In the new fixture lists for the forthcoming 2008-09 season, United will launch their Championship promotion bid at Birmingham City on 9th August, and then face Port Vale in the League Cup at Bramall Lane on 13th August. The Blades opening home league match of the campaign will be against Q.P.R. on 16th August.
Rob Hulse has spoken of his determination to rediscover his goalscoring touch during the summer. The 28-year-old Blades striker recovered from a broken leg sustained against Chelsea in March 2007, but failed to hit the target in 24 appearances after returning in December. Hulse commenting about the situation, said: "Personally, it was just great to be back and amongst it all. It was hard for everyone while I was injured, but the fans were great towards me, they gave me a big lift. "Being back playing was great, but realistically I needed a goal. I'm my own worst critic, and I had a few chances, but I just couldn't get on the end of anything. "There were one or two good games - I think the home match against Norwich was my best - but I still couldn't find a goal and that's something I'll work on. "Next season is going to be a big one, pre-season is important and we will be expected to challenge for automatic promotion.
Boss Kevin Blackwell has reiterated that the club will not have to sell any players to balance the books. First, Rob Hulse was a transfer target and now Stephen Quinn is being eyed up by a Premiership club, or a least thats what the newspapers are reporting a the moment. But, the Blades manager is keen to stop any lingering doubts over his team selection for the new campaign, and commented on the continual conjecture in the media, he said: "After meeting with Kevin McCabe in midweek I can categorically say that we do not have to let anyone go, and anyone who does so will be on our terms. "As far as bringing players in I will do so when the time, and the players, are right. I won't rush out to recruit just for the sake of it."