30th July United have taken former Ipswich defender Jamie Clapham on trial following his release by Birmingham City. Blades boss Neil Warnock is in the market for a left-sided defender and has decided to take a closer look at Clapham. Clapham played in United's friendly with Rotherham at Millmoor on Friday but has also been offered a deal with Wolves and Warnock has promised a swift decision on whether to sign him. "I think he has been offered a contract by Wolves where he has also been on trial so we owe him a quick decision," said Warnock.

29th July United suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat as Derek Asamoah's late goal made the difference for Scunthorpe at Glanford Park on Saturday. The Blades came close early on when Nicky Law's 12th-minute strike rattled the crossbar, with Scunthorpe's Andy Keogh going close from the immediate counter-attack. Ade Akinbiyi was denied by a brilliant save from Josh Lillis on the stroke of half-time but a series of substitutions affected the rhythm of both sides in the second half. The winner came six minutes from the end, from Scunthorpe trialist Asamoah. He burst clear of the Blades defence and gave young goalkeeper Jamie Anderson no chance.

28th July An 85th-minute goal by Christian Nade spared Sheffield United's blushes in a pre-season friendly against near-neighbours Rotherham United. Eugen Bopp had grabbed the Millers goal but Frenchman Nade, on as a second-half substitute, ensured the Blades left Millmoor with a draw. The Blades gave debuts to new signings Rob Hulse and Li Tie but Bopp lifted the home crowd in the ninth minute with a shot beyond Paddy Kenny. The Millers almost made sure of the win with nine minutes to go but Kenny made an excellent double save to deny Ryan Taylor, and it proved crucial as Nade - signed from Troyes this summer - latched on to trialist Jamie Clapham's throw and produced a clinical finish.

27th July United have agreed an undisclosed fee with Yorkshire rivals Leeds for veteran goalkeeper Ian Bennett. The 34-year-old spent time on loan at Bramall Lane two years ago and is now set to make a full-time move to the Blades after just one season at Elland Road. He made just four appearances for Leeds last season and will become the second player to move south to the Blades this week, following striker Rob Hulse's £2.2million move. Bennett is ready to play second fiddle again after sealing his move to Sheffield United from Leeds on a two-year deal. Bennett, who played five games with United during a month on loan in the 2004-05 season, now has Republic of Ireland international Paddy Kenny barring his way to the first team. Bennett knows he faces a fight on his hands again as he said: "I feel I've not had the chances I should have done over the past few years. "At Leeds I gave my all, but just couldn't get the chances, although I knew when I joined it would be hard to dislodge someone of Neil's calibre. It will be the same here. "Obviously you want to play, but unfortunately only one person can. "Now I've come here and it's a fresh start, although the manager has made no bones about the fact Paddy will start. "So it's a case of being called upon when needed. We're all in it together for one thing, and that is to stay in the Premiership, and hopefully I can play my part."

26th July Neil Shipperley, a David McGurn own goal and Rob Kozluk ensured the Blades ran out 3-1 winners with former Leeds striker Derek Lilley on target for Morton. Neil Warnock said: "Whoever finishes above Morton will get promotion I would think. "I've not enjoyed looking at so much enthusiasm and verve and passion... it was lovely to watch them and I'll be disappointed if they don't go up this year."

24th July United have agreed a deal with Leeds United to sign Rob Hulse for an initial fee of £2.2million. Hulse steps up into the Premiership, where he has previous experience as a West Brom player, to join the Blades. A statement on the Leeds website read: "Leeds United have agreed a deal with Sheffield United for striker Rob Hulse. The Blades will pay an initial fee of £2.2million for the marksmen but add-ons could see the price rise to £3million." Hulse, 26, began his career at Crewe and scored 13 goals in 35 league starts last season as Leeds reached the Championship play-offs. Neil Warnock said: "It has been a lengthy chase and I am delighted that it has ultimately been successful. I feel Rob still has a lot to prove but he has strengths which I am sure will compliment those of the strikers we already have.'

21st July United came through their first serious test of pre-season as they comprehensively beat Inverness 3-0 at the Caledonian Stadium. Ahead of their return to the Premiership, United won thanks to two goals from Ade Akinbiyi and an Alan Quinn free-kick. Caley Thistle would have taken an early lead had striker Graham Bayne not suffered bad luck in front of goal during the early stages. The striker hit the crossbar in the 12th minute after Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny blocked a low shot from Roy McBain, then three minutes later Bayne headed a McBain cross against the post. Those misses were to prove costly for Inverness as United took a 17th-minute lead when Akinbiyi was on hand to prod a loose ball over the line, after Mark Brown had tipped a Danny Webber chip against the crossbar. Bayne continued his poor run infront of goal two minutes into the second half, when he sent a tame effort past Kenny's right-hand post. United were again spurred into life following Bayne's wastefulness and made sure of the victory by scoring twice in a three-minute spell. Following a foul by Tokely on Ifill, Quinn curled a 58th-minute free-kick past Brown from the edge of the penalty area and Akinbiyi rounded off the scoring shortly afterwards, turning in an Ifill cross at the near post. Inverness had the chance of a consolation goal nine minutes from time, when Chris Lucketti brought down Liam Keogh to concede a penalty, but Barry Wilson rolled his spot-kick wide.

17th July United began preparations for their Premiership return with a 5-0 win against Worksop at Sandy Lane. The Blades cruised into a 4-0 half-time lead to give them room to breath after the break. Striker Danny Webber scored twice in the opening 16 minutes before veteran Keith Gillespie also notched a double with two in two minutes either side of the half-hour mark. New recruit Mikele Leigertwood was among the summer signings making their debuts and rounded off the scoring with a fifth for United in the second half.

13th July Michael Tonge has pledged his future to Sheffield United after agreeing a new two-year deal with the Blades. The 23-year-old midfielder has signed an extension which will take him through to the end of the 2007-08 season - to the delight of manager Neil Warnock. Warnock commented: "He's another committed to the cause. I believe he will blossom in the Premiership. "Retaining players of his calibre shows that we mean business. I am absolutely delighted that Michael has agreed this and I look forward to seeing him in the Premiership. "It sends out the right message inside and outside the camp." Meanwhile, defender Chris Armstrong has also signed a three-year extension to his current contract, keeping him at the club until 2009. Blades manager Neil Warnock said: "I'm delighted for Chris because he has worked so hard to overcome injury and get fit"

11th July United midfielder Garry Flitcroft has been forced to retire due to injury. Flitcroft joined the Blades in January on a short-term contract from Blackburn Rovers after almost 10 years service at Ewood Park. The 33-year-old made six appearances for United en route to boss Neil Warnock's side winning promotion back to the Premiership. With the club not taking up the option to extend his contract as they both agree he can no longer compete at the required level, Flitcroft has chosen to call time on his career. "Garry had always maintained we would see the best of him in August after a full pre-season programme," said Warnock. "So this is a blow because Garry's Premiership experience would have been invaluable to us next season."

4th July The Blades have completed their fourth signing of the summer with the capture of Crystal Palace utility player Mikele Leigertwood. Leigertwood, who has spent almost two and a half years at Selhurst Park, has signed a three-year deal and joins fellow new recruits David Sommeil, Claude Davis and Christian Nade at Bramall Lane. Leigertwood was out of contract with Palace. But as he is 23 and has been developed into a player who can operate at centre-half, right-back and midfield, the Blades have agreed a compensation fee of £600,000 with the Eagles.