Sheffield United: Attitude key as Spireites star taunts Nigel's team

Much has been made of Sheffield United's new system but Nigel Adkins accepts tenacity, not tactics, will almost certainly decide tomorrow's game with Chesterfield.
Nigel Adkins (left) has given his team the thumbs-up for attitude 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedNigel Adkins (left) has given his team the thumbs-up for attitude 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Nigel Adkins (left) has given his team the thumbs-up for attitude ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

United, whose switch to a 3-5-2 formation has proved the catalyst for a series of improved displays, visit the Proact Stadium 10th in the League One table having secured positive results against promotion chasers Walsall and Gillingham in recent weeks.

“Shape is important but attitude and desire even more so,” Adkins said. “That’s what our players have been showing and we’ve got to do so again.”

Sam Hird has rubbed salt into Sheffield United's wounds ahead of tomorrow's match at the Proact StadiumSam Hird has rubbed salt into Sheffield United's wounds ahead of tomorrow's match at the Proact Stadium
Sam Hird has rubbed salt into Sheffield United's wounds ahead of tomorrow's match at the Proact Stadium
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With Danny Wilson’s side four points above the relegation zone, the 42nd fixture of United’s 46 match campaign is expected to pose an altogether different type of challenge. Adkins’ team would be 12th if only away results against clubs in the bottom third of the competition counted.

Sam Hird, who represented Doncaster Rovers before joining Chesterfield four years ago, yesterday taunted United by insisting: “In my opinion with the budget they’ve got they should have finished higher than where they are now.”

Although Adkins would probably be inclined to agree, the centre-half’s words are unlikely to be well-received in the away dressing room when his squad arrives in Derbyshire.

“We will keep on going right until the end,” Adkins said. “We’ll never give-up.”