31st December Sheffield United 2 Stoke City 1 (Attendance: 21,279)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Unsworth (Kozluk 56), Geary, Jagielka, Quinn, Montgomery (Tonge 74), Shipperley, Webber, Kabba (Ifill 59).
Subs Not Used: Gillespie, Shaw.
Booked: Unsworth 52, Bromby 90, Tonge 90.
Scorers: Montgomery 18, Morgan 90.
Man of The Match: Chris Morgan.

A stoppage time goal by defender Chris Morgan ensured United would end the year on a winning note. The Blades captain placing a header beyond Stoke goalkeeper Steve Simonsen's left hand in the 91st minute to secure all the points. Stoke started the better of the two teams, with United's Paddy Kenny the busier of the two keepers as he turned striker Sam Bangoura's close-range volley around the post before denying Luke Chadwick from twenty-yards. Soon sfter, the Blades had a chance as Alan Quinn and Neil Shipperley combined well before Danny Webber‘s left foot shot was saved by the Potters goalkeeper. Midfielder Chadwick looking dangerous for stoke on the right and was again heavily involved as he crossed for Paul Gallagher to curl over, but Stoke were made to pay in the eighteenth minute. Simonsen failed to hold David Unsworth's teasing free-kick and Nick Montgomery was on hand to lash home through a crowd of players from the edge of the area and give the Blades the lead albeit against the run of play. Quinn fired wide as United tried to grab a quick second. Then, the Guinean frontman Bangoura saw two efforts blocked before Darel Russell fired harmlessly over. In the final moments of the half, Unsworth delivered a corner and Montgomery shot over. Kabba and Webber switched wings at the start of the second half and with Unsworth looking fatigued today; he was replaced by Rob Kozluk with Derek Geary shifting to left-back. The equilser finally came on the hour as Stokes giant striker Mamady Sidibe poked past Kenny after Leigh Bromby had initially blocked Chadwick's effort. United made another substitution, with Ifill replacing an out-of-sorts Steven Kabba. Soon after, Bangoura had a claim for a penalty turned down after falling under the challenge of Bromby and Chadwick fired over from long-range on two occasions. Stoke keeper Simonsen then blocked at the feet of Quinn before Russell fired straight at Kenny at the other end. Quinn then beat the Stoke's defence before setting up Shipperley who uncharacteristically ballooned into the Kop. After 76 minutes Chadwick shot just over and a then a minute later he forced Kenny to tip over as he cut in from the right once again. However, with the refereehaving just indicated that their was four minutes to be added and with Blades fans around the stadium creating a deafening atmosphere, substitute Michael Tonge nicked the ball from Hannes Sigurdsson and found Phil Jagielka to cross for Morgan, who sent a looping header beyond Simonsen into the far corner to send the Shoreham Kop into a frenzy of celebration. And in the last moments United had a momentary scare, when Sigurdsson's header from Dave Brammer’s corner was desperately hacked off the line by Geary. So, a fantastic battling performance from the Blades and it leaves United well placed for a 2006 and their surge to the Premiership.

30th December Midfielder Alan Quinn is expected to return to United's squad for the visit of Stoke City. Quinn missed the 1-0 win at Southampton due to a groin strain but will be available as the Blades look to secure back-to-back victories. Neil Warnock has no other new injury or suspension problems, but defender Craig Short remains sidelined due to his calf injury. Paul Ifill, Lilian Nalis and Paul Shaw who were all unused substitutes at St Mary's; will be hoping to be involved in some capacity. Stoke manager Johan Boskamp's main injury concerns the fitness of defender John Halls. Halls limped out of Wednesday's defeat against Leeds United with a hamstring problem and it's unclear whether he'll recover in time. Striker Sam Bangoura is still nursing a knock sustained early this week but is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven. Defender Andy Wilkinson is gradually reaching full fitness after overcoming a niggling hamstring injury.

28th December Southampton 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 27,443)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary (Kozluk 90), Bromby, Morgan, Unsworth, Montgomery, Jagielka, Armstrong, Webber (Tonge 90), Shipperley, Kabba.
Subs Not Used: Ifill, Nalis, Shaw.
Booked: Unsworth 19, Geary 31, Bromby 69, Morgan 72.
Scorer: Shipperley 55.
Man of The Match: Danny Webber.

Sheffield United ensured a miserable first home game in charge for George Burley with a superb 1-0 victory at St. Mary's Stadium. On a cold icy night, Neil Warnock made three changes with Derek Geary, Chris Armstrong and Steven Kabba all back in the starting line-up. Burley responded by bringing in Darren Powell, Kenwyne Jones and Djamel Belmadi while dropping 16-year-old Theo Walcott to the bench. The first real chance fell to Danny Webber who beat two defenders before he was crowded out. Webber cut in from the left and skipped past Chris Nathan Baird and Nathan Dyer but Mathew Mills got across to block the shot. Then Phil Jagielka hammered wide from 30 yards for United. Chris Morgan was back to his best with some solid clearances as United struggled to adjust to the pace of the game on an icy surface until Nick Montgomery almost surprised the Saints goalkeeper Paul Smith. It was 17-year-old Dyer who catching the eye and causing David Unsworth problems with his pace. Dyer again went past Unsworth before the Blades defender pulled the youngster back on the edge of the penalty-area and was cautioned. Belmadi fired a half volley into the ground and just wide from 20 yards for the Saints and then Webber found space behind Martin Cranie and bore down on goal but scuffed the shot wide of the near post on 28 minutes. Southampton almost scrambled into the lead two minutes later when an acrobatic hook by Kenwyne Jones was almost turned in by first Brett Ormerod and then Rory Delap in front of goal but Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny got his frame in the way. Nigel Quashie was running the game for Southampton, aided by Belmadi, and although the Blades reached half-time on level terms they must have been looking towards a tactical change to try and alter the course of the contest. At the start of the second half, Unsworth and Armstrong swapped positions and with Webber starting off down the right hand side. United immediately looked livelier and brought a fine move involving Shipperley as he turned onto a Webber cross six yards out and then Jones let fly from 25 yards but saw the ball flash wide of the right post. Morgan, who had been strong in defence, was finally beaten by Jones who powered forward on the run and smashed a shot low past Kenny's post. The Blades were making more of a game of it now and they shocked the Saints crowd by grabbing the lead in the 55th minute and Webber played a huge part in it's build-up. Cranie was caught in possession by Webber right in front of the bench. The Blades striker – who had been outstanding all night - broke into space behind the stranded defender. He played a low diagonal ball into the box and Shipperley stole behind Powell and had time to control six yards out before prodding past the unprotected goalkeeper Smith from close range for his ninth goal of the season. Ten minutes later, and with United now in the ascendancy, an out of sorts Kabba passed up a great opportunity to double the scoreline when he blasted the ball woefully wide from eight yards. Southampton made a double change, one for the injured Powell, and the other to bring on Walcott. Webber was proving a real handful down the right tonight, and after starting one move, he carried on his run and got the ball back via Kabba only to run wide and find the angle too tight to find a perfect finish. Quashie let fly left-footed from 25 yards but the ball went wide of the right post on 65 minutes. Smith raced from his area to kick clear from Shipperley in a one-on-one. The ball went to Jagielka just inside his own half and he controlled and let fly trying to catch Smith stranded but the backtracking keeper watched the effort drift wide of the right post. Southampton were still within a goal of leveling, but they found United a far different proposition at this point and Quashie's influence had now been largely nullified. Dexter Blackstock replaced Belmadi on 73 minutes with Walcott switching to left wing. Almost immediately Jones made a powerful run down the left and blasted just wide of the near post. Mills added to the Saints woes when he was booked for felling Kabba as the game entered three minutes of time added on. United ran down the clock by sending on Rob Kozluk for Geary and then Michael Tonge for Webber. So, one of the best results and performances this season for United, and a special mention must go to the Blades fans who sang throughout the whole of the match and put the saints home crowd to shame. It’s a result than puts the Blades 11 points clear of third placed Leeds.

27th December United have doubts over Leigh Bromby (knee), Nick Montgomery (groin) and Alan Quinn (groin) ahead of tomorrow night's fixture at Southampton. For Southampton , Michael Svensson is a long-term absentee with a knee problem but Claus Lundekvam is on the way back from fractured ribs. Darren Powell is back after serving a one-match suspension, while Nathan Dyer could continue after getting his first league start for the club on Boxing Day. Teen sensation Theo Walcott is expected to continue. He played on Boxing Day after recovering from a slight knee problem.

26th December Sheffield United 1 Norwich City 3 (Attendance: 26,505)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Bromby, Unsworth, Montgomery (Gillespie 66), Jagielka, Quinn, Tonge (Ifill 73), Shipperley (Kabba 73), Webber.
Subs Not Used: Armstrong, Geary.
Booked: Quinn 10, Bromby 37.
Scorer: Jagielka 21.
Man of The Match: Alan Quinn.

A bizarre own goal finally ended United's unbeaten home record as they lost to Norwich at the Lane. With Norwich 2-1 up but the game still in the balance, the Blades defence conspired to hand the Canaries a gift of a goal to rubber-stamp the result. For no apparent reason, Paddy Kenny came storming off his line to challenge Darren Huckerby on the right wing. Huckerby rode the challenge and played the ball across for Dean Ashton to shoot on the turn at goal. David Unsworth and Chris Morgan were well placed in the six yard box, and although the ball was bending away from goal; Unsworth tried to head clear, but his attempted clearance only managed to hit Morgan on the back of the head and deflected into an empty net off the Blades captain. Early on, Ashton failed to capitalise on a mistake in the United defence, firing wide from an unmarked position inside the area after good work from Paul McVeigh. After an otherwise a slow start, United sparked into life in 19th minute. First, Michael Tonge tested Robert Green with a low fizzing shot from outside the area. Moments later, Alan Quinn cut in from the right-wing, running onto Phil Jagielka's back-heeled pass, but his curling shot from inside the area bent just the wrong side of the post. The Blades finally got their reward in the 22nd minute when Jagielka rose highest to head in Unsworth's corner. They could have doubled the lead moments later when Neil Shipperley stabbed Danny Webber's cross back to Neil Montgomery, but he fired wide from the edge of the area. Norwich then equalised against the run of play. Ashton's pass was headed on by Carl Robinson and McVeigh got in behind Unsworth to place a lot shot into the far corner. However, the Norwich forward was then booked for over celebrating/inciting the United fans in front of the Shoreham Kop. If the first half was scrappy, the start of the second half was even worse as both sides squandered possession and referee, who had blown for every incident before the break, now let most things go. The first bright spot came in the 59th minute when Tonge sent a curling shot just wide after being released by Webber. Norwich then stunned the Blades in the 62nd minute when Simon Charlton sent a long ball forward and Ashton beat the offside trap to beat Kenny with ease. United looked rattled, and McVeigh had a chance to score a third goal in the 66th minute, but fired over under pressure. Things descended into a real pantomime with Norwich's third goal in the 70th minute, and although United frantically sought a way back into the game late on, they were frustrated by Norwich's resolute deep defending.

25th December Blades striker Steven Kabba is expected to return to the squad for the Boxing Day match after a hamstring injury. Paul Shaw has been suffering with flu symptoms and could miss out. United have Brian Deane back at the Lane, but the striker is not available for selection until 3rd January. Norwich are without skipper Andy Hughes, who faces six weeks out after having a metal plate inserted in a fractured cheekbone. Leon McKenzie is doubtful are picking up a knock in the reserves, while Jason Shackell has had a virus.

23rd December Brian Deane has re-joined Sheffield United for the third time in his career on a deal until the end of the season. Manager Neil Warnock has targeted his forward line as an area to improve upon and sees the 37-year-old as an ideal foil to assist Neil Shipperley in the promotion run-in. The Blades chief is expected to add another striker in January but insists Deane will play an integral part in the club's hopes to rejoin the Premiership elite. Commenting to the Yorkshire Post, Warnock said: "I want Brian to play a part, but it does not affect my plans for the transfer window when I aim to make signings. We invited Brian in this week to have a look at him and (fitness coach) Tony Daley says it will only take him two or three weeks to get match fit. I have told Brian he will not be a regular in the team, but that he could possibly be a help in us getting to where we want to be. On thing is for sure, him coming on the pitch will lift the supporters because he is such a respected figure here. I do not want people to judge him compared to what he did in his first spell at Bramall Lane because that was a long time ago." Deano will not be available for team selection until the match against Hull City on 3rd January.

16th December Preston North End 0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 14,378)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Bromby, Short, Unsworth, Quinn, Jagielka, Montgomery, Armstrong, Webber, Shipperley.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Tonge, Gillespie, Geary, Shaw.
Booked: Armstrong 66.
Man of The Match: Craig Short.

The Blades cut Reading's lead at the top of the Championship to three points with a scrappy 0-0 draw at Deepdale. It was a high-tempo start but the first decent opening came on six minutes when David Nugent shot straight at United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny after racing onto Adam Nowland's through-ball. Blades midfielder Phil Jagielka blasted well over from a free-kick routine and the action continued with Youl Mawene heading wide from Graham Alexander's free-kick for the Lillywhites. With Nugent a constant threat, Mears had a header blocked and David Jones saw a curling free-kick well held by Kenny. North End left-back Matt Hill latched onto mis-placed pass but Nugent, who was booked for tussling with Kenny kick, shot wildly off-target. As the half-hour approached it was the Blades turn to have a spell of pressure but when they were able to conjure an opening, Preston goalkeeper Carlo Nash got a hand to Danny Webber's low shot and turned it around the post. Jagielka had a shot saved by Nash after Webber's swift break and Mears saw a low effort pushed over by Kenny at the other end but the score was goalless at the break. The Lillywhites poured forward from the first whistle of the second half but there was little to show for their early pressure apart from a Nugent shot which sailed high and wide after Danny Dichio's knock-down, with the Blades defence holding firm with Leigh Bromby and Craig Short in particular making an excellent partnership to help thwart Preston. After Jagielka's persistence sent Webber into the box, the midfielder failed to make the most of a good opportunity, blasting over when the ball was deflected back to him. North End finally put a good passing move together but Kenny blocked Chris Sedgwick's low cross as once again quality possession came to nothing. Dichio glanced wide from Alexander's cross as Preston continued to plug away but the chance of the match fell to Mears, who skied over from six yards from Dichio's knock-down with eight minutes remaining. United had a good appeal for a penalty for Nowland's challenge on Jagielka turned down and David Unsworth struck a late free-kick wide as the game ended in stalemate.

15th December There will be no departures from Bramall Lane until at least the summer, according to manager Neil Warnock. A number of the fringe players have been linked with moves away from the Lane in the January transfer window, with the latest being young defender Chris Armstrong, who only recently returned to first-team action for the Championship high-fliers. Reports claim the 22-year-old is a target for Crystal Palace, but despite being loaned out to Blackpool this season, Warnock has no plans to offload Armstrong permanently. Warnock said: "There will be nobody leaving the club before the summer." He added that he would not be commenting on potential arrivals, after seeing some of his targets slip away following the release of their names to the press. He said: "I won't be commenting on players from other clubs. I've missed out on too many after the names got out."

14th December Chairman Kevin McCabe is backing manager Neil Warnock's bid to draft in more "quality" players. Warnock, who has steered the Blades into second place in the table and 13 points clear of the play-offs, has reaffirmed a top-class striker and defender remain his main New Year targets. "There is recognition that we have to strengthen with quality so the squad is ready for a promotion push," McCabe said at the club's annual meeting. "But it's not easy to get the players in that we have on our list, especially when you are looking for quality, because clubs won't let those players go. "This season we have got off to a flying start and we have a belief but to achieve we have to spend. "Some supporters see transfer budgets as just the fee we pay to bring a player in, but the contract and the length of it also has to be recognised and budgeted for."

10th December Sheffield United 3 Burnley 0 (Attendance: 23,118)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Short, Kozluk, Unsworth, Jagielka, Quinn (Morgan 85), Montgomery, Armstrong (Tonge 90), Shipperley, Webber (Ifill 88).
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Pericard.
Scorers: Shipperley 29, 81, Webber 34.
Man of The Match: Danny Webber.

A double strike by Neil Shipperley and an inspired performance by Danny Webber helped United to a comfortable victory over Burnley at the Lane this afternoon. Webber scored one and created another, while his pace and skill were a constant menace to the Burnley defence all afternoon as United recorded their 10th victory in 12 home games this season. The Blades had the visitors pegged back in their own third for most of the first half and after a slow start began to create chances. Webber looked sharp from the start and had the first clear opening when the ball sat up kindly for him and he struck a half-volley which Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen held at his near post. Alan Quinn then saw a good effort deflected over by Micah Hyde before Jensen was lucky that Leigh Bromby's close-range header was straight at him. Burnley immediately responded as Gareth O'Connor played in Ade Akinbiyi and the striker's low, angled shot was tipped round the post by Paddy Kenny. Shipperley then found himself through when Jon McGreal missed an interception, but the Blades striker's shot went just wide as Jensen closed him down. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Webber ran into the box where Shipperley took the ball off him and struck an exquisite shot into the top right-hand corner of the goal. Burnley almost replied immediately as McGreal got up to head a corner goalwards, forcing a good save from Kenny. United then doubled their lead. Montgomery's deep cross was headed back across goal by Craig Short and Webber was on hand to head in at the far post. Burnley began the second half kicking towards the Shoreham Kop and with more purpose in their game - which for most of the afternoon had been very defensive. John Spicer tried his luck from range and then fired a free-kick into the arms of Kenny, and O'Connor also found space to shoot but could not beat the Blades goalkeeper. After 58 minutes Burnley made a double substitution, Graham Branch and Gifton Noel-Williams replacing O'Connor and Spicer. Almost immediately, Akinbiyi laid the ball off for Branch to shoot from outside the area, but Kenny easily gathered his tame effort. United dropped back but were still creating chances on the break. Webber was close to a second goal when Quinn fired in a low cross, and Jensen had to make a smart save at his near post. In the 69th minute, Noel-Williams beat the offside trap to break into the box but after he checked back to create space to shoot, his effort was charged down. Akinbiyi was having a frustrating afternoon, summed up in the 75th minute when Bromby missed an interception and the ball fell to him in front of goal. As he shaped to shoot, Bromby stretched, getting a touch which sent the ball over for a goalkick. United wrapped things up in the 81st minute with a truly supreme goal from start to finish. Chris Armstrong – who was making his first start of the season after long-running injury problems - crossed from the left to Shipperley at the far post. ‘Shipps’ had time to bring it down before firing a low shot back across goal and in at the far post. United had been at their dominative best this afternoon and this is yet a another victory which has now helped open a 13 point gap between the Blades and third place.

9th December Chris Morgan is available again following suspension for United's home clash with Burnley in the Championship. The centre-back has missed the last three matches following his late dismissal against Millwall, but could be named on the bench after Leigh Bromby and Craig Short helped keep a clean sheet in last week's Steel City derby win. Nick Montgomery is a slight doubt after sustaining a groin strain during his appearance for Walter Smith's Scotland Future side in midweek and striker Neil Shipperley is also carrying a knock. Burnley have Mike Duff and Nathan Dyer available for the trip to the Lane. Defender Duff returns from a one-game ban, while on-loan Dyer returns after being ineligible to face parent club Southampton last week. Left-back Jon Harley serves a one-match suspension and misses out. Utility man Graham Branch may fill in at left-back after returning from a knee problem in the 1-1 draw at St Mary's last week but goalkeeper Danny Coyne and defender Wayne Thomas (both knee) are long-term absentees.

8th December United have agreed to release Vincent Pericard early from his loan spell following a request from parent club Portsmouth. The Pompey winger was scheduled to return to Fratton Park after the trip to Preston on 16 December, but the south-coast club want him back sooner. "We may be losing Vincent after Saturday," confirmed Blades boss Neil Warnock. "Portsmouth want him to play on Monday and, if the Premiership agrees, to mutually cancel the agreement. "His loan ends anyway after the game at Preston so we've agreed to let him go after our match against Burnley," he added. The Cameroon striker arrived at the Lane on 14 September and has scored two goals in three starts for the Blades, while making eight substitute appearances.

3rd December Sheffield United 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0 (Attendance: 30,558)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Short, Kozluk, Unsworth, Jagielka, Webber (Ifill 76), Quinn, Montgomery, Shipperley (Pericard 81), Kabba (Tonge 90).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Geary.
Booked: Unsworth 35.
Scorer: Quinn 24.
Man of The Match: Chris Short.

Alan Quinn rewarded Neil Warnock's commitment to the Blades in the best possible way by scoring the winner and again confirming United as the Top club in Sheffield. There was little doubt the Blades were worth the three points as they thanked their manager for snubbing a move to Premiership Portsmouth with a Steel City derby win over Wednesday. Craig Short made his first start since mid-September and Rob Kozluk his first appearance since October, while David Unsworth, Neil Shipperley and top scorer Steven Kabba stepped up from the bench in an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Paul Sturrock handed a debut to loanee Peter Gilbert, with Richard Wood replacing Drissa Diallo. As expected, there was an explosive and deafening atmosphere with both sides stating their intent as the match started with some crunching tackles in midfield. But it was Kabba soon exposed Wednesday's defensive frailty and should have scored early on. Danny Webber squared the ball and, from no more than three yards, the pacey striker scuffed his shot straight at the legs of Owls goalkeeper Nicky Weaver. United continued to dominate but were lacking the final ball until the best move of the half saw them take a 24th minute lead. Phil Jagielka, Kabba and Webber combined down the right side, the ball eventually reaching Quinn, whose left-foot effort seemed to strike Shipperley on the line before going in. Moments later, Quinn nearly had a second, his quick 25-yard free-kick being pushed around the post by Weaver. The Owls had only had fleeting attempts in the half without troubling Paddy Kenny in the Blades goal. With a weak David Graham strike from 30 yards and an equally unthreatening Daryl Murphy header from an in swinging free-kick hardly worth a mention, until Craig Rocastle fired inches wide with Kenny rooted to the spot. Wednesday began the second half with far more purpose but an attack among the poorest in the Championship was proving little threat to the division's best home defence excellently marshaled by Short and Leigh Bromby. After 68 minutes, United had appeals for a penalty waved when Kozluk went down under Rocastle's challenge. Moments later, Shipperley headed just over, after Kozluk and Kabba both headed Webber's cross back into the area. Substitutes Chris Eagles and Burton O'Brien combined for the Owls, before Scotsman O'Brien hit his first time shot just wide as Wednesday had more possession. But still Wednesday lacked any prowess in front of the Blades goal. In the final minute, Kenny did well after racing across his goal to save a 30-yard effort from a Chris Brunt free-kick. So, the Blades hold onto the bragging rites in the city until next February and keep the pressure on Reading at the Top.

2nd December United are boosted by the return of three players for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday. Defenders Craig Short and Rob Kozluk came through a midweek reserve game unscathed after injury and are in contention to face the Owls. Left-back David Unsworth has shrugged off an ankle injury and could feature after missing last week's defeat at Leicester through suspension. Chris Morgan is again absent as he completes a three-match ban. Wednesday striker Lee Peacock is hoping to shrug off a neck injury to be fit, whilst winger Chris Eagles is expected to be fit after recovering from a flu bug. Steve Adams and Jon-Paul McGovern could be included in the squad but Steve McLean, Drew Talbot, David Lucas, Lee Bullen and John Hills are all ruled out. Nicky Weaver will continue in goal.

1st December Sheffield United have announced that Neil Warnock is staying at Bramall Lane and will not take over from the sacked Alain Perrin at Portsmouth. Warnock, who had been targeted by Pompey to succeed Frenchman Perrin, who was sacked last week following the Premiership club's poor start to the season. However, United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe on Thursday morning officialy confirmed that Warnock will continue his six-year reign at the Lane. McCabe said: "We are delighted that Neil Warnock's future remains with Sheffield United - this is a club with enormous potential determined to satisfy the Premiership aspirations of fans, players, coaching staff and its team manager. "It is true to say I wish the Portsmouth saga had not started but in the end the outcome in this case demonstrates the importance of the relationship between a chairman and a team manager. "Together with my fellow directors and senior management team, I have been able to show to Neil - and he has recognised - that he has a key role in helping shape our quest for the top flight of English football." Warnock, a lifelong Blades fan, has steered United club to the top of the Championship following a fine start to the season. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season and it is thought he was seeking a longer deal. McCabe added: "It has been a challenging few days for a lot of people associated with Sheffield United not least our passionate fans. Some, I dare say, have been frustrated by what we have been able to communicate. "But I prefer that Sheffield United be renowned as a football club which prefers to handle sensitive business in a diplomatic manner away from the public stage. "However, the events of the last week or so are behind us now and I have one clear and simple message to our supporters - we are all Blades, let's stay United and back our club all the way to the Premiership starting with the game against Sheffield Wednesday."