KEVIN Blackwell has cemented his love affair with Sheffield United by insisting that people, not plaudits, are his biggest motivation.
Blackwell, who returned to the club after Bryan Robson's departure in February, has set his sights on delivering Premiership football to Bramall Lane next season.
Transformed by Blackwell's leadership, United climbed from 16th to within touching d
istance of the play-offs in less than three months before narrowly failing to secure a top six finish on the final day when they lost an epic battle at Southampton.
Blackwell's efforts have been rewarded with a three year contract but, having spent the early days of his reign working on a goodwill basis, he said: "It's never been about the money for me.
"It's always been about the people. I've got some great friends here and everyone knows this club has a special place in my heart.
"That's why I want to do well. "That's what drives me on. To my mind, if you do well then you usually get your rewards anyway."
Blackwell, who previously served as Neil Warnock's successor, has welcomed the news that more than 12,000 season ticket holders have already renewed their seats for the 2008/09 campaign.
Existing season ticket holders can renew until 2pm this afternoon, between 10am and 4pm tomorrow and between 9am and 7pm on Monday.
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