Sheffield United: Billy Sharp strives to help Che Adams get even better

Sharp, who was handed the armband by new manager Chris Wilder, formed an effective partnership with the teenager last season and believes they can improve on their tally of 33 goals when the 2016/17 campaign begins in August.

“I’ll try and give him all the advice he needs,” Sharp, aged 30, said.

“I’ve been around a while now and got some good experience along the way. Che is just beginning his career really.

“He’s a good young player, a real prospect, and it’s the job of the older lads like me to help him fulfil his potential by passing on our knowledge.

“That’s what I got and that’s what I’ll do now.”

Sharp and Adams will be joined at Shirecliffe when pre-season starts by fellow striker Marc McNulty, fresh from his successful spell on loan at Portsmouth.

The Scot scored 12 goals for Portsmouth as they reached the League Two Play-Offs, eventually losing in the semi-finals.

And Sharp said: “Che and myself scored 30-odd between us, Dom Calvert-Lewin scored eight on loan [at Wilder’s Northampton] and Sparky scored a few too.

“So I’m sure the gaffer is excited by players who are capable of scoring goals.”

Nigel Adkins, Wilder’s predecessor at Bramall Lane, was beaten in his efforts to become Bolton Wanderers’ new manager earlier this week.

Instead Phil Parkinson, the preferred choice of many United directors before Adkins arrived at Bramall Lane 12 months ago, was unveiled at the Macron Stadium yesterday.

Adkins, who was sacked after leading his former employers to an 11th placed finish in the League One table, had held talks about the vacant post.

Meanwhile, former United defender Connor Brown is poised to leave Oldham Athletic. Brown made 14 appearances for the club last term, and his departure means Oldham have only five registered professionals at their disposal.

Brown, who came through United’s youth academy, was released by United in the summer of 2012.