Sheffield United: Tough talk must remain private

United enter Saturday’s game against Oldham Athletic ranked 12th in the table after winning only three of their last 13 games.

Despite pledging to confront the issues which have undermined his team’s results this term, Adkins said: “I’m loyal, I try and support everybody and that that’s important. I know what a great football club this is and I want to be a part of it, I want it to keep moving forward.”

Adkins became United’s seventh manager since the start of the 2010/11 campaign when he was appointed during the close season and, having captured defender Alex Baptiste on emergency loan from Middlesbrough last week, hopes to make at least one more addition before the forthcoming deadline for temporary signings. The Star understands a winger tops United’s wanted-list.

“Of course we speak about things in the dressing room,” Adkins said. “But what is talked about in there stays in there, I think that’s important.”

Meanwhile, Oldham manager John Sheridan is plotting a swoop into the transfer market before the visit to Bramall Lane following Daniel Lafferty’s return to Burnley.

The defender made 15 appearances after joining from Burnley and scored one goal.

“Really just a straight replacement for Daniel is what I’m after and I have asked one or two questions so far,” Sheridan said. “There’s one or two players out there I would like to bring in, but we’ll have to see.

“Hopefully something might materialise in time for the Sheffield United game.”

“Danny did really well while he was here,” added Sheridan. “I really like him as a player and he did a great job for us. He was getting stronger so that’s why he will be a big loss.”