FORGET squeaky bums.
Now the only sound reverberating around Bramall Lane is excitable chatter about the prospect of mounting a late charge for the play-offs.
Top-six qualification will, in all likelihood, still prove beyond Sheffield United this season, but this derby win at Oakwell, their fourth Championship victory in succession, underlined the remarkable transformation under Kevin Blackwell's stewardship.
The lurking fear of relegation seems a distant memory.
All eyes in the red-and-white half of the Steel City are fixed on promotion.
Fitting, then, that the player who appears to have benefitted most from Blackwell's arrival delivered the decisive blow.
Billy Sharp's 76th-minute finish, which settled a delicately-balanced encounter in the visitors' favour, was as piercing as the snow and sleet that enveloped Barnsley midway through Saturday's second half.
What do you think of the Blades under Blackwell? Post your comments below.A fine pass from the influential Gary Speed, who moments earlier had thudded a long-distance drive against the post, was dispatched with comparable precision by the young centre-forward whose three league goals have all come in his last three matches.
Sharp's renaissance has been one of the driving forces behind United's climb; his personal fortunes mirroring those of the club he passionately supports as well as represents.
Six weeks ago the youngster cut a forlorn figure as his dream move from Scunthorpe threatened to turn sour.
But regime change has breathed new life into his performances. Infused with the confidence of knowing that he would benefit from a prolonged run in the team, combined with Blackwell's decision to rid him of the burden of being asked to create as well as score chances, has donewonders.
Now the goals are flowing freely and opportunities are being taken instinctively, rather than forced.
Little wonder that Blackwell insisted: "People asked me when I came if Billy was worth £2 million.
READ MORESharp says Blades are set for play-off challenge.READ MOREBilly has a snow stormer. WITH MATCH ACTION SLIDESHOW.Football headlines.Latest football gossip.All sport categories.Football headlines.Latest football gossip.All sport categories.The full article contains 360 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
