Boss urges Blades to thrive on derby-day pressure

Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins has challenged his players to thrive on the atmosphere during this afternoon's South Yorkshire derby against Doncaster Rovers.
Sheffield United manager Nigel AdkinsSheffield United manager Nigel Adkins
Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins

United make the short trip to the Keepmoat Stadium 11th in League One, five points off the play-offs and with only one win on their record this year.

But Adkins said: “I’m very much looking forward to it.

“It’s a derby game and there should be a cracking atmosphere.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I know all Sheffield United supporters will be coming to the stadium desperate to see their team win and we’ll be looking to do everything they can to help make that happen.

“They’ll make a great noise and get right behind the team and hopefully we respond to that. We’ve got to.”

Adkins’ side faced fresh criticism from sections of their support after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at home to Wigan.

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion,” the Blades boss added.

“I haven’t got a problem with that at all.

“We’ve got a good bunch who desperately want to do well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But you are measured in the arena. We’ve not scored for the last two games so that’s something we’ve got to address. We’ve got to get results.”

“We’ve got several players who are nursing ailments, as everyone will have at this stage of the season,” Adkins added.

“Do we make changes to personnel, shape and formation? You’ve also got to strive for a level of consistency, too.”

n Blades: P42