Sheffield United: Blades squad pruning over for Adkins

Nigel Adkins, the Sheffield United manager, has called time on his drive to trim the League One club's squad
Nigel AdkinsNigel Adkins
Nigel Adkins

But, having described its playing staff as “bloated” after taking charge in June, Adkins refused to guarantee there will be no more departures during the emergency loan window.

Individual situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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“There may be situations that arise over the next few weeks but, no, we’re not actively looking for that to happen now,” Adkins said. “Everyone has got to commit themselves to the team and the cause.

“Players will always want to go out there and play. I’d be surprised, disappointed even, if that wasn’t the case. But we aren’t looking to push anyone through the door now.”

Although youngsters such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Terry Kennedy could still be offered placements elsewhere to further their development, allowing the likes of Kieron Freeman and James Wallace to move on loan has reduced United’s squad to a more manageable number, while Michael Higdon, Otis Khan and Conor Dimaio were recently released by mutual consent.

“Everyone has to feel as if they have got an opportunity to be involved,” Adkins said. “There will be players now who haven’t been who have got more of an opportunity. They’re good players and are part of the group still.”