Sponsored by
'Howard will drive us on in promotion bid'
KEVIN BLACKWELL has backed Brian Howard to emerge as a driving force behind Sheffield United's bid for promotion as the club enters the most important five months in its recent history.
United confirmed last night that Howard, who joined them on loan from Barnsley in October, had completed a permanent 500,000 move to Bramall Lane.
Despite producing some impressive displays the former Southampton and Swindon Town player, cited as the answer to their creativity problems in midfield, has yet to reach his full potential in United colours.
But Blackwell, whose side return to Championship action against Norwich City on Saturday, is confident the knowledge Howard has gleaned over the past three months will enable him to recapture the touch in front of goal which once earned him a trial at Premiership giants Chelsea.
"I'm happy with Brian but I think his best is yet to come," Blackwell, speaking before yesterday's development, said.
"It always takes time for people to settle somewhere new but he's knows the rest of the squad now, the type of runs they like to make and, importantly, what we expect from him.
"Brian has an abundance of talent, of that there's absolutely no doubt, and we're delighted to have him on board.
"He brings something a little bit different to the table, gives us something that we haven't had for quite a while now, and that has given me another option."
Howard, who has helped United climb to sixth in the table, found himself at the centre of controversy when he severed his ties with Simon Davey's side.
Days after news of Blackwell's interest in him became apparent, officials at Oakwell threatened to leave him in limbo by vetoing a switch which, United insisted, was already subject to a gentleman's agreement.
Yesterday's news leaves Blackwell free to pursue his other targets during the transfer window – United's last chance to strengthen before their parachute payments expire in the summer – although the board of directors have made it clear a wage bill known to be among the highest in the division must be reduced as they look to protect themselves against the effects of the global credit crunch.
The directive leaves Blackwell facing a difficult balancing act – cut costs without compromising effectiveness – and means he must negotiate the departure of several big names while simultaneously pursuing those players he believes can enhance United's top-flight credentials.
One of those, Norwich's Lee Croft, could be set to feature against on Saturday while Blackwell is also understood to have run the rule over Oldham's Chris Taylor as he strives to deliver value for money.
United are believed to have paid the first 200,000 of Howard's fee when he first arrived at the club.
n Next month's Steel City derby at Bramall Lane will now kicks-off at noon.
n Nathan Dyer, who ended his three month spell at Sheffield United complaining he didn't get enough games for the club - says he is happy to have gone out on loan again from Southampton, this time to Swansea.
Dyer was awarded a three-year deal by the Saints only last July. But within two months he had joined the Blades on loan.
At Bramall Lane, manager Kevin Blackwell eulogised about the player's "blistering pace." Yet the forward was not selected in a starting line-up until December 20, when he scored the opening goal in the 2-2 tie with Crystal Palace.
In all he made seven United appearances, scoring once and receiving two yellow cards.
Dyer returned to Southampton at the end of 2008, when he was promptly sent on his travels again.
Dyer, 21, said: "Sheffield wanted me for a bit longer, but I wasn't getting as many games as I would want."
What do you think? Post your comments below.
READ MORE
Blades < BLOCKED::http://www.thestar.co.uk/olympics/Blades-Watch-0809.4449698.jp> Watch 08-09 - The Season So Far
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
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
