PREDICTABLY, for a team whose European campaign this year comprises of friendlies against Ferencvaros, KVK Tienen and Helmond Sport, the majority of players on show were agonisingly out of reach.
But Kevin Blackwell, Sheffield United's forward-thinking manager, is convinced that the lessons of last month's race for the European Championship can serve his team well when they begin the scramble for a ticket out of the Championship.
Aided by his spies from Bramall Lane's recently revamped scouting network, Blackwell, whose CV includes numerous work experience placements abroad, has kept a close eye on events at Euro 2008. The potent mix of pride and passion which served United well after his February appointment will not be diluted by lashings of continental flair.
But with several trends emerging over the course of the past three weeks - most notably the shift from preventing to poaching goals - Blackwell plans to make a series of subtle changes to last term's blueprint throughout the course of United's pre-season preparations.
"I thought it was a wonderful competition," he said. "Gripping and exciting to watch and the quality on show, by and large, was exceptional.
"The action as set the standard for everyone else to follow over the next couple of years."
Sunday's final between the swashbuckling Spanish matadors and the organised, industrial Germans is a case in point.
Luis Aragones' side captured the imagination of a continent with their slick, incisive approach but the mental fortitude which dragged the losers through to the Ernst Happel Stadium is, according to Blackwell, a sign that style is worth nothing without substance.
"Time will tell if we're going to see a change of emphasis in football because of what's happened but there's every chance," says Blackwell.
A glance through the options at their disposal suggests United are well-placed to realise his ambitions.
James Beattie and Rob Hulse are capable of ploughing a lone furrow up front should Blackwell dispense with his 4-4-2 during certain games while Derek Geary, that Duracell-Bunny of a full-back, can prise a hole in opposition defences from deep.
Should Wigan grant David Cotterill permission to return, then the vacancy for a continuity player able to pose a threat from wide positions will also be filled.
Talks aimed at securing the Wales international's release are scheduled to continue this week. Manchester United's Lee Martin has also expressed a desire to return.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 448 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
