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United's challenge
SHEFFIELD United manager Gary Speed is challenging his youngsters to keep on progressing and make the grade at Bramall Lane.
On Tuesday's transfer deadline day, former Wales international Speed handed contract extensions to academy graduates Jordan Chappell, Connor Brown and Kingsley James.
The young trio have had their short-term deals extended until June 2011.
In recent years, the conveyor belt of talent at United has seen the likes of Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton earn big money transfers to the Premier League.
Although Speed was unable to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shut, he has hinted he will give youth a chance since succeeding Kevin Blackwell at the helm.
Of Chappell, Brown and James, Speed said: "The boys have done really well and impressed to get to where they are now.
"But they've got to carry on improving to keep moving forward. That's the challenge facing them, the same as it is for all footballers.
"Training with the first team on a regular basis can be quite demanding for a young lad but they've coped with things very well. We want to see that continue."
Speed, who won 85 caps for his country, added: "The academy is something we need to use. It's been good in the past with what it has got through, John Pemberton is in charge of that now he is somebody I know well and respect from my playing days.
"Already he has changed the culture, so that's good to see, and the more we can get through the academy better.
"I get great pleasure from seeing them being successful because it's harder now than ever to make the grade."
Both Chappell and James were unused substitutes as 10-man United clung on to a 1-1 draw at Cardiff in the club's opening Championship fixture.
Nippy striker Chappell, who joined United's academy at under 14s level, regularly featured in Blackwell's squad in pre-season and was on target in the club's tour of Malta.
Along with James, Chappell started at Hartlepool, where the Blades slumped to a 2-0 defeat in Blackwell's penultimate match in charge.
James, captain of United's under 18s outfit last term, operated in midfield at Victoria Park. He can also play at centre-back. The highly-rated youngster caught the eye in United's 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Argentine giants Estudiantes in August too.
Sheffield-born Brown was a released by Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster. The 18-year-old can operate in either full-back position.
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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