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Jangling nerves!
EVEN by his own admission, pre-season is not Kevin Blackwell's favourite time of the year.
The Sheffield United manager, hoping to build on last season's eight-placed finish in a season decimated by injury problems, has had mixed fortunes in the transfer market.
He agreed free-transfer deals for Leon Britton, Daniel Bogdanovic, Rob Kozluk, Steve Simonsen and Johannes Ertl.
But he has, however, seen protracted moves for Charlie Mulgrew, who joined Scottish giants Celtic, and Ipswich Town's Alex Bruce fail to materialise and admits that time is of the essence as he finalises his preparations for United's npower Championship opener at Cardiff City next month.
"We know we need a recognised right back," Blackwell said.
"Kozzy is here to do exactly what he did against Notts County (on Tuesday night], come in and play the role required.
"We know we have to sort something out with the full backs."
Blackwell has attempted to redress the balance by handing Kerrea Gilbert, the former Arsenal trainee who was released from the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, an extended trial at Bramall Lane, while Jean Calve, another reported target for Celtic boss Neil Lennon, caught the eye at right back at Meadow Lane.
"You saw on Tuesday why I've been very patient with signings, and getting the right players in - not just any players," he added.
"The phone's been ringing off the hook, and I've been going through two or three batteries a day on my mobile.
"That shows you how busy it's been, with agents ringing and players wanting to come here, but it's very important they are the right type of player.
"It is a tense, nerve-wracking, holding-the-nerve situation because I could have signed literally hundreds of players, but I've got to try and find the right ones."
Blackwell is, however, convinced he has found a gem in the diminutive shape of Britton, a free transfer from Swansea City. The midfielder, who stands at just 5' 6", played just behind Richard Cresswell in a 4-5-1 formation and the United chief said: "We need people who can get on the ball, and he (Britton] makes people play.
"I love watching him play: I have done for many years now, and I can't believe I nicked him for nothing.
"The 4-5-1 is a formation we have used successfully before - I like to play it away from home, to give us a strong defensive base so players can attack from anywhere.
"If we can get the right players then it's a great system and we worked it well at Notts County. If I can get the next two players right, then we'll have a good squad.
"It won't be big, but it'll be good."
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
