New Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell believes the Blades can return to the Premier League.
Boss praises hard-working team
New Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell believes the hard-working Blades can make a return to the Premier League.
Blackwell spent several seasons at the club working under Neil Warnock before leaving just under four years ago.
This has given him an insight into the ethos of the club and its fans, who gave him a rapturous reception before Sunday's goalless FA Cup fifth-round draw with Middlesbrough.
While it may be hard to gain promotion this season as the side are 12 points off a play-off place, the new manager believes the club has the infrastructure in place to go places.
Reflecting on his welcome and the club itself, he said: "It's really important that when you go somewhere you are wanted. That really helps.
"The fans here know what I'm about, what to expect from me, and I know what I have to try and give them.
Hard-working
"Against Middlesbrough they saw a glimpse of a hard-working Blades side. We are a working men's club.
"We're a city that has a tradition, and that is we work hard and we give no favours, and that was the side we had out there.
"That was the kind of side, combined with its ethics, that took the club into the Premier League.
"If it was good enough last time then it has to be good enough again.
"When you look around everybody realises Bramall Lane is a terrific stadium, while the club has a good fan base, the infrastructure is in place and there is a real dynamic chairman (Kevin McCabe).
"This is a club that wants to go somewhere, and if you're not happy to be here then there aren't many places you would be happy at."
