Sponsored by
Blackwell snubbed QPR proposition
FORMER Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has revealed he turned down an approach from Queens Park Rangers to stay at Bramall Lane at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
The 51-year-old, axed after just two matches of this Championship season, said it was "ironic" that his final game in charge was in a 3-0 defeat to Rangers, who are managed by his old mentor Neil Warnock.
"It didn't help that it was Neil," Blackwell said. "It's ironic. There's no doubt that Neil has had a big influence on my career playing-wise, coaching wise... and now getting the sack as well. He's done everything for me!
"This time last year I could have gone to Queens Park Rangers straight after the play-off final and the club turned it down. Neil rang me on two occasions and said: 'I've spoken to Flavio Briatore and they did want you to come here'.
"But I had a contract and I felt I should honour it at Sheffield United. That's why I stayed there. It's ironic that Neil takes the job on and has now got the money to move it forward.
"That happens in football."
Despite the abrupt end to his tenure at United, Blackwell insists he bears no grudges.
"I had a great time at Sheffield United," said Blackwell, who led the club to three successive top 10 finishes, including a play-off final appearance at Wembley where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Burnley. "My record at Sheffield United was nearly a 44 per cent win rate out of 160-odd games.
"If you can win nearly half your games you're going to be there or thereabouts. In the three years we were never outside the top eight or nine.
"It is frustrating. I'd love to be able to keep a team together and be able to build from there.
"It was a surprise (to be sacked], but you don't dwell on the past, you move forward. I left a lot of good friends there and overall the directors and myself got on very well. It's their decision and you have to abide by it."
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
Follow The Star on Twitter and Facebook:
For breaking news and sport follow The Star on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sheffieldstar and Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheffieldstar.
JOIN THE STAR READER PANEL: The Star is YOUR newspaper, so tell us what you think about it and what you want to see - CLICK HERE.
Don't miss our daily pull-outs - only in the The Star: Monday Star Sport, Tuesday Class Act; Wednesday Business; Thursday Grassroots; Friday Time Out; Saturday Retro. Subscribe to The Star - CLICK HERE
READ MORE
Subscribe to The Star or Green 'Un
Visit our Matchday Centre for free live coverage of every match
Football headlines. Football gossip. Blades news Owls news Reds news. Millers news. More rugby. More boxing. Sports columnists.
All sport categories
Watch Premiership highlights, international football, golf, tennis, darts and much more - click here
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
