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Blackwell's plea to Sheffield United fans as injuries wreck team plan
SHEFFIELD United manager Kevin Blackwell has appealed for patience after admitting his side once again face being crippled by injury.
Blackwell was speaking after large sections of the Bramall Lane crowd expressed their displeasure at Blades' performance during Saturday's draw with Derby County.
Jordan Stewart, deployed as a makeshift left-back following the loss of Andy Taylor and Gary Naysmith, bore the brunt of supporters' frustrations with leading goalscorer Darius Henderson also finding himself on the receiving end after being substituted before Lee Williamson cancelled out Robbie Savage's opener.
Sheffield United 1 Derby 1 - MATCH REPORT
Acknowledging that United's performance left a lot to be desired, Blackwell said: "I appreciate that we've not been at our best of late but I do think the lads deserve a bit more patience.
"I can understand why people get frustrated because the whole country is going through a tough time at the moment with the credit crunch and so when they see someone who they think isn't putting the effort in they're going to get on their backs.
"But I can assure you the boys are giving me absolutely everything. It's just that, with everyone we've got out, it's almost impossible to have any cohesion.
"I do sympathise (with the fans] and I know that we're lucky to be involved in football and that we get well paid for what we do.
"All I'd ask those giving them stick though is to ask whether, if when they went to work and had someone stood over their shoulder all day castigating them, whether they'd perform at their best? The lads might be well rewarded but they're not robots. They're human beings."
Wisely choosing to walk a tightrope being diplomacy and defiance, Blackwell said: "Jordan is playing out of position but he's shown his willingness to put in a shift there and try to help us out. What we've got to do is help him through it and keep reminding him that he's a good player."
Goalkeeper Mark Bunn (leg/hand) and midfielder James Harper (ankle) are to have scans ahead of the visit to Preston North End tomorrow. Blackwell will attempt to sign a centre-half and right-back during the emergency loan window.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
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