30th May Bryan Robson has given Geoff Horsfield hope that he still has a future at United. Horsfield has not appeared for The Blades since making a loan spell permanent and was sent out on loan to Leeds and Leicester last season. Tthe striker could be given a second chance at Bramall Lane. Horsfield, who was placed on the transfer list last season, will look to resolve his situation during talks with the new United boss this week. "There are a lot of players in the squad who I need to sit down and speak with about where they are mentally," Robson is quoted in the Daily Express. "I need to know whether they want to stay, or move on. "Geoff is still under contract and I will need players in the club who are up for the challenge of getting us promoted to the Premiership."

26th May United have stepped up their dispute with the Premier League by refusing to relinquish the club's share in the League following their controversial relegation. The Blades are continuing to battle against the perceived injustice of an independent commission's decision not to impose a points deduction on West Ham despite irregularities in the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. United have already succeeded in convincing the Premier League to establish an arbitration tribunal to address the ongoing dispute, even if the League is adamant that at no point was Tevez ineligible to play for The Hammers as he orchestrated their unlikely survival. Now the Blades' have continued their protest at their demotion by refusing to give up their share in the League, at least until the arbitration panel rules on the Tevez controversy that is threatening to seriously disrupt preparations for next season. "Sheffield United has confirmed that it has refused a request by the Premier League to deliver up its share in the Premier League," read a statement released by United. "All Premier League clubs are entitled to a share in the League itself, and Sheffield United's position is that until the arbitration looking into the Tevez matter is resolved, it remains a Premiership club. "The club believes if it gives up its share the Premier League cannot be guaranteed to fulfil its promise to return the share should the arbitration reinstate Sheffield United to the Premier League."

25th May Bryan Robson will endeavour to speak to clubs in the top reaches of the Premiership in a bid to bolster the United squad with loan signings for next term. Robson has been charged with the task of helping The Blades climb back to the Premiership at the first time of asking, following their relegation on the final day of the season. The Blades have the nucleus of a strong squad, but Robson feels Premiership quality is needed to boost their chances of promotion. "Roy (Keane) took in a couple of great young lads who did a terrific job for him at Sunderland," Robson commenetd. "I had the same at West Brom where Kieran Richardson came in and did a great job for us. "I will be speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson to find out which players he's going to allow out on loan as the season goes along. "It'll not be just Manchester United - it'll be some of the top clubs who have these good, young players who can do a good job in the Championship. "We'll be looking at that."

22nd May Bryan Robson has succeeded Neil Warnock as Sheffield United manager with Brian Kidd his assistant. Robson, who was paraded at a press conference on Tuesday, is looking forward to the challenge of regaining The Blades' Premiership status. The ex-England captain has been out of work since last October after leaving West Brom following nearly two years with the Hawthorns outfit. "I'm delighted to take the position. I'm really looking forward to the challenge," he said on Sky Sports News. "It's a massive club. They've got great support. I do feel that they've got a good group of players. "When you go out of the game you do miss it, so it's great to be back. "I'm delighted to come back in, especially with an ambitious club as Sheffield United are. "It's a great challenge and one I'm looking forward to. They have some great players in the squad here. "Well I'm hoping that my first thoughts are can I keep everyone involved? I'd like to keep the best players. "The budget is pretty good and it gives you a great chance." Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe is thrilled Robson has accepted the job and has promised the former Middlesbrough boss his full support. "I'm delighted to announce Bryan Robson's appointment as our new team manager," said McCabe. "Bryan's an experienced manager. We believe he is the team manager that will blend the squad, improve Sheffield United and get us back into the Premiership. "He's going to have every support from the board. This club intends to be amongst the top ten in the Premiership at least within the next three to five years. "I think it's a top-class morning for Sheffield United. This clean start with Bryan and Brian Kidd as his assistant I think is excellent news.

21st May Plc chairman Kevin McCabe has admitted he felt Neil Warnock fell short in not keeping the club up. The Blades suffered relegation on the final day of the season after losing 2-1 to fellow strugglers Wigan.

Warnock stepped down from his post at Bramall Lane last month following their relegation to the Championship. The Blades are set to name a new management team of Bryan Robson and Brian Kidd on Tuesday and McCabe has conceded that maybe the club should have parted company with Warnock earlier as he believes they have should have won more points than they did this season. When asked if he felt the club and Warnock could have benefited from an earlier parting of the ways, McCabe told BBC Five Live: "Hindsight is a great thing. "Neil Warnock is a great motivator. We can reflect now maybe Neil Warnock wasn't quite right for our Premiership ambitions. But he gave it his all. "The time had come for a change and now we are going to effect that. "I believe the combination of great managerial experience and one of the best, top class coaches - I think David Beckham said Brian Kidd was the best coach he had worked with - will help us return to the Premiership." When asked if he believed bad decisions were made last season, McCabe added: "Everyone is a manager....but I believe we should have got more points, yes."

18th May United have offered new deals to Keith Gillespie and Chris Lucketti, although no less than ten players have been released. Although The Blades are currently on the look-out for a new manager following Neil Warnock's departure, chairman Terry Robinson felt it important to try and retain Gillespie and Lucketti.

Gillespie, formerly of Manchester United and Newcastle, has made over 60 league appearances during his two years at the club, while Lucketti made an impact in the second half of the season. "We would like to make offers to Chris and Keith and, although the new man might have different ideas, at this stage we felt that we should try and keep them," Robinson commemnted. Meanwhile, Craig Short, Rob Kozluk, Alan Wright, Paul Gerrard have all been released along with six of the club's youngsters. The club are also hoping to raise funds from the potential sales of Geoff Horsfield, Jonathan Forte, Ian Ross, David Sommeil, Mamadou Seck and Li Tie, who have all been placed on the transfer list. The void left by Gerrard could be filled by John Williams, who is joining the club on trial during the close-season. "Six-foot-three inch Trinidadian goalkeeper Williams has been lined up to come in on trial later this summer," continued Robinson. "He's only around 23 years old"

17th May The Blades have ruled Stuart McCall out of the running to succeed Neil Warnock but have named Bryan Robson, Peter Reid and Dave Bassett as candidates. United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe revealed Blades assistant McCall would be interviewed for the post vacated following Warnock's resignation on Wednesday. However, club chairman Terry Robinson revealed McCall does not fit the criteria for The Blades' board. Robinson commented: "Stuart has given good service to United and the last manager. "He has gained good experience, and I'm sure that there will be interest in his services as a manager in the lower divisions. "However, we didn't feel that he fulfilled all of the criteria in terms of experience at this stage. "Stuart wanted another season in the Premiership and was bitterly disappointed, but I believe he has had offers already from several clubs. Reports in suggest McCall is in line to be named the new manager of former club Bradford. With neither McCall nor Coleman possessing the necessary experience for United, Robinson admits his club could look to an older head. "People know that we are looking for experience, so people like Bryan Robson, Peter Reid and even Dave Bassett would fit the bill in many ways."

16th May Neil Warnock has left Bramall Lane by mutual consent after a seven-and-a-half year tenure with the Blades. United were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of their first season back in the top flight after losing 2-1 to Wigan on Sunday. PLC Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "This is a mutual decision in some respects prompted by the events of the last couple of days. "Both Neil and I believe it is for the good of the club. "Neil departs with our best wishes." McCabe spoke warmly of Warnock's time at the club, thanking him for his contribution in bringing the club into the Premier League. He said: "He goes well and truly leaving his mark in the history of Sheffield United. "He has helped play a key role in assisting in the reshaping of the club which is held in high esteem in the world of football. "We have come a long way with Neil and on a personal note I thank him for his commitment to United. "He is always and will be a Blade and has a special place here at Bramall Lane." Warnock conceded that it was time for him to move on, but insisted he could be proud of what he has achieved since arriving in 1999. "Kevin McCabe and I sat down together on Monday because I had come to the decision that it was time for me to leave Sheffield United. "I have been at the club for seven-and-a-half years and if anyone could turn the clock back to where we were then and how we are now, it is fair to say that we have come a long, long way. "In my opinion we have moved mountains - on and off the pitch - and have put the pride back into being a Blade." Meanwhile, McCabe said the board would not rush to appoint a successor.

13th May Neil Warnock aimed a swipe at Sir Alex Ferguson after relegation. The Blades were condemned to the drop after losing 2-1 at home to Wigan, while West Ham escaped the drop courtesy of a 1-0 win at champions Manchester United. Ferguson left out some of his top stars for the game with West Ham after suggesting in the build-up to the game that he would play his strongest side. Warnock was left with a bitter taste in his mouth at Ferguson's selection just a week after hitting out at Rafa Benitez for playing a weakened side at Fulham. "I thought Sir Alex would play a stronger team today and to see him celebrating on the pitch [after being presented with the Premiership trophy] leaves a bitter taste," bemoaned Warnock. "You can blame everyone really can`t you? What goes around comes around. I`m looking forward to the [FA] Cup final and the Champions League final." Warnock also hit out at referee Rob Styles as he looked back on key moments that went against his side this season. The Blades boss is still disgruntled with Styles for denying his side a penalty against Manchester United in April and awarding Liverpool a penalty against his side on the opening day of the season to deny his side victory. "There were two penalties from Rob Styles this season but he won`t be bothered tonight," added Warnock. "He won`t be hurt. There were some other decisions, the commission [ruling that West Ham would be fined and not docked points over the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano]. "It`s easier for Sheffield United to be relegated than West Ham... it will be fish and chip paper by Tuesday. "A lot [of people] will be quite happy at the club being relegated. We couldn`t climb the final hurdle. It`s a horrible time, you feel sick in the stomach. "You feel very bitter. It seems to be one thing after. It`s very difficult at this moment."

13th May United chairman Kevin McCabe has taken an angry swipe at The Premier League after seeing his side slip through the relegation trapdoor, insisting action should still be taken against West Ham. The Blades became the final-day fall guys as they succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat to Wigan who, along with West Ham, leapfrogged their opponents to pull off a miraculous escape. However, McCabe remains furious that The Hammers were given the chance to avoid relegation following their controversial signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The East Londoners were handed a £5.5 million fine rather than a points reduction and the Blades supremo has once again called for The Premier League to reconsider the punishment. "What leaves a bad taste for football is that it (the relegation battle) has not quite been played on a level playing field with the West Ham issue," McCabe told Sky Sports News. "The FA Premier League should have a good night's sleep and think `is what has happened fair?' "The fans of one club are in despair because their club has been relegated. To have the kick in the teeth of losing our (Premiership) status because we have played by the rules when another club hasn't... it ain't cricket. "We have played to the rules and one club hasn't played by the rules and the FA Premier League should do something about it."

13th May Sheffield United 1 Wigan Athletic 2 (Attendance: 32,604)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Morgan, Kilgallon, Geary, Gillespie, Montgomery (Davis 79), Tonge, Stephen Quinn (Kazim-Richards 56), Nade (Webber 46), Stead.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Leigertwood.

Booked: Geary 19, Nade 33, Jagielka 50.

Scorer: Stead 38.

Man of The Match: Chris Morgan - see bottom of page

Wigan Line-up: Pollitt, Taylor (Unsworth 42), De Zeeuw (Skoko 31), Boyce, Baines, Valencia, Scharner, Landzaat (Folan 77), Kilbane, Heskey, McCulloch.
Subs Not Used: Filan, Camara.

Sent Off: McCulloch (74).

Booked: Unsworth 48, McCulloch 55, Scharner 78, Valencia 81, Folan 93.

Scorers: Scharner 14, Unsworth 45 pen.

Sheffield United were relegated after a dramatic 2-1 defeat in their relegation showdown with Wigan at Bramall Lane. Paul Scharner gave Wigan an early lead before Jon Stead drew United level and that would have been good enough to keep the Blades up until David Unsworth struck the killer blow from the penalty spot to send United down. West Ham's unlikely win at Old Trafford and Wigan's win meant United went down by a solitary goal on goal difference. Wigan settled the better of the two sides as they took the game to United who looked nervous from the first whistle. The Latics had early penalty claims waved away after just two minutes when Emile Heskey fell dramatically inside the box, but referee Mike Dean ignored their pleas. Four minutes later Antonio Valencia burst into the box and crossed towards Heskey, but under pressure from Mat Kilgallon the big striker could not direct his shot on target. It was one-way traffic early on and Lee McCulloch tried his luck with an acrobatic volley on 12 minutes which flew well wide. Two minutes later Wigan made the breakthrough through Scharner to send the travelling fans wild. Kevin Kilbane got the ball down the left and he picked out Scharner inside the box who fired home his left-footed shot into the bottom corner past Paddy Kenny. Wigan had hopeful penalty claims turned down on 21 minutes when McCulloch's header appeared to come off the hands of Kilgallon. Scharner should have doubled Wigan's lead on 23 minutes when he rose above Derek Geary to meet Heskey's cross only to head over the crossbar. Wigan suffered a blow just past the half hour mark when skipper Arjan de Zeeuw was forced off with an injury. Josip Skoko replaced De Zeeuw with Scharner dropping into central defence in a reshuffle for Wigan. United finally drew level on 38 minutes against the run of play with a brave header from Stead. Phil Jagielka swung over a cross from the right and Stead bravely beat the onrushing Mike Pollitt to head the ball into the empty net in front of the Shoreham Kop, but the goal came at a price with both players going down with head injuries after colliding into each other. After lengthy treatment both players were able to resume, but for Wigan there was more bad injury news as Ryan Taylor was forced off meaning another defensive reshuffle for Wigan with Unsworth coming on to face his former club. Stead wasted a great chance to give United the lead just before half-time when Jagielka headed the ball down into the path of Stead, but with only Pollitt to beat the striker sliced his shot horribly wide. As it stood Wigan were facing the drop, but they were literally handed a lifeline deep into injury-time at the end of the first half when Jagielka handled the ball inside the box under pressure from Unsworth. Unsworth took responsibility from the spot stroked the ball into the bottom corner past Kenny. Wigan picked up where they left off at the start of the second half and they almost grabbed a third goal on 51 minutes when Emile Heskey produced an acrobatic overhead kick which Kenny brilliantly kept out at point blank with an instinctive save. From the resulting corner Wigan went close to scoring again when Kilbane's corner somehow found its way to Unsworth at the back post and his poked effort was cleared off the line by Geary. United were inches away from equalising on 54 minutes when Stephen Quinn flicked Michael Tonge's pass into the path of Webber to send him clear on goal and he dinked his effort over Pollitt only to see if come off the inside of the post. After 57 minutes when Heskey went down again, this time in his own box, after some delay the striker was able to return to action. United knowing they were staring down the barrel of relegation threw everything at the Wigan defence in the final half hour. Wigan's goal was living something of a charmed life as United decided to go direct and Chris Morgan flashed a header across the face of goal, but Stead could not get on the end of it. Morgan should have done better on 68 minutes when he rose highest to meet substitute Colin Kazim-Richards' corner, but he could only glance his header wide of the far post. Wigan could not keep hold of the ball as United poured forward and created a siege around the Latic's goal. The frustration boiled over for Wigan when McCulloch was sent off for a second bookable offence for chopping down Tonge. It was one-way traffic now and Morgan wasted a good opening on 79 minutes when the ball dropped to him inside the box, but he drove his shot over the crossbar. United almost drew level eight minutes when Pollitt misjudged a cross from Gillespie and he was relieved to see it come back off the crossbar. Wigan could not get out of their own half at this stage as United completely monopolised the possession as they went in search of a crucial equaliser. Stead should have done better four minutes from time when Morgan picked him out unmarked inside the box, but the striker hit a weak left-footed volley straight at the grateful Pollitt. The five minutes of injury-time raised the volume inside Bramall Lane as the Lane faithful tried to rouse their side, and they almost grabbed an equaliser when Stead got down the left and drilled a cross right across the face of goal which Webber just failed to get on the end of. In the final minute, United threw everything at Wigan with Kenny even making his way into the box with the fans creating a bedlam of noise, but Wigan held on to save themselves from relegation and condemn United back to the Championship next season. Most of the Lane fans stood motionless at the end in shocked disbelief unable to comprehend the realty of relegation, before finally silently drifting away. A sad day but we will be back. Keep an eye on the top of the Championship table next season; we will be stronger and wiser next time round. Up the Blades!

Blades Player Performance Ratings:

Kenny 7, Jagielka 6, Morgan 8, Kilgallon 6, Geary 6, Gillespie 6, Montgomery 6 (Davis 6), Tonge 7, Stephen Quinn 6 (Kazim-Richards 7), Nade 7 (Webber 7), Stead 8.

5th May Aston Villa 3 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 42,551)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Armstrong (Shelton 46), Gillespie, Montgomery (Leigertwood 46), Jagielka, Tonge, Kazim-Richards, Stead (Webber 85).
Subs Not Used: Davis, Alan Quinn.

Booked: Leigertwood, Kenny.

Man of The Match: Derek Geary

Aston Villa Line-up: Sorensen, Hughes, Mellberg, Laursen, Bouma, Agbonlahor (McCann 83), Gardner, Barry, Berger (Davis 72), Carew (Moore 79), Young.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Cahill.

Booked: Barry, Mellberg.

Scorers: Agbonlahor 25, Young 42, Berger 59.

United's fate will be decided on the final day of the season, after an embarrassingly poor performance at Villa Park. A victory would have guaranteed United's Premiership status, but instead suffered a 3-0 defeat. The Blades laced quality, inspiration, discipline and an apparent self belief and were duly despatched by a useful Villa side. So now United now go into their final game of the season against Wigan sitting three points above The Latics, equal with West Ham, meaning a dramatic conclusion to the campaign could well be on the cards at Bramall Lane next weekend. The margin of victory for Villa also means that United only enjoy a slim goal difference advantage over Paul Jewell's side, with Wigan on minus 23 and The Blades on minus 22. Villa enjoyed the better of the first half and forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor , Young and John Carew looked particularly dangerous for Villa. Agbonlahor was denied an early opener after just six minutes following a fine saving tackle from United defender Matthew Kilgallon, whilst Carew twice wasted good openings. The giant Norwegian first headed wildly off target from Berger's corner, before then taking the ball round Paddy Kenny and finding the angle too tight for an accurate shot. Midfielder Craig Gardner also saw space open up for him before producing a disappointing effort, whilst United's early input was restricted to a blocked Keith Gillespie volley from outside the box. It was the impressive Agbonlahor who made the breakthrough for Villa on 25 minutes with a superb piece of finishing. After collecting a throw with his back to goal, the livewire forward spun easily round Kilgallon and powered a superb shot past Paddy Kenny for the opening goal. Villa continued to test the Blades defence, and Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry and Gardner all failed to convert during a frantic goalmouth scramble on 33 minutes. Their second goal arrived three minutes before the break when Young collected the ball wide on the right, threw Chris Armstrong off the scent with a step-over and drilled a low shot through the legs of Kenny. United midfielder Nick Montgomery failed to emerge for the second half after sustaining a suspected dislocated shoulder just before the break, and Chris Armstrong was also removed with Luton Shelton and Mikele Leigertwood entering the field of play. Blades defender Chris Morgan pulled a volley wide, whilst Villa counterpart Martin Laursen was also lacking a finish when the ball fell at his feet after Kenny had saved Agbonlahor's effort. Villa needed a third to kill the game off and it arrived after 59 minutes and a superb move it was too. Gardner played a neat reverse ball to the Berger, and after an intricate one-two with Carew in the box, The Czech star placed his shot past Kenny and in off the inside of the post to do further damage to United's goal difference. Carew could have made it four but for a wayward header. United were poor in the final third, but Shelton's shot wide after his pace took him past Olof Mellberg was a rare chance. An unbelievable moment followed when Kenny had to be restrained after throwing the ball at Kilgallon and lambasting his own team-mate. Blades fans at the other embarrassed to say the least to see Kenny booked for his reaction with Kilgallon. Straight after, Kenny then produced a fingertip save to deny the leaping Laursen at the back post, this was followed by a pat on the back from Killgallon. A rather facile final 20 minutes saw Villa retain complete control of the tie, aside from a Shelton header that crept wide, and the Blades fans left for the journey home, wondering what the outcome would be next weekend.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Aston Villa:

Kenny 6, Geary 7, Morgan 6, Kilgallon 5, Armstrong 5 (Shelton 6), Gillespie 5, Montgomery 6 (Leigertwood 5), Jagielka 6, Tonge 7, Kazim-Richards 6, Stead 5, (Webber --).

"I think I have come a bit too soon out of the dressing room to comment on that [Liverpool resting players]. If I said what I want to say I will probably get reprimanded and I don't think I should comment on that.

"I'm delighted at least West Ham are going to Manchester United next week and I'm sure Sir Alex will play a strong side and that's all you can hope for when you are down there. "You don't get a lot of favours, and Liverpool last week, I had a feeling they would do that, and that's why I thought it would be nice to see Chelsea beat them but it didn't happen."

4th May United chairman Kevin McCabe has confirmed his club are prepared to be at the forefront of any legal action taken against West Ham. The Blades have hired an international firm of lawyers to rule on whether they are eligible to take action, following the Premier League's decision not to dock West Ham points for indiscretions found following the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Wigan supremo Dave Whelan has gone as far as to state his belief that West Ham were guilty of 'blatant lies', in an impassioned attack on the capital club. It is believed all those clubs battling for Premiership survival are preparing some kind of appeal and/or legal action, with Plc chief McCabe looking to safeguard his club in the event of relegation. "There was no hanging around, no grass growing around our feet," McCabe told the Sheffield Star. "We took this course of action independently of anyone else in an attempt to try and protect ourselves should we suffer as a consequence of this bizarre decision. "We have some excellent and reputable lawyers who have already been looking at this matter for us for a week. "Obviously we hope that we don't suffer as a result, but we felt this needed to be done." It had been suggested West Ham would face a points deduction having found themselves at the centre of a furore involving third-party liability, but an independent panel instead ruled that a £5.5million fine was sufficient punishment. Those clubs considering legal action are to work 'independently' in their respective bids to prove the Premier League has a case to answer, but they are very much united in sharing a collective view that West Ham should have had points deducted

2nd May Neil Warnock has praised the Blades' supporters for their support. Warnock believes the atmosphere at home matches has contributed significantly to United's survival hopes this term, which can be all but guaranteed with a win in either of their remaining two matches against Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic.

"I am very proud to be managing a team like Sheffield United, especially with such fantastic support behind us," he commented. "They have created a great atmosphere and helped drive great performances. It was a fantastic start to the season with a home sell-out against Liverpool and we've not looked back since." United boast an average attendance of over 30,500 in the Premiership this term, with an extra 550,000 coming through the turnstiles compared to their Championship campaign last year. And Warnock believes that added volume and atmosphere has made all the difference for his side. "The huge crowds that now frequent Bramall Lane have helped the club build up an enviable reputation. Our capacity attendances have helped this become a difficult place for others teams to visit," he said.