KEVIN Blackwell mounted a vigorous defence of his transfer policy as Sheffield United took their first steps along a road which the South Yorkshire club hope leads to the Premiership.
There were no new faces among the party of players which filed through the gates of Shirecliffe yesterday.
No ready-made victims for the latest dressing-room prank.
Blackwell, who oversaw his first pre-season training session as United manager yesterday, hopes to rectify that situation over the coming weeks having discussed his list of targets with Kevin McCabe.
United's softly, softly approach has drawn criticism from some quarters.
But Blackwell, armed with a promise of funding from the chairman, insisted that his reticence to enter the market should be interpreted as a show of strength.
"We've got a lot of quality here already, we shouldn't lose sight of that fact," he said.
"In fact, I could probably afford to lose three or four players and still have the security of an impressive base from which to work from."
Blackwell, who guided United to the brink of the Championship's top six after being appointed in February, added "We're looking to bring people in, that's been well-documented. But they have to fit into what's already here.
"Doing too much could upset the balance.
"You've got to be careful and keep that in mind.
"Everything you do has an effect."
Meanwhile, Chengdu Blades, who returned to action following the Super League's mid-season break with a goalless draw against Henan Jianye last week, play their first home match since May's devastating earthquake struck Sichuan Province tomorrow night.
United, who own a 90 per cent stake in Li Bing's side, will be represented at the game by director Scott McCabe.
Later this month, Blades, who are eighth in the division, continue their fund-raising efforts to help those affected by the disaster with a high-profile friendly against Chelsea in Macau.
United have signed 15-year-old midfielder Kingsley Williams after forging links with Provision, an academy project designed to offer youngsters a second chance to establish careers in the professional game.
Williams impressed United scouts during a tournament in Valencia recently and at least two of his teammates are now being considered for moves to Ferencvaros, Bramall Lane's Hungarian partner club.
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