August 2009

Blades Line-up: Bunn, Taylor, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Montgomery, Quinn, Treacy (Cotterill 70), Ward (Howard 90), Evans (Reid 79), Henderson

Man of The Match: Jamie Ward

West Brom Line-up: Carson, Cummings, Martis, Olsson, Mattock, Thomas (R Reid 74), Mulumbu, Koren, Cech, Moore (Dorrans 59), Bednar.

Referee: M Russell (Hertfordshire).

A late David Cotterill penalty earned Sheffield United a point in a 2-2 with West Brom in an entertaining draw at the Lane.

Kevin Blackwell named an unchanged side from the team and lined-up in a 4-4-2 formation with Ched Evans supporting Darious Henderson in attack, while Stephen Quinn partnered Nick Montgomery in central midfield. West Brom had Roman Bednar making his first league appearance of the season and partnered Luke Moore in attack, while Jerome Thomas was handed his full Baggies debut on the right wing. The first real chance of the game came in the ninth minute when Henderson's back-post header from a Keith Treacy left-wing cross was plucked out of the air by goalkeeper Scott Carson. The Baggies skipper immediately booted the ball upfield and Moore had the chance to shoot at goal from the edge of the area, only to lose his bearings and allow Chris Morgan to dispossess him. Shaun Cummings needed to be alert in the 11th minute to block Matt Kilgallon's shot as the United centre-half pounced on Quinn's pull-back from the right by-line. The first half was a scrappy affair - but Albion showed a spark in the 32nd minute. Jerome Thomas exchanged passes with the marauding Shaun Cummings in the box and saw his goal bound shot deflect kindly off Morgan and into the arms of Blades goalkeeper Mark Bunn. Constant interruptions from referee’s whistle hindered the flow of the game and both teams were reduced to long-range efforts as first Robert Koren blocked a Treacy strike. At the other end, Slovenia international Koren curled a 20-yard free-kick just wide of the left-hand post. A lucky ricochet off Bednar fell kindly for Marek Cech out on the left in the 38th minute and he delivered a cross to the near-post, where Moore beat Morgan to the ball but headed wide. Two minutes later, Jonas Olsson blocked Jamie Ward's 20-yard strike and, from the resulting Treacy right-wing corner, Blades left-back Andy Taylor blazed a volley just over from the edge of the box. Three minutes before the break, Evans' 25-yard snapshot had Carson beaten and the Baggies were relieved to see the ball fly inches past the left-hand upright for a goal kick.

The entertainment level rocketed in the second half and, within three minutes of the restart, Kilgallon prodded the ball to Quinn on the edge of the area who let fly with a low left-foot strike which Carson palmed around the post. Koren also went close when he picked up the ball in midfield in the 53rd minute and was allowed to run to within 20 yards of the Blades goal before pulling his shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Just a minute later, Albion broke the deadlock. Some good build-up play down the right led to Cummings delivering a pinpoint cross for Bednar to head past Bunn and into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. But just a minute later, Ward made room on the left flank and centred for Evans to head home despite Carson's valiant efforts to stop the ball crossing the line. The Baggies made a change in the 59th minute with Graham Dorrans coming on for Moore. And the substitute was celebrating with his team-mates just a minute later. Bednar out-muscled Taylor from Carson's long punt upfield and kept his head to fire past Bunn from 12 yards. The visitors had a scare when Ward turned in Henderson's cross-cum-shot in the 65th minute - but he was adjudged offside. Two minutes later, Albion fell asleep from Kilgallon's long diagonal free-kick to the back post and Treacy snuck in to force a good near-post save from Carson with his feet.

Kevin Blackwell made a switch in the 70th minute as he brought on winger Cotterill for Treacy, and the Baggies swiftly followed as Reuben Reid replaced Thomas. Jonas Olsson was relieved to see the offside flag go up in the 76th minute after he blazed Cech's free-kick over from close range with the goal at his mercy. The Blades turned up the pressure as the half went on with the West Brom goal coming under ever increasing pressure with crosses being swung in from all angles. The visitors were forced to dig in as the game edged towards its conclusion and appeared to have seen off the best the Blades could thrown at them. Henderson had been battered all afternoon with the West Brom defender pulling, pushing and elbowing him at every opportunity and without any protection from the referee. But with three minutes remaining, United were given a lifeline when the referee correctly awarded a penalty against Cummings for another foul on Henderson which this time had to be punished. Cotterill calmly stepped up in front of the Shoreham Kop to fire the spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner and just past the outstretched arm of Carson.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v.West Brom: Bunn 6 , Taylor 6 , Walker 6 , Morgan 7 , Kilgallon 6 , Montgomery 6 , Quinn 7 , Treacy 6 , Cotterill 7 , Ward 8 , Howard - , Evans 6 , Reid 6 , Henderson 7 .

Goalkeeper Mark Bunn will remain on loan with United until January which Kevin Blackwell admits is a "big relief". Bunn, is covering for the suspended Paddy Kenny who is unavailable pending the outcome of his hearing for failing a drugs test. "We are indebted to Sam (Allardyce) because we know he will have been concerned about leaving his own club short of cover," Blackwell commented."Getting Mark in for longer is a big relief considering the position we find ourselves in. He has settled, done well and his presence will maintain continuity instead of having to start all over again."

Blades Line-up: Bunn, Walker, Taylor, Morgan, Kilgallon, Montgomery, Quinn, Treacy (Cotterill 26), Ward, Evans (France 85), Henderson.

Man of The Match: Stephen Quinn.

Reading Line-up: Federici, Rosenior, Cisse (Davies 66), Mills, Pearce, Bertrand (Harper 88), Sigurdsson, Tabb, Karacan, Hunt (Church 75), Long.

Referee: M Russell (Hertfordshire).

Sheffield United continued their excellent start to the season with another fine performance in a 3-1 victory against Reading at the Madejsk stadium.

Kevin Blackwell made one change to his line-up with Stephen Quinn replacing Brain Howard who had tonsillitis. Both sides began the match with 4-4-2 formations, with the home side adopting a diamond shape. The Blades had a very good chance with only four minutes gone when Andy Taylor crossed and Keith Treacy fired a volley over from eight yards out. Reading then settled into the game a little more, and soon enough had the opening goal. The home side had already had two early corners won a free kick wide on the left hand side, Gylfi Sigurdsson whipped in a ball and Matthew Mills got himself free to head home from close range. Reading nearly had a second just a minute later. There was a real melee inside the United box, and Sigurdsson made some space for Noel Hunt and he went down after a challenge from Nick Montgomery, and then Matt Kilgallon cleared the danger. The pressure was all on the Blades goal and Hunt was not quite able to get enough on a header and Jay Tabb fired over the bar. Things did not improve for United when Treacy was forced off with an injury after 27 minutes to be replaced by David Cotterill. Just before the half hour the Blades survived another close encounter in their box, Sigurdsson's flicked header nearly finding a teammate as it rolled wide past the far post. Then, Ryan Bertrand went on a run from the back, going close to 40 yards in possession until Chris Morgan's agricultural challenge stopped the left-back. Against the run of play the Blades drew themselves level. They worked the ball deep to Ched Evans on the right, and the Royals were outnumbered. He drove across the box, and it was perhaps a shot at goal but ended up as a perfect pass to Quinn at the back post and the Blades midfielder side footed into the net. And Evans could have made it 2-1 before the break, but shot a volley over from just inside the box after a Cotterill cross.

United began the second half with more of a spring in their step, and saw a goal disallowed just four minutes had elapsed when striker Darious Henderson was adjudged to have climbed on Bertrand as he headed home at the far post. Twelve minutes into the half and Sigurdsson was only a few inches from a goal, cutting inside Kyle Walker and his effort hitting the outside of the post from about 20 yards out. But the Blades decisively hit back after Taylor’s throw in was worked short to Quinn, and he found Jamie Ward, who hit a decent drive from 20 yards. Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici seemingly lost sight of the ball and it slipped through his fingers at waist height for what can unfortunately only be described as a very soft goal for the home side.

At 2-1 United seemed more comfortable than at any other stage of the afternoon. With time running out for the home side, Royals substitute Simon Church was almost in from a searching pass, but Blades goalkeeper Mark Bunn was alert and did well to head clear. Down the other end, Henderson's header forced Federici into a low save at his feet. Then straight back to the other end, and Tabb found himself in space inside the United box, but as he stood up a cross to the back post Long had chosen not to get in front of his man. Then Blades countered as substitute Ryan France forced Federici into a low save and France had other opportunity moments later as he went one-on-one with Federici but shot wide. As the board went up to show four minutes of injury time, United rounded off the victory in some style. Cotterill found himself in space 25 yards out, and thundered in a stunning drive that gave Federici absolutely no chance.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v.Reading: Bunn 6 , Walker 7 , Taylor 8 , Morgan 7 , Kilgallon 8 , Montgomery 7 , Quinn 8 , Treacy 6 , Cotterill 7 , Ward 7 , Evans 6 , Henderson 7 , France -

Midfielder Brian Howard is a doubt for Saturday's Championship trip to Reading after coming down with tonsilitis. The playmaker started the Blades clash with Leicester on Tuesday but after an ineffective first half he was withdrawn at the interval, with boss Kevin Blackwell revealing after the 1-1 draw that he had come down with the illness. "It must have developed (during the game). He had no energy," said Blackwell, who admitted he was not aware of the problem before kick-off. "I was harsh with him, I wanted to know why he was off the pace in the first half. It was only when the doctor came in at half-time that we had to isolate him and get him out of the dressing room. "It clearly took it out of him, so it's about how quickly he can get it out of his system and how quickly he can get his energy back."

Sheffield United 1 Leicester City 1 (Attendance: 26,069 )

Blades Line-up: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Ward (Cotterill 87), Montgomery, Howard (Quinn 45), Treacy (Reid 65), Evans, Henderson

Man of The Match: Keith Treacy.

Leicester Line-up: Weale, Neilson, Hobbs, Brown, Berner, N'Guessan, Wellens, Oakley, Adams (Dyer 78), Howard (Waghorn 15, King 83), Fryatt.

Referee: NS Miller (Durham).

A wonderful strike from Keith Treacy helped United save a point at the Lane in a 1-1 draw with a decent Leicester side. After the impressive victory over Watford, Kevin Blackwell named an unchanged team for the visit of Leicester. United's only change was on the bench, where Billy Sharp replaced Glen Little. Foxes boss Nigel Pearson made one change from the side who gained a point at Ipswich on Saturday. Nicky Adams came in for Lloyd Dyer, the man he replaced as substitute at Portman Road, meaning a straight swap with Dyer on the bench.

The visitors were soon under threat, Steve Howard heading behind for a corner which was well held by goalkeeper Chris Weale. Then two chances for Leicester, Matt Oakley setting up for Adams who saw his shot blocked and a long throw from Robbie Neilson fell to Adams but his shot was smothered in the area. Leicester were on top in those early stages but their momentum was checked after 11 minutes when striker Howard pulled up with a hamstring injury and striker Martyn Waghorn replaced him. The visitors, though, soon took up the running again and after a good City move had set Fryatt up, Blades defender Matt Kilgallon made a fine clearing challenge. Fryatt was then unlucky when; put in by Oakley, his shot was deflected and cleared off the line before both sides came so close to the opener within seconds. Suddenly, the game burst into life. First Darius Henderson stormed into the Foxes area, but saw his shot crash back off the woodwork. Kilgallon blazed the follow-up high into the Bramall Lane stand. Then, at the other end, Fryatt raced away with just Bunn to beat, but the goalkeeper spread himself well and thwarted the former Walsall striker. The visitors had a great chance when Andy Taylor dallied on the ball 10 yards from goal, with Fryatt in close proximity, but it was wasted. Taylor's hopeful 30-yard shot was always going wide, but at least it showed intent. Fryatt was looking the most likely striker on either side to score and brought a foul from Brian Howard which earned the Blades midfielder a booking. It was to prove Howard's last contribution as Blackwell replaced him with Stephen Quinn at half-time.

In the second half, Ward looked to have got clean through but could not beat Weale, but the referee saved his blushes by blowing for offside. Blackwell clearly had words at the interval as United at last attacked with purpose and came closest to opening the scoring when Ward's piledriver was spilled by Weale, only for the ball to roll agonisingly away from striker Ched Evans as he charged in. But the Blades were hit with a piece of bad luck which saw the Foxes take the lead. Matt Oakley's free-kick was bordering on ambitious from 35 yards, but it fizzed along the grass and Fryatt's flick diverted it beyond a stranded Bunn.

It looked like it was going to be one of those Lane evenings, as Evans saw his effort charged down, but then up popped Treacy with an early contender for goal of the season. The on-loan winger found himself with the ball at his feet from 30 yards and hammered an unstoppable shot past Weale in front of the Shoreham Kop. It was the Irishman's first career goal and sent those on the Kop into ecstasy Smiles replaced frowns on the Blades player’s faces and Quinn saw his free-kick tipped over by Weale after Ward was barged over, before trying a shot from a similar place to Treacy, but this time his effort flew wide. It was all one-way traffic now for the Blades who started to put the Leicester goal under pressure, but Leicester clung on as both sides had to settle for a point.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v.Leicester: Bunn 6 , Walker 7 , Morgan 7 , Kilgallon 7 , Taylor 6 , Ward 7 , Cotterill -, Montgomery 6 , Howard 5 , Quinn 7 , Treacy 8 , Reid 6 , Evans 7 , Henderson 6 .

Blades Line-up: Bunn, Taylor, Morgan, Kilgallon, Montgomery, Howard, Treacy (Reid 77), Walker, Evans (Quinn 90), Ward (Cotterill 70), Henderson.

Man of The Match: Ched Evans.

Watford Line-up: Loach, Mariappa, Severin, DeMerit, Smith, Graham (Bryan 90), McAnuff (Harley 77), Doyley, Jenkins, Williamson, Ellington (Sordell 72).

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)

Ched Evans scored on his home league debut as United eased past Watford 2-0 in the Championship at the Lane. Jamie Ward was recalled after serving his two-match ban and Evans made a first start after his £3m summer move from Manchester City. Brian Howard, Nick Montgomery and Keith Treacy were in midfield with Treacy on the left side. The Blades started with a 4-3-3 formation that saw Evans, Ward and Darious Henderson up front. Watford had goalkeeper Scott Loach, Jay DeMerit and Ross Jenkins back in their squad with Tommy Smith moving into midfield to replace the injured Don Cowie in a 4-4-2 formation. Nathan Ellington partnered Danny Graham up-front.

The first chance of the game went to United after 3 minutes when Ward blasted a shot towards Loach's goal and the England U21 keeper had to pull off a save with his finger tips. A deflected shot in the 7th minute saw United's first corner of the match but the Blades wasted their chance after Treacy delivered in swinging corner and it was cleared by Jay DeMerit.

Just four minutes later and the Blades were ahead. A quick free kick by Treacy and Ward was positioned in the penalty box and fired low into the middle of the goal. Evans, on his return from international duty with Wales, was again threatening for the Blades when on 22 minutes his shot was only inches past Loach's post. Watford was again defending in numbers as United continued to press for a second goal. Evans crossed to the waiting Henderson but his shot glanced past the post. A Watford corner on the right taken by McAnuff resulted in Smith taking a rare chance to get an effort at goal, the Blades had men back and Kyle Walker blocked.

Ross Jenkins was brought down yards outside the area to give the Hornets a chance on goal. But Ellington's free-kick bounced off the Blades wall. Loach had his work cut out for him as the Kevin Blackwells’ men looked sharp and dangerous on attack. In the 39th minute, Treacy had a go at goal but his blast was squeezed past the post. Minutes later the Hornets were in trouble again as Matt Kilgallon headed the ball and was merely inches away from making it 2-0 just before the break.

The second half kicked off with Watford having more possession but the Hornets were unable to make any worthwhile chances and the action quickly switched to the other end of the pitch. United were now in the ascendancy roared on by the Shoreham Kop they continued their pressure from the first half in the penalty box. The Blades were playing some good football and were always on the front foot showing great concentration and determination which was a pleasure to watch. Crosses were fling in from both side of the and the persistent pressure paid off as the impressive Evans flew past the Watford defence in the 62nd minute and finished off by smashing a ball past Loach and into the back of the net.

The Blades looked comfortable in their lead and continued to push for a third goal as the Hornets threw more men forward in an attempt to save the game. The Hornets keeper was again called into action as the Blades strikers and managed after pull off another save, and the ball fell to Henderson but he shot over the bar.

Watford defender Lloyd Doyley made a diving header clearance of a ball from inside the penalty box to keep the score at 2-0. Then a mix-up in the Blades area involving Ross Jenkins who was just getting up from the ground when the ball got tangled under the midfielder and after much deliberation by the referee, he gave a dropball on the edge of the United box close to the ‘D’. The task was fruitless for the Hornets however and the Blades regained control of the ball. Substitute Dave Cotterill nearly made it three for United a few minutes later but his shot was deflected and Loach's post got in the way as the shot smashed against the woodwork. The Hornets were getting increasingly frustrated as both Marvin Sordell and Adrian Mariappa were booked within six minutes of each other.

Blades defender Killgallon was given too much space in the 85th minute as his cross found Kyel Reid but his ball went wide of the post. The Blades seemed determined to get a third goal of the afternoon (if only for my sake I had a 3-0 bet on this one) as Kilgallon, Montomery and Reid all tried their luck at the target, but Watford managed to clear the ball effectively. With three minutes added, Severin earned the Hornets free-kick yards outside the area and this was to be the last chance for the visitors to get a consolation goal. Smith crossed to Danny Graham but the striker's shot lacked power. This had been a good attacking performance full of focus and determination, and long may it continue. Up the Blades!

Blades Player Performance Ratings v.Watford': Bunn 7 , Taylor 7 , Morgan 7 , Kilgallon 7 , Montgomery 6 , Howard 6 , Treacy 8 , Reid 6 , Walker 7 , Evans 8 , Ward 7 , Cotterill 6 , Henderson 6 , Quinn -

Blades Line-up: Bennett, Taylor, Bromby, Kilgallon, Quinn (Montgomery 81) , Howard, France, Little (Treacy 68), Reid, Henderson (Robertson 56), Sharp.

Man of The Match: Glen Little.

Port Vale Line-up: Martin, Stockley, Owen, McCombe, Collins, Fraser, Taylor, Loft, Griffith, Richards, Taylor (Horsfield 79).

Referee: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire).

A calamitous error by Blades goalkeeper Ian Bennett handed Port Vale a shock 2-1 League Cup first-round win at the Lane. A much-changed United went close twice in the opening 10 minutes, with Billy Sharp's rasping shot well turned around the post by Martin and then moments later home debutant Glen Little fired wide from eight yards with the goal gaping. Vale slowly began to assert themselves in the game and took a surprise lead with their first attack in the 20th minute. Sam Stockley did well to head Robert Taylor's deep cross back across goal and after the ball eluded Ian Bennett's despairing dive, Richards was left with the simplest of tasks to tap home from two yards. Despite surviving another scare when Taylor flashed a shot just over, the Blades soon hit back and levelled in the 33rd minute with a fine goal. After some incisive play down the left, Little fed Sharp and with his back to goal, he produced a neat turn and curling shot which left Martin helpless. Early in the second half, United saw Little's effort cleared off the line by Gareth Owen. Then the decisive moment of game came on the hour mark when Richards curled a tame 20-yard free-kick straight down the throat of Bennett, but the Lane keeper spilled the ball over the line in front of the Vale following. United rallied, forcing a fine double save from Martin who kept out close-range efforts from Jordan Robertson. In retrospect, we have more important matters this season like promotion.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Port Vale: Bennett 5 , Taylor 5 , Bromby 5 , Kilgallon 6 , Quinn 5 , Montgomery 6 , Howard 5 , France 5 , Little 7 , Treacy 6 , Reid 6 , Henderson 5 , Robertson 5 , Sharp 7 .

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell believes his new-look side can improve on last season after seeing them secure a goalless draw in their season opener at Middlesbrough. The home side dominated much of the game on Friday night but failed to create clear-cut chances, while the Blades managed to give Boro keeper Danny Coyne problems as they attacked on the break. And, after giving five players their debuts in the match, Blackwell is confident that his squad can improve on last year's third-place finish in the Championship. "I think as an away side, we were very positive, but it's going to be a difficult place to come to," he told Sky Sports. "We looked, I thought, a lot stronger than we did last season. Unfortunately, one or two players haven't played as much as I'd like and, maybe if they can get that bit more sharpness, it'll certainly help us." He added: "I think we looked more accomplished today. I'd still like to see us get on the ball more and pass it, but with the amount of youngsters we've got, there's a great energy in the team and I thought that showed today. "We've got to ally that with a bit more craft and passing the ball in better areas and I'd like us to be a bit more clinical but, other than that, it was a great performance away from home."

Blades Line-up: Bunn, Walker, Taylor, Morgan, Kilgallon, Montgomery, Howard (Evans 68), France, Treacy (Cotterill 63), Quinn, Henderson.

Man of The Match: Matt Kilgallon.

Middlesbrough Line-up: Coyne, Huth, Grounds, Wheater, Williams, McMahon, Yeates, Digard (O'Neil 42), Johnson, Aliadiere, Emnes (Lita 65).

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

Sheffield United gained a good hard fought point against Middlesbrough at the Riverside in the opening match of the new season.

Both sides lined up on the edge of the centre-circle to prepare for a minute's silence in respect of Sir Bobby Robson, fans from both sides took matters into their own hands and started singing and shouting the legend's name before the referee signalled the start.

The Blades handed debuts to four players, goalkeeper Mark Bunn, Andy Taylor, Ryan France and Keith Treacy in a 4-5-1 formation with Darious Henderson the striker, and Treacy and France in wide flank positions. There was a pacey start to the game, United creating the first chance with just over 90 seconds played, as Treacy volleyed low from the edge of the penalty area, forcing a stop from goalkeeper Danny Coyne, who must have seen it late through a crowd of bodies.

The pace continued relentless, but much of the play was neither subtle nor decisive. United adopted a direct approach as they usually do in away matches, with Nick Montgomery making his presence felt in most of the Blades patterns. After 20 minutes a lofted ball into the penalty box fell for Stephen Quinn, but somehow Boro’s massed ranks bundled clear the ball away.

Just past the midpoint of the first half Mark Yeates found himself in a central position 20 yards from goal and his fiercely struck low drive brought a flying save from Bunn in the United goal. Then, a quick break down the left for the Blades as Quinn shot for goal from an angle about 14 yards from the goal line. The Blades made another chance when the ball ran free to France and he caused problems with a low drive across the face of goal.

Then, John Johnson and Yeates switched wings for Boro', and Johnson made a surge towards the goal line he ran out of options and Bunn palmed away a shot from a near impossible angle. In injury time, Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was forced into making a change when Didier Digard walked off and was replaced by Gary O'Neil.

There was no let up of pace as the second half started. Coyne saved well as Brian Howard shot low from 25 yards for United, and then Johnson went down dramatically in the Blades 18 yards box trying to trick the referee in to a penalty. The Blades had been the better of the side in the first half, but Boro’ we getting more position at the start of the second half. That said, Kevin Blackwell’s side were resolute and defended really well, with both centre backs looking particularly impressive soaking pressure up without too many problems.

Both sides made changes within minutes of each other with Leroy Lita replacing Marvin Emnes and for Boro’ and then for the Blades, Ched Evans came on for his much anticipated debut in place of Howard.

The pace of the game slowed down in the latter stages which suited United. Boro appealed for another spot-kick when Lita showed what he was all about as he went down looking to cheat the referee into giving a penalty after getting caught between Chris Morgan and Montgomery. Tony McMahon fired over and Morgan headed away a Yeates cross as Middlesbrough pressed in the last few minutes. Just two minutes of added time was announced and Blades substitute David Cotterill run and crossed on the left side almost put in the hard working Henderson. On the final whistle the travelling Blades fans cheered and could be highly satisfied with what they had watched tonight.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Boro': Bunn 7 , Walker 7 , Taylor 6 , Morgan 8 , Kilgallon 8 , Montgomery 7 , Howard 6 , France 6 , Treacy 7 , Cotterill 6 , Quinn 6 , Evans 6 , Henderson 8 .

Mark Bunn says he would like to stay at United longer than the one-month loan deal originally agreed.The 24-year-old completed his move to the Lane on Monday and is already talking about an extended stay having failed to establish himself in the Blackburn Rovers side. With the situation surrounding the Blades regular goalkeeper Paddy Kenny still up in the air there is the possibility that Bunn may get his wish of a longer loan period in South Yorkshire. "Sheffield United is a massive club and it is an honour to be here," Bunn told the Star. "My main aim is, obviously, to play, and maybe I can stay longer than the initial month. "The Championship is a tough division but it should prove to be a good test for me personally. "I want to play in the top-flight and the Blades can definitely be there."

United have signed goalkeeper Mark Bunn on a one-month loan deal from Premier League side Blackburn Rovers. The 24-year-old has made just one appearance for Rovers since his arrival from Northampton Town and went out on loan to Leicester City last season. However, he has been recruited by Blades boss Kevin Blackwell as cover ahead of the new Championship season.