IN A DIVISION where consistency does not even make the dictionairy, Kevin Blackwell should be rightly proud of his record at Sheffield United.
Whatever the outcome at St Mary's. United were in 16th position when their former assistant coach completed an emotional return to Bramall Lane in February ; trailing the top six by nine points.
Now, 15 games, eight wins and just three defeats lat
er, they are ninth; just three points behind Watford in fifth and sixth-placed Crystal Palace.
United need to claim their ninth victory in 11th outings to stand any chance of keeping their promotion dreams alive. But even then they will depend on results elsewhere to go their way. The Star reviews recent events at the others clubs competiting for a play-off place.
5) WATFORD (PTS 69, GD 6): Manager Aidy Boothroyd kept his players locked in the dressing room for an hour after the defeat by relegated Scunthorpe as he bids to prevent his team's season from falling apart. But midfielder John Eustace is confident the tough-talking will provoke a response against Blackpool. Eustace said: "We had a good chat out in the open. It was just disappointing because the bottom line is it wasn't good enough. We still had some chances but we're not very confident in front of goal. We have a really good away record and we just hope we can produce a result."
6) CRYSTAL PALACE (PTS 68, GD 11): Chelsea's Scott Sinclair says Sunday will be one of the biggest games of his career.
The teenager, who moved to Selhurst Park on loan earlier this year, has played against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool for the Champions League finalists.
"It will certainly be one of the biggest games I've played in during my career so far, said Sinclair.
"Promotion is a big thing for the club and all the players.
"This why we play football, for occasions like Sunday - it's going to be a massive game for us."
7) WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (PTS 67, GD 4): Darron Gibson is set to declare himself fit for Sunday's meeting with Plymouth at Molineux.
The on-loan midfielder suffered an injury scare after limping-off during Darren Wrack's testimonial match at Walsall earlier this week.
"Darron Gibson is all right," said manager Mick McCarthy. "He just 'rocked' his ankle but he says he's fine.
"Darron was only ever going to play the first half but it was important that he started the game and played."
8) IPSWICH TOWN (PTS 66, GD 8): Fraizer Campbell has vowed to put Jim Magilton's team to the sword.
Campbell is poised to return to Manchester United at the end of Hull City's season but warned Ipswich that his team mates are still gunning for automatic promotion.
"It's been a great season from lows to highs.
"I've learnt a lot and feel part of something that's making history. This club has never been this high and the chance to put them into the Premier League where they've never been is a fantastic thing. It's all been positives for me."
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORESheffield Eagles mark 10th anniversary of historic Wembley win: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO REPORTOWLS TALK - Paul Thompson discusses Wednesday's survival chances ahead of their last match of the season: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO REPORTBLADES TALK - James Shield discusses the challenge faced by one Blades player who will be lining up against them on Sunday: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO REPORTLeon's a lion for Owls fans - SEZ LES Football headlines.More Blades.More Owls.More Spireites.More Rovers.More Reds.More Millers.More Ice Hockey.More rugby.More boxing.Sports columnists.All sport categories. The full article contains 624 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
