blades are reportedly on the brink of signing the striker which could see defender Danny Cullip joining the Hornets. Neil Warnock is waiting to discover whether or not Watford still want to pursue the swap following manager Ray Lewington's surprise departure yesterday.

19th March Sheffield United 2 Burnley 1 (Attendance: 19,374)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Harley, Bromby, Jagielka, Montgomery, Tonge, Quinn (Thirlwell 82), Liddell (Francis 90), Gray, Kabba (D.Johnson 85).
Subs Not Used: Forte, Shaw.
Booked: Montgomery 11.
Scorer: Quinn 29, Gray 49.

The Blades moved into the top six with a 2-1 win against Burnley, to keep their play-off hopes alive. Burnley were made to pay for a plethora of missed chances as Alan Quinn and Andy Gray grabbed the goals with a late reply from Ade Akinbiyi for the Clarets. Burnley had the better of the proceedings early on. First, Lee Roche broke down the right and picked out midfielder Dean Bowditch. His shot was blocked but the rebound eventually found its way to John Oster on the flank. He chipped a cross to the far post for Graham Branch, whose header went into the side netting. Utility man Branch had another chance five minutes later when he worked himself some space on the edge of the box, but fired a right footer well over the bar. At the other end, Jon Harley blasted at shot over the bar after he was set up by Andy Gray's header from a Michael Tonge cross from the left. Burnley striker Ade Akinbiyi was inches away from opening the scoring in the 20th minute when Oster slid a pass through for him. He faced a tight angle but drilled a low shot at goal, which went just wide of the far post. Akinbiyi then laid a ball off for Bowditch and Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had to make a good save. Burnley were enjoying the better of the chances, but United were still probing and they were rewarded after 28 minutes had passed. Full-back Rob Kozluk made progress down the right side before delivering an out-swinging cross, and in the confusion that followed Clarets goalkeeper Brian Jensen palmed the ball straight into the path of Quinn who volleyed into the net from six yards. After 35 minutes, Burnley had another chance when Welsh international Oster floated a free kick into the box and Michael Duff headed straight at Paddy Kenny. Then, Andy Liddell slid a pass in for Blades striker Steven Kabba to shoot but Danish keeper Jensen saved with his legs. Burnley were lucky not to have a player sent off after a long ball found Kabba who was through on goal only to be brought down by Burnley defender Gary Cahill, but the referee after initially hesitating allowed the game to continue, much to the disgust of the Shoreham Kop. Just before the interval, midfielder Tonge picked out Gray in the area, but he fired over the bar. After four minutes of the second half, the Blades doubled their advantage when Quinn played a slide rule pass through for Gray, the ever busy striker made no mistake by placing a shot past Jensen and into the goal. Straight after, Burnley almost got back into the game when Bowditch crossed to the far post where Akinbiyi was lurking, but Kenny was present and managed to get a crucial hand to it and Akinbiyi was again denied. Akinbiyi was getting more frustrated with the lack of service from his team-mates and being jeered at his every touch. But the powerful striker would eventually to get his reply. Burnley substitute Ian Moore drilled a low cross into the area from the right and Akinbiyi made no mistake by firing a low shot past the wrong-footed Kenny. The Clarets continued to try to find a late equaliser but the Blades were resolute and with some outstanding defending led by Phil Jagielka and Leigh Bromby United held on for a deserved win and three more precious points in the chase for the play-offs.

18th March Neil Warnock may hand a first start to on-loan striker David Johnson, but Danny Cadamarteri is still out with a sprained ankle. Defender Chris Morgan is also still injured. While Danny Cullip is hoping to return to the side after recovering from a knock. Burnley have defender John McGreal banned after his sending off against Wolves in midweek. Midfielder Tony Grant picked up a injury in the same match is doubtful for tomorrows match at the Lane. The Clarets will be boosted by the return of striker Ade Akinbiyi who recently turned down a move to Bramall Lane - preferring a to move to Turf Moor instead!

18th March Luke Beckett has joined Oldham Athletic until the end of the season. The striker goes straight into Ronnie Moore's squad for Saturday's game against League One leaders Luton Town. A clause in the contract has been inserted that means that United have no means of re-call on the player for the remainder of the current campaign. Beckett has joined the Latics with a view to a permanent deal at Boundary Park.

15th March Sheffield United 1 Preston North End 1 (Attendance: 18,647)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Jagielka, Bromby, Harley, Liddell, Montgomery, Quinn (D.Johnson 81), Tonge, Gray, Kabba (Shaw 89).
Subs Not Used: Thirlwell, Geary, Cullip.
Booked: Montgomery 11.
Scorer: Bromby 31.

United picked up a point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane tonight. The Blades were the better side for much of the contest but were made to pay by their Lancashire visitors. United were almost ahead after four minutes, but Phil Jagielka's cross eluded Steven Kabba and Leigh Bromby in the middle. David Nugent responded for the Lillywhites by setting up American winger Eddie Lewis; although he went on to fluff his lines in front of goal. United were ahead moments later when Jon Harley's inswinging corner reached Bromby who lashed the ball home from close range. Harley's looping shot then deflected on to the crossbar and into the Kop shortly before the interval. Whatever Billy Davies said in his half time team-talk appeared to have the desired effect as Preston equalised within three minutes of the re-start. Richard Cresswell hooked the ball over his shoulder past the stranded Paddy Kenny. Preston came close to taking the lead moments later when David Nugent raced clear on goal but he was denied by an impressive save from Kenny. Michael Tonge tried to lift the Blades spirits with a jinxing run into the Preston penalty area but his skidding drive was well held at his near post by Chris Day. Andy Gray should have done better after connecting with Rob Kozluk's effort late-on. The Blades are two points behind sixth placed Reading with a game in hand and the game against Burnley on Saturday is now a must win match.

14th March The Blades have Danny Cadamarteri out with a strain ankle so Neil Warnock could hand a first start to on-loan David Johnson. Paul Shaw, Steven Kabba and Luke Beckett are available and are possible replacements for Cadamarteri. Andy Liddell was on the bench at Stoke and may be set for a return. Midfielder Michael Tonge could return and full-back Rob Kozluk is also vying for a starting place. Preston will give a debut to loan midfield signing Yoann Folly. Boss Billy Davies will be missing midfielder Dickson Etuhu, who starts a four-game ban, but defender Matt Hill is back in contention after sitting out Saturday's game against Wolves with a virus.

12th March Stoke City 2 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 17,019)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Bromby, Harley, Francis, Jagielka, Thirlwell, Quinn, Gray (Beckett 86), Cadamarteri (D.Johnson 72).
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Liddell, Barnes.

The Blades promotion credentials took another knock today when they went down 2-0 to promotion rivals Stoke City The Blades began the game three points ahead of the Potters and knew this was going to be a tough game And it was Stoke who began brightest - Clint Hill's dangerous cross from the left forced goalkeeper Paddy Kenny to punch clear. However, the Blades wasted little time in gaining a foothold and influential midfielder Phil Jagielka collected the ball 25 yards from goal before firing in a terrific right-footed effort which sailed narrowly over. The Blades passed the ball astutely and tackled with purpose, but struggled to penetrate a typically solid Stoke backline, with defender Gerry Taggart in imperious form to deny Danny Cadamarteri and Andy Gray any space. Gifton Noel-Williams tested Kenny from distance, before Jon Harley forced Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen into action with a 30-yard free-kick. Cadamarteri was proving a menacing presence, particularly down the right flank, but with Stoke boasting the best defensive record in the division - with just 24 goals conceded – the Blades could find no way past the domineering figures of Hill, Taggart and Michael Duberry. While United had shaded the first half, Stoke wasted no time after the restart in ensuring the attacking momentum swung back in their favour and with 11 minutes of the second period gone, they made the vital breakthrough. Noel-Williams was released down the left flank and broke into the Blades box and weaved passed Chris Morgan and Paul Thirlwell with disturbing ease before curling a superb shot into the far corner leaving Kenny with no chance. Suitably inspired, Stoke began to dominate and within two minutes they doubled their advantage. Defender Wayne Thomas delivered a superb right-wing cross into the Blades' penalty area and Noel-Williams was completely unmarked and left to nod home while statuesque Blades defenders look on. Jones then attempted to emulate Noel-Williams, only to see his fierce effort from the edge of the box tipped around the post by Kenny. Stoke held on comfortably in the end, while for United; the likes of Liddell and Montgomery spent the afternoon sat on the bench and David Johnson - who Neil Warnock had been pursuing for the past few weeks was left on the bench until we were losing 2-0 and then brought on! United remain 3 points off the final play-off position. We all want the best for the Blades, but are we a slipping up yet again!

11th March The Blades have doubts over Danny Cullip, Michael Tonge and Paul Shaw. Cullip picked has a slight strain in the victory over Crewe in midweek. Tonge picked up a knee problem in the FA Cup tie with Arsenal, while Shaw has had a virus. Steven Kabba looks likely to partner Andy Gray in attack. New signing David Johnson will probably start on the bench. Stoke have been hit by a flu bug which leaves them without Gerry Taggart, Clive Clarke and Lewis Neal for the match at the Britannia Stadium Striker Michael Ricketts hopes to recover from an ankle injury which has kept him sidelined since last month. Defender John Halls and midfielder John Eustace are still injured.

10th March The Blades have signed Nottingham Forest striker David Johnson on loan until the end of the season. The 28-year-old who recently fell out with Forest manager Gary Megson commented: "I haven't scored as many goals as I would have liked this season and my form hasn't been too good. I've kept my head down and worked hard and this opportunity has come up and it's great to be here." He added: "Hopefully I can help them get into the play-offs."

9th March Neil Warnock believes the Blades victory over Crewe has given his side's play-off bid a massive boost. Striker Steven Kabba and Andy Gray both scored twice in the 4-0 win at the Lane to leave United level on points with sixth-placed Reading. Warnock said: "It was good. We played some nice stuff on the whole. Andy sniffed a couple and Kabba took his goals well and Danny Cadamarteri was unlucky not to get one but we needed some goals to put the cat amongst the pigeons. I'm pleased for the crowd. The gate wasn't great but the fans who were here were superb. They were the ones that cared and showed their appreciation.

8th March Sheffield United 4 Crewe Alexandra 0 (Attendance: 16,079)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Harley, Morgan, Cullip (Geary 71), Jagielka, Thirlwell, Liddell, Quinn, Gray (Beckett 81), Kabba (Cadamarteri 67).
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Forte.
Scorers: Kabba 14, 66, Gray 39, 75.

Steven Kabba and Andy Gray grabbed a brace of goals as United thumped Crewe Alexandra 4-0 at Bramall Lane to rekindle their promotion hopes. The Blades duo both netted once in each half to help Neil Warnock's men pick up three much-needed points and condemn the Railwaymen to an eighth defeat in their last 11 outings. The Blades had won just once at home in the league since the turn of the year but never looked in much danger of missing out after Kabba grabbed his first after quarter of an hour. The pacey front-man's angled drive from the right side of the area proved too good for Ben Williams in the away goal, despite his despairing dive. Both Kabba and Gray missed chances to add to the lead soon after before the latter struck six minutes before the break as he swept home Andy Liddell's low cross from the right wing. It was no more than United had deserved for their enterprising play, although Crewe did have their chances on the break with Michael Higdon forcing Paddy Kenny into a good save and Mark Rivers failing to hit the target from 12-yards out. Warnock has been on the lookout for a new striker to pair with Gray, but he could already have that striker in Kabba. Indeed, Kabba's determination to make something out of every chance gave United the cutting edge that had been lacking in recent weeks. The second half started in similar fashion to the first with the United in total control. Williams was forced to dive on a loose ball in the box to stop Liddell from shooting, although the keeper had little chance just after the hour mark as Kabba slotted home his second of the evening from the edge of the area. That proved to be his last contribution to his team's cause as he was substituted soon after to a standing ovation from the Lane faithful. It was not to be the end of the action; however, as his replacement Danny Cadamarteri struck a post with a powerful shot and then headed over from close range. Gray showed his new partner how to find the target when he reacted quickly to ram home a rebound after seeing his first effort blocked by the keeper. So the Blades are back on track, and the only disappointment on the night was the dire attendance of only 16,079 – that’s 11,000 down on the match with Arsenal last week. Obviously some (so called) fans want Premiership football and to see United play the nations top teams, but are not prepared to support the Blades in their attempt to achieve it - even when the club reduce the prices!. Still, tonight’s performance was just what the Blades had needed at home - a resounding win, and now we need to build on it.

7th March Neil Warnock must again make do without a trio of key players for the home clash with Crewe. The Blades have striker Paul Shaw struggling with a virus, while full-back Rob Kozluk serves the second game of a three-match ban following his red card for the reserves. But the biggest blow is the continued absence of midfielder Michael Tonge, who has failed to shake off the knee injury that kept him out of the 1-0 weekend defeat at Cardiff. Stephen Foster looks set to return to the starting line-up for Crewe. The defender missed the 4-1 defeat by Wolves on Saturday after picking up a straight red card at Plymouth. Boss Dario Gradi could also recall Colin Murdock after being left out in favour of Adie Moses as Crewe look to end a run of 10 games without a win.

6th March Coventry's Stern John is not the only player to be receiving interest from the Blades at the moment. Neil Warnock is has enquired about a number of Sky Blues' players with Gary McSheffrey who is out of contract at the end of the season believed to be one of the possible players. City manager Micky Adams said: "Neil Warnock has spoken to me in the past few days but he has inquired about a few of my players rather than one specific player. "But nothing more has come from that." The Blades bos has been linked with several forwards including David Johnson of Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rover's Jon Stead. "I've spoken to three or four this week, but there's nothing concrete," Warnock said. "It's proving a real struggle to get players in at the moment, but we'd like to do something because we've got five games in the next 15 days - then after that we've none for two weeks."

5th March Cardiff City 1 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 12,250)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Bromby, Cullip, Harley, Jagielka, Montgomery (Quinn 83), Liddell (Francis 84), Gray, Beckett (Kabba 69).
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Thirlwell.

The Blades lost ground on the promotion chancing teams this afternoon, after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Cardiff City. Weather conditions were set to influence matters and it was United who had the wind behind them in the first half. The Blades had the better of the opening exchanges with Andy Liddell firing a good shot low from a free kick, saved well under pressure by Cardiff keeper Neil Alexander. After 10 minutes, Leigh Bromby got in at the far post to connect with a free-kick but couldn't make enough contact to worry the Bluebirds goal. A blow for Lennie Lawrence’s men came after twelve minutes as Peter Thorne went off with a suspected hamstring problem replaced by Lee Bullock and leaving Cameron Jerome a single striker up front for the Bluebirds. Paddy Kenny was making the most of wind; his 80 yard wind assisted kicks were cutting out the whole of the midfield, as he attempted to put pressure Cardiff’s rear guard. Then, Derek Geary got one the end of a Jon Harley free-kick but only succeeded in embarrassingly putting the ball out of the ground. After 20 minutes, Lee Bullock charged into the Blades penalty area, the ball eventually found its way to Richard Langley of the right who shot, but Kenny tipped the ball on to the post and out. As the half progressed, the Blades looked more likely to find a break through with Kenny’s high punts, but couldn't Gray and Beckett could not do anything with the Blades keepers’ bombs'. The game was very scrappy as the ball resembled a pinball bouncing back and forth, Cardiff were still dangerous and Langley fired a screamer from distance over the crossbar. Overall the half was lacking in any quality from either side and finished goalless after one minute had been added. No substitutes were made at the interval as City aimed to take advantage of the wind and faced their faithful. United playing against the wind tried to respond as they struggled to get their midfield into the game more. Nick Montgomery fired in a good near post cross it was just too high for the Blades front men. After 55 minutes, Langley slipped a neat ball to the impressive Jobi McAnuff but his final shot was just wide. Seconds later Kenny saved superbly to deny Jerome as Cardiff applied the more pressure. After 75 minutes, Cardiff went ahead; McAnuff ran to the by-line beating Geary in the process and then cut the ball back into the Blades area. Although United had plenty of players between the ball and goal, the ball stopped at the feet of Ledley who shot from 8 yards through the Blades defenders to give the Bluebirds the lead. The Blades momentarily reacted well and Phil Jagielka's fired from 20 yards and Alexander got behind the ball for the save. Although United made use of all their three substitutes they never looked like finding a way. It had been a disappointing afternoon, especially after the Blades heroics last week in the Cup. But, United need to win Championship matches, and are now losing ground on the play-off contenders and even more worryingly not scoring goals. We desperately need to beat Crewe on Tuesday.

4th March Defender Danny Cullip is expected to return to the squad for United's trip to Cardiff City. The Blades centre-half is available again following suspension, while striker Luke Beckett and Tommy Johnson also hope to be included. Ashley Ward and Danny Cadamarteri boosted their match fitness with a run-out for the reserves this week and are also pushing for a return. Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny is expected to start again in goal for the Blades. Cardiff could make up to three changes with central defender Tony Vidmar certain to give way to James Collins, who missed the clash against Sunderland because of a one-game suspension. Vidmar could retain his place in the team by moving across the back four as left-back Chris Barker is still suffering from a ligament strain. The Bluebirds are still without defender Gary Croft, who is still recovering from major surgery to rebuild a knee.

1st March Sheffield United 0 Arsenal 0 (2-4 pens) (Attendance: 27,595)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Bromby, Harley, Liddell, Montgomery, Jagielka, Thirlwell, Tonge (Quinn 97), Gray.
Subs Not Used: Francis, Kabba, Shaw, Haystead.
Booked: Morgan 112.

Sheffield United fans can feel proud tonight after Neil Warnock’s men held Premiership Arsenal to 0-0 in a titanic struggle at the Lane, before finally bowing out after a penalty shoot-out. With the game somehow having finished scoreless after 120 minutes of unrelenting effort from the Blades, The Gunners held their nerve to emerge victorious after a dramatic shoot-out. The Gunners won 4-2 on penalties, with Lauren, Patrick Vieira, Freddy Ljungberg and Ashley Cole all scoring as the Blades missed twice to lose out. The best chance of the night arrived within the first 60 seconds of the game, and Michael Tonge will still be wondering how he missed. Andy Gray escaped down right and did brilliantly to pick out Tonge with his low centre, but the midfielder somehow contrived to shoot high and wide of an empty net from no more than five yards. After 15 minutes, Francesc Fabregas cut in off the right flank and was brought down on the edge of the box after a one-two with Arturo Lupoli. The referee allowed play to continue as the ball fell for Ljungberg, but the Swede could not find the target with his effort. Vieira escaped attentions of Jon Harley and marauded clear down the right before delivering an right-wing cross that Paddy Kenny grabbed at the second attempt with Lupoli ready to pounce as the Gunners struggled to find a foot-hold. The Blades made a quick start to the second half and created a good chance within a minute. Paul Thirlwell's cross from the right was missed altogether by Andy Liddell at near post, but ran to Harley at the far who could get no power on his right-foot effort. Shortly afterwards, Mathieu Flamini's tackle on Tonge released Arsenal substitute Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, but the Dutch striker shot early and without conviction allowing Paddy Kenny to make a comfortable save from the Gunners best chance of the night. Arsenal started to enjoy more sustained pressure, as United struggled to clear the ball from their half. Kenny did well to keep out a volley from Fabregas, and moments later Vieira slid in the Spaniard with a ball and only a last-ditch clearance from Derek Geary prevented the Gunners from scoring. Fabregas went even closer to breaking the deadlock on the hour-mark when he rifled against the bar from 25 yards following after a Chris Morgan clearance fell nicely for him. The Blades most dangerous moments increasingly came from set pieces, especially long throws from Leigh Bromby with Morgan flicking one such hurl narrowly over ten minutes from time, while at the other end Fabregas drew another save from Kenny after a surge into the box. With just three minutes remaining Tonge, had a chance to settle matters but was denied by a recovering tackle from defender Pascal Cygan, while Harley had an even better opportunity as the game entered injury time, but saw his goal-bound header from Geary's fine cross well tipped over by Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. Owusu-Abeyie's run almost carved out a goal for Freddie Ljungberg in the first period of extra-time, but the ball wouldn't fall for the Swede on his left side. In the second period, Cygan somehow dragged wide of the target when a right-wing corner had run through to him at the far post. With the prospect of a shoot-out looming, Arsenal substitute Jeremie Aliadiere almost scored with his first contribution, but Kenny made a fine stop at his near post after a miss hit Kolo Toure free-kick had run kindly for the Frenchman. And so to penalties at the Kop end and Arsenal coolly converted all four of their efforts with relative ease, while misses from Alan Quinn and Harley ended United's dreams of the FA Cup for another season.