28th August Gary Speed has hailed the importance of United's 1-0 win over Preston, which gave him his first taste of victory in management. Jean Calve's second-half screamer from 35 yards was enough to settle the game at Bramall Lane and earn the Blades their first win of the season. And Speed, taking charge of his second match following Kevin Blackwell's exit, was thrilled to register the points. "I'm delighted to get the win. Obviously, being my first one as a manager, it means a lot," he said. "But it is more important for the team. It's their first one of the season too and that's going to take a lot of pressure off their shoulders.

"It was also doubly important because we are going into the international break now. It's vital to go into that on a high." Calve was making his Blades debut following his loan move from French side AS Nancy and Speed was full of praise for his performance. "It was a superb goal from Jean," he said. "It was worthy of winning any game. There's no better way to mark your debut and introduce yourself to the crowd than by doing that.

28th August Sheffield United 1 Preston North End 0 (Attendance: 19,692)

Blades Line-up: Simonsen, Jordan, Nosworthy, Montgomery, Ertl, Britton, Evans (Yeates 60), Calve (Lowton 75), Cresswell, Ward, Bartley.

Subs Not Used: Bogdanovic, Aksalu, Taylor, Kozluk, Quinn.

Bookings: Montgomery 47, Jordan 83.

Scorer: Calve 74..

Man of The Match: Kyle Bartley.

Preston Line-up: Lonergan, Morgan, Davidson, St Ledger, James, Coutts, Hayes (Parkin 79), Treacy (Mayor 53), Gray (Barton 82), King, Jones.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Russell, Arestidou, McLaughlin.

Booking: Jones 68.

Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).

Jean Calve marked his Sheffield United debut with a wonder goal as the Blades beat Preston 1-0 at the Lane to move out of the bottom three. Gary Speed was given a rousing reception as he came onto the pitch, Calve and Stephen Jordan made their debuts in a Blades defence that was missing skipper Chris Morgan through injury. Nyron Nosworthy partnered Kyle Bartley with the two newcomers filling the full backs positions.

Former Blades midfielder Keith Treacy lined-up for Preston and after his spectacular extra-time winner in the midweek League Cup tie against Bradford, he caused the home side some discomfort in the opening stages of the game when Treacy rattled the crossbar with a third-minute free-kick. Calve then showed he was not afraid to come forward from right-back to try his luck from distance, and speculative long-range efforts proved to be the order of a cagey first half. Preston regularly fell behind the ball to stifle spells of United pressure before exploiting the pace of on-loan Manchester United striker Joshua King on the counter attack. The Blades were looking better than in previous weeks with Nick Montgomery, Johnny Ertl and Leon Britton more comfortable on the ball.

In first-half stoppage time North End's David Gray whipped in a cross that narrowly evaded Paul Hayes moments after a similar delivery from Calve had flashed wide of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan's upright at the other end. It was not promotion football from United, but the ever optimistic Lane faithful could see some improvements for the future, so, the players were given a round of applause as they left the field.

The second period began with Preston exhibiting the brighter football once more and they created the first clear-cut opening of the contest. King got the better of some shaky Nosworthy defending and burst into the penalty area to force a save from Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. From the rebound Billy Jones blazed over. Treacy then left the field injured to be replaced by Danny Mayor, but it did not interrupt Preston's rhythm. The danger came from King once more, this time via a rasping 30-yard effort that Simonsen stretched to cling on to. Mark Yeates replaced the ineffective Ched Evans up front for United and his stinging 63rd-minute drive was pushed away by Lonergan. The introduction of Yeates seemed to give United a boost going forward and they started to enjoy their best spell of pressure in the match. Britton was in a deeper midfield position as of late and this allowed Ertl to make forages into the Preston box and he did this to good effect causing all type of problems. With 17 minutes remaining Calve marked his debut with a goal fit to win any game.

The on-loan Nancy full-back cut inside 35 yards from goal before unleashing a speculative effort into the top corner. Calve bizarrely emerged from his goal celebration with cramp and was immediately replaced by Matt Lowton. The bearded ‘Beast’ Jon Parkin came on for Hayes as Preston pushed for an equaliser and the burly frontman thought he had won a penalty for his side three minutes from time. But the referee adjudged Kyle Bartley's foul to be outside the penalty area and Paul Coutts drilled the resulting free-kick into a well staffed United wall.   There had been some improvement today, particularly in midfield from Britton and the two new full-backs were also solid in their play. The Blades still lack a real goal poacher, so perhaps that’s the next focus for the new manager.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Preston: Simonsen 6, Jordan 7, Calve 7, Nosworthy 6, Bartley 8, Britton 7, Montgomery 7, Ertl 7, Evans 6, Yeates 8, Lowton 6, Cresswell 6, Ward 6.

24th August Manager Gary Speed hopes to make another new signing before Saturday's clash with Preston.

On Monday, Speed made Jean Calve his first recruit since succeeding Kevin Blackwell last week, signing the French full-back on a season-long loan from Nancy. The new Blades boss has now turned his attention to boosting his attacking options after United lost 1-0 at Middlesbrough in his first game in charge. A deal could be done in time for Saturday's home game against Preston, when the Blades will aim to improve on a start that sees them sit bottom of the Championship after taking just a point from their opening three league games. And although there would still be a few more days to bring in a new man before the transfer deadline, Speed insists he will not be forced into any panic buys.

24th August Gary Speed has made his first signing as United manager by landing French full-back Jean Calve on a season-long loan. The 26-year-old arrives from French top-flight side AS Nancy and could make his debut at home to Preston on Saturday. "Jean not only adds to our squad strength but he has attacking qualities we want and think we can accommodate in the team," said Speed.

22nd August Middlesbrough 1 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 14,633)

Blades Line-up: Simonsen; Nosworthy (Quinn 75), Morgan (Capt), Taylor, Ertl, Bartley, Britton, Montgomery, Cresswell, Ward, Evans (Bogdanovic 66)

Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Kozluk, James, Chapell, Yeates.

Man of The Match: Richard Cresswell.

Middlesbrough Line-up: Steele; Bates, Wheater, McManus (Capt), Kilgallon, Halliday (Taylor 78), Robson, Bailey, Kink (Arca 46), McDonald, Boyd (Lita 69).

Subs Not Used: Coyne, Hoyte, L Williams, Miller.

Bookings: Bates 63, Wheater 90+1.

Scorer: Ephraim 11.

Referee: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire).

Gary Speed's first game in charge of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Middlesbrough scraped a 1-0 win at the Riverside Stadium. Kris Boyd grabbed the only goal of the game in the 52nd minute to earn a first league victory of the season for the Teessiders, managed by Speed's former Leeds team-mate Gordon Strachan.

Boyd's strike was one of few memorable moments in a truly dismal encounter, which saw both sides display a disappointing lack of quality in the final third.

Speed made just one change to the United side beaten 3-0 by QPR last weekend, with Nyron Nosworthy starting in place of Stephen Quinn. Nosworthy was at right-back and Johnny Erl moved to his more familiar position as an anchor just in front of the centre backs. Former Blades defender Matt Kilgallon and winger Andy Halliday were handed their Middlesbrough debuts, while Estonia forward Tarmo Kink made his first start for the club.

Scott McDonald wasted a half-chance for Boro in the eighth minute when he scuffed a tame shot straight at United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. The only clear-cut opportunity of the opening period arrived nine minutes later, after Boro's Nicky Bailey had been caught in possession by Jamie Ward inside his own half. Ward slipped a neat pass through to Ched Evans, but the Welshman's low shot was kept out by the left boot of home goalkeeper Jason Steele. Ward was involved again in the 24th minute when finding Richard Cresswell in the area, but the former Stoke forward lost his footing as he attempted an over-elaborate turn.

The home supporters grew increasingly restless as the half-time whistle approached, although they were temporarily roused in the 33rd minute when Kink fired narrowly over with a dipping left-footed shot from 30 yards. It proved to be the youngster's final meaningful contribution as he was replaced by Julio Arca at the interval. The home fans were finally given something to shout about seven minutes into the second half as Boyd opened his account for the club. McDonald's flick-on was misjudged by Blades skipper Chris Morgan and Boyd broke clear before slotting a low left-footed shot across Simonsen and into the corner.

Speed introduced Daniel Bogdanovic in place of Evans in the 66th minute as the Blades searched for an equaliser. Boyd was withdrawn from the action soon after, with Leroy Lita coming on in his place. The changes did little to improve the standard of play as both sides continued to labour in the afternoon sun. Ward spurned an opportunity to pull United level in the 75th minute when he lashed over from the edge of the area following a neat one-two with Ertl. United came close again with five minutes remaining as Ward's shot almost deflected into the path of Bogdanovic six yards from goal. But Boro, who offered next to nothing as an attacking force after Boyd's goal, held on to claim a somewhat fortuitous victory.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Middlesbrough: Simonsen 6, Nosworthy 6, Taylor 5, Morgan 5, Bartley 6, Ertl 6, Britton 6, Montgomery 6, Quinn 5, Cresswell 6, Ward 6, Evans 5, Bogdanovic 5.

17th August United's assistant manager Sam Ellis will remain with the club following the departure of manager Kevin Blackwell. Ellis' future was thrown into doubt when Blackwell left the club "by mutual consent" after Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to former manager Neil Warnock's QPR. But a Blades spokesman said: "Going forward, Sam Ellis will continue to play a role with Sheffield United

17th August Gary Speed has been confirmed as Sheffield United's new manager and insists 'it's my time and I'm ready for the step up.' Speed has landed his first job in management after being named as Kevin Blackwell's successor on Tuesday, after the former Leeds and Luton boss left at the weekend. United have suffered a poor start to the season, losing their last two games after claiming a point on the opening day of the season at Cardiff. First the Blades tumbled out of the League Cup in the first round to League One side Hartlepool, before Saturday's 3-0 trouncing by Queens Park Rangers in the league proved to be the final straw for Blackwell's three-year tenure. But the Blades have sought to start a new era at the club by appointing Speed in the Lane hot-seat on a three-year contract. The 40-year-old admitted he has already turned down management offers in the past but revealed the vacant Blades post was too good to turn down

14th August Kevin Blackwell has left his post as Sheffield United manager by mutual consent following their miserable start to the new season. After the 3-0 home humbling by QPR, who were home and hosed after 23 minutes of the match, proved to be the final straw for the Blades board. There had been calls for Blackwell's head during the match and the supporters finally got their way with news of his departure soon after the final whistle.

14th August Sheffield United 0 Queens Park Rangers 3 (Attendance: 22,651)

Blades Line-up: Simonsen, Montgomery, Morgan, Ertl, Britton, Evans (Bogdanovic 67), Taylor (Kozluk 75), Cresswell, Ward, Bartley, Quinn (Yeates 75).

Subs Not Used: Aksalu, James, Chapell.

Bookings: Montgomery 14, Bartley 47.

Man of The Match: Jamie Ward.

Q.P.R. Line-up: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry, Hall (Ramage 51), Taarabt (Clarke 68), Helguson, Faurlin, Mackie, Gorkss, Ephraim (Leigertwood 79).

Subs Not Used: Connolly, Cerny, German, Parker.

Bookings: Faurlin 45, Ephraim 75.

Scorers: Ephraim 11, Mackie 20, Taarabt (pen) 23.

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Three goals in 12 first-half minutes was enough to see the Blades humiliated in their first home match of the new season. New loan defender Kyle Bartley started at centre back partnering Chris Morgan. Johnny Ertl, who had played well at centre back at Cardiff, was switched to right back to accommodate the return of Bartley even though Manager Kevin Blackwell had bought Ertl to play in midfield.  There was Rob Kozluk who had been brought back to the Lane by Blackwell to play right-back, but he was left sitting on the bench.

As soon as we all saw the cobbled together team line- up we knew it was going to be a difficult afternoon and so it proved to be. And remember the manager had all the summer to get this sorted and yet the players we bought are injured.. Nosworthy injured, Jordon injured. Walton injured for the season.. it all sounds too familiar! Neil Warnock made five changes to the Q.P.R. side that was defeated in midweek against Port Vale in the League Cup. Paddy Kenny was in goal for the visitors. Shaun Derry operated just in front of the defence and Heiðar Helguson led the R’s attack.

The atmosphere inside Bramall Lane was electric as kick-off approached, and the noise levels raised a notch more when Blades skipper Chris Morgan decided to switch ends, leaving Kenny with the task of keeping goal in front of a outpouring of abuse from the Shoreham Kop. However, Kenny and his team mates settled well in the opening ten minutes, so much so that they raced into a first-half lead on 11 minutes. It was a slick passing move that created the goal, with the lead up just as good as the finish that followed it. Derry received possession midway into his own half before playing the ball up to halfway for Adel Taarabt. The Moroccan international took the ball in his stride before driving forward and putting Hogan Ephraim through on goal with a telling pass down the left. Midfielder Ephraim's first touch was near-perfect and so was his finish, cutting in from the left before striding into the area and rolling the ball past Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen and into the net.

It was a goal that gave Rangers a certain confidence as well as a swagger, and just nine minutes later, they were two ahead. Bradley Orr played a cross-field ball from right-back to the left-hand edge of the penalty area for Ephraim. Again, the midfielder's touch was superb, before Ephraim dinked a ball back into the box and onto the head of Jamie Mackie, who stole in to nod an effort back across the goal and into the opposite corner at the back right-hand stick.

The R's were rampant, and unbelievably, they were three goals up on 23 minutes. Again it was Ephraim who was the architect. The R's winger was enjoying a fruitful afternoon helped by some atrocious defending from United, and when his lashed cross was too much for Simonsen to handle, Helguson looked certain to follow up and tuck the ball away. Helguson's touch was heavy as he took the ball away from the target, and as the striker went to retrieve the ball, Simonsen clipped his legs as he went down to retrieve it. The referee correctly pointed to the spot and Taarabt netted his second penalty in successive matches, sliding the ball into the bottom-right hand corner of the goal.

The Unitedites were understandably upset at trailing by such a steep margin. It has to be said, the lead was deserved. Words fail to describe how bad the Blades had been and while Warnock stood on the touchline orchestrating and pointing his players forward, his counterpart Blackwell stood next to the dugout just watching as though waiting for a bus home. The Blades had a momentary chance when good work from Nick Montgomery down the right-hand side saw him play a cross on to the head of Richard Cresswell, who forced a splendid save from Kenny as the keeper tipped the ball over for a corner kick. As the halftime whistle was blown the Blades were resoundingly booed off. What a unsatisfying start to the season, losing 0-3 at half-time.

Shortly into the second half and the visitors were forced to replace Fitz Hall, who had gone down with an injury and then took an eternity to walk off the field of play. Peter Ramage came on as his replacement. Then, Q.P.R. almost added a fourth goal on the counter attack as broke at pace through Taarabt and Ephraim, and when the latter of the two found the ball out wide on the left, he squared back to Alejandro Faurlin on the edge of the box, whose shot was blocked to safety by Ertl.

Halfway through the second half, the visitors introduced Leon Clarke for Taarabt, who was greeted with boos from the Lane faithful. The half was a period of few chances, with United unable to create any chances of note and QPR content to sit back with their three goal lead. Daniel Bogdanovic replaced Ched Evans and Jamie Ward could have cut the deficit with 20 minutes remaining but he appeared to be surprised to be presented with a shooting opportunity. The last throw of the dice was a double substitution. Its saw Kozluk and Mark Yeates introduced, but it was one of the visiting replacements, Mikele Leigertwood on for Ephraim, who went close to a fourth as the game entered the final ten minutes.

The final change of the afternoon had the desired effect, with Rangers holding out for three precious and well-earned points. United left the field to a barrage of boos and abuse from their disgruntled fans. Later that same evening, Blackwell was finally sacked. What many fans must have wanted to know is why Blackwell had not being replaced at the end of last season. He was unpopular with the was majority of supporters’ at the Lane with his habbit of signing injured or injury prone players, playing players out of position and seemingly devoid of any tactics other that the direct approach. Now we have the unsettling situation where we have to find another manager after just two league games.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.: Simonsen 5, Taylor 4, Ertl 4,Kozluk 5, Morgan 6, Bartley 4, Montgomery 5, Britton 4, Quinn 5, Yeates 5,Ward 6, Cresswell 6, Evans 6, Bogdanovic 6.

11th August Hartlepool United 2 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 2,520)

Blades Line-up: Simonsen, Montgomery, Morgan, Ertl, Britton, Yeates (Quinn 73), Taylor, Cresswell (Bartley 81), Kozluk, James (Ward 67), Chapell.

Subs Not Used: Roe, Crichton, Speed.

Booking: Ward 81.

Man of The Match: Steve Simonsen.

Hartlepool Line-up: Flinders, Haslam, Liddle, Collins, Horwood, Sweeney, Gamble, Murray, (Fredriksen 72), Brown (McSweeney 52), Boyd (Behan 74), Monkhouse.

Subs Not Used: Rafferty, Larkin, Bjornsson, Hartley.

Scorers: Brown 6, Boyd 61 (pen).

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).

Hartlepool dumped United of the League Cup with a 2-0 win at Victoria Park. The League One side outbattled and outplayed their Championship counterparts and were good value for a comprehensive and comfortable win. The home side took the game to the Blades from the off and took the lead on just six minutes. Andy Monkhouse fed Joe Gamble and when his shot was blocked by Steve Simonsen, James Brown knocked in the rebound from 12 yards.

On 48 minutes, Simonsen uneasily fumbled a low Brown shot wide for a corner. But he was beaten 12 minutes later from the spot. Antony Sweeney, played in by Adam Boyd, was pushed over from behind by Rob Kozluk and Boyd rolled the penalty home low as Simonsen went the wrong way. Joe Gamble almost made it three minutes later, curling a left-footed shot wide from 20 yards. But Pool were easy victors, the Blades only shot on target coming on 90 minutes - substitute Kyle Bartley's effort headed away by Monkhouse. Definitely one to forget.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Hartlepool: Simonsen 6, Kozluk 4, Taylor 4,, Morgan 5, Ertl 5, Montgomery 6, Britton 5, Yeates 4, Quinn 5, Cresswell 5, Bartley 5, James 5, Ward 6, Chapell 5.

10th August United have re-signed Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley on a season-long loan deal. The 19-year-old, who made 14 appearances for the Blades in a successful loan spell at the club at the end of last season, joined Arsenal from Bolton in 2007 and is reserve team captain at the Emirates. United manager Kevin Blackwell said: "I think this is a great move for both Kyle and Sheffield United and I am delighted to bring in effectively a new player but one who knows how we operate and is comfortable at the club. "We saw last season that Kyle is a young player with great potential and the association was of great benefit to both of us, it is very gratifying that he has made public how much he enjoys being with the Blades and that Arsenal trust us to look after him while he is with us. "Getting him for a year means he can really concentrate on what we want from him and along with the signings of (Stephen) Jordan and (Nyron) Nosworthy it gives us real stability at the back."

9th August United have completed the permanent signing of former Burnley defender Stephen Jordan.

Jordan, who was not offered a new deal after three years at Turf Moor, has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal. The 23-year-old began his career at Manchester City and went on to make 73 starts for the club in the Premier League after progressing through the youth ranks. Jordan, who had spent part of the summer with Portsmouth on their tour of the USA, completed his medical at Bramall Lane over the weekend.

8th August Cardiff City 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 20,573)

Blades Line-up: Simonsen, Lowton, Taylor, Morgan, Ertl, Montgomery, Britton (Kozluk 68), Quinn, Cresswell, Ward (Yeates 88), Evans (Bogdanovic 68).

Subs Not Used: Aksalu, James, Chapell.

Sent-Off: Lowton 35.

Bookings: Evans 37, Ward 78.
Scorer: Evans 24.

Man of The Match: Johnny Ertl.

Cardiff Line-up: Marshall, McNaughton, Rae (McCormack), Hudson(Capt), Gyepes, Whittingham, Chopra, Bothroyd, Burke, Drinkwater, Blake.

Subs Not Used: Heaton, Gerrard, Matthews

Bookings: Bothroyd 37.

Scorer: Bothroyd 62.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Sheffield United played out an entertaining and at times dramatic 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday. Johnny Ertl and Leon Britton were handed their league debuts for the Blades, Steve Simonsen was in goal and Matty Lowton at right-back. The Blades lined-up with Ched Evans as the lone striker and, Jamie Ward and Richard Cresswell on the flanks in a cautious formation.

In a lively opening it was United who looked the more dangerous winning an early corner and pressing the hosts back into their own half. Cardiff striker Michael Chopra placed the ball past Simonsen and into the net on 12 minutes but he clearly fouled Ertl in the build up, although referee Walton took some time before awarding a free-kick to the Blades.

The opening goal of the game went to United and it was brought about by a slick passing move, which ended with Britton inside the 18 yard box and although he was clearly fouled by a defender he eventually managed to pass to Evans and he directed the ball beyond goalkeeper David Marshall.

Cardiff started to come more into the game after the goal and Darcy Blake rushed down the right wing and provided a chipped cross that was only just cleared by Ertl with Jay Bothroyd lurking. The Blades were always dangerous on the counter and after half an hour, Marshall was called to action when tipped away a well struck half volley from Ward. At the other end, Cardiff were presented with the next chance when Peter Whittingham curled a free-kick from just outside the area into the side netting.

A minute later and the game was given a major talking point when Blades defender Lowton was shown a straight red for a tackle on Kevin McNaughton, with the referee deeming it a dangerous tackle. Initially it looked like a good competitive challenge, but later replays showed that the United defender had clearly made contact with the Cardiff man. It is also clear there was no intent or malice in the challenge whatsoever, so Lowton can feel aggrieved at such a reactionary punishment from the referee. A red was too harsh, a yellow and a stern ticking off would have been a better decision. The red card brought the usual gathering of players into a melee and resulting in yellow cards for Bothroyd and Evans.

This was the turning point of the match and United were now being forced on to the back foot, were previously they had been cleanly the better side before the sending off. Despite a period of sustained pressure on the Blades goal, no clear chances were created in the remaining ten minutes of the half and Kevin Blackwells’ men went into the half-time break a goal to the good.

We all knew it was going to be a defensive tin helmets second half as the home side pressed for an equaliser from the start. Ward had been moved into Lowton's right back position after the sending off and he had stayed there as the second half began. United, were now deploying a 4-4-1 formation with Evans looking even more isolated up front. Cardiff then added an extra dimension to their attacking play with the introduction of Ross McCormack and they finally got their equaliser on the hour mark.

A long ball played up field by Darcy Blake brought Blades goalkeeper Simonsen charging out from his goal to tackle Chopra. The Bluebirds striker got the better of Simonsen just outside the 18 yard box and picked out the pass across the box to Bothroyd and he slotted home past several defenders on the line.

The Blades still had 30 minites to hang on for a draw, unable to create anything of note, the defending continued. Five minutes after the goal, Simonsen managed to prevent the home side from adding a second. Chris Burke played a neat through ball down the centre to find McCormack who was unable lift the ball over the United keeper who smothered the ball well.

Ward was booked for time wasting, but the home side continued with the attacks raining on the Blades goal. Daniel Bogdanović replaced Britton and Rob Kozluk was brought on to bolster the tiring Blades defence.

United defended really well for the remainder of the match, the partnership between Chris Morgan and Ertl was eye catching and impressive. They made an excellent partnership and some of Ertl’s defending was exceptional.

Late on the best chance fell to the home side. With ten minutes remaining Burke provided a fine cross for McCormack, but the Scottish international could only strike a tame effort that was pushed away by the busy Blades keeper.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff: Simonsen 8, Lowton 5, Kozluk 6, Taylor 6, Morgan 7, Ertl 8, Montgomery 7, Britton 6, Quinn 6, Cresswell 6, Ward 7, Yeates -, Evans 7, Bogdanovic 6.

5th August United have been boosted by the news that midfielder Stephen Quinn has signed a new three-year deal at the Lane. The 24-year-old has followed in the footsteps of Chris Morgan, Nick Montgomery and Richard Cresswell in committing his future to the Blades. Quinn is delighted to sign fresh terms, stating he is settled in the city and that his heart now holds a place for the Blades. "I am absolutely delighted to settle the deal and couldn't be happier here because I am so settled," he commented. "All my family are here and love it to pieces. I have been here for seven years and the club is in my heart so there was no question I would sign. "When Morgs, Monty and Cressy committed, genuinely I wanted to follow because I knew the core of the squad was in place and we have built on it in the summer. The club has brought in some good players, like Simonsen, Ertl, Bogdanovic and Britton so my signing was really just a matter of time. "Having players committed on long contracts is good for the individual but more importantly for the club because everyone will be busting a gut to succeed for Sheffield United."