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Blades boss flags up players' commitment
SHEFFIELD United's crest was raised in Valletta this morning as Malta braced itself for the arrival of Kevin Blackwell's side.
But the Mediterranean heat they will endure during next week's visit to the holiday island was in stark contrast to the downpour which greeted Blackwell's players when they started pre-season training yesterday.
The skies above Shirecliffe were as dark as the mood in Wembley's home dressing room following May's Championship play-off final.
But Blackwell is convinced there will be no hangover from that heart-breaking defeat by Burnley which condemned United to another year in England's second tier.
"They're a really professional bunch of lads," he said. "They come in, work hard and are dedicated to their jobs.
"We've come back a little bit later than most because of how long our season went on for.
"That was taken into account when we planned what we were doing.
"It's always nice to have a rest - although there's still been plenty of work to do - but it's also good to get back."
Much of Blackwell's time since returning from the capital has been spent exploring leads in the transfer market.
Watford's Lee Williamson and former West Ham youngster Kyel Reid have already arrived while Glen Little has been offered a trial following his release by Portsmouth.
Bristol City's Michael McIndoe and Tommy Smith, a teammate of Williamson's at Vicarage Road, are being both being heavily linked with moves to South Yorkshire, although at the time of writing, no deals had been concluded.
McIndoe was granted permission to speak to United on Wednesday evening after a fee was agreed.
Watford, meanwhile, have refused to divulge the identity of Smith's suitors but appear resigned to losing him after accepting a 1.8 million offer.
"We've received a new bid for Tommy and we will allow him to speak to the club in question," their chairman, Jimmy Russo, confirmed.
United arrive in Malta - home of their sponsors, www.visitmalta.com - on Tuesday.
But activities begin in earnest there this morning when a giant flag was raised in the capital for locals to sign.
Friday's friendly with Floriana at the Hibernians Stadium represents the high-point of a tour which could see Williamson, Reid and Little all make their debuts in United colours.
It should also be a memorable occasion for the Maltese who recently appointed Roddy Collins and John Camilleri as their new manager and president respectively.
Ferencvaros, arguably the most recognisable name on United's global partnership portfolio, will be based at Shirecliffe for the duration of their English tour which begins at Sheffield FC on Monday (kick-off 7.45pm).
Greg Halford, poised to join Wolves, has thanked United for helping him rediscover his form.
Blackwell's hopes of signing the Sunderland defender vanished when United were beaten by Burnley but the former loanee said: "I started hitting good form in January and it's no coincidence I played better for having a settled run.
"The gaffer gave me six months to find my feet and started to get the best out of me."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
