Former Sheffield United man Mark Yeates looking forward to returning to Bramall Lane in FA Cup; says AFC Fylde will back themselves in January tie

Yeates is one of three former Blades in the Fylde squad, alongside Andy Taylor and striker Danny Philliskirk, who have extra reason to look forward to January’s third-round clash after the draw paired the Blades with the Coasters.

The National League club beat Kingstonian in the second round and Yeates, who enjoyed a season at United before moving on to Watford, said: “As a club, it is massive for us. For a team from the National League level, if you get a Premier League side, it is brilliant.

“You’ve got to back yourself. It would be embarrassing if we thought we were just going there to get battered. I’m sure the gaffer will have a plan of action to see us go there and show ourselves in a good light. Between the lads, I just think everyone’s really, really happy we got a good draw.

“Some of these lads probably haven’t played at stadiums like that in front of hopefully a big crowd, so for some of them, it is going to be really good. I’m the old lad in the group now so they might lean on me a little bit.”

Yeates’ solitary season at United saw him play under three managers but he admits he “loved” his short time at Bramall Lane.

“It was just one of those things at the end. Under Gary Speed, I had probably my best spell there, Kevin Blackwell brought me in and we got on just fine but then Micky Adams came in and he had his own ideas. I moved at the end of that season to Watford but I can only speak really highly of the club, it is such a good club and I love the city.

“I loved my time there. The club is obviously a lot different now to when I was there. They play some really good football, Chris Wilder deserves so much praise for how they are doing this season, and they haven’t changed the way they play,. Right through from League One up to the Premier League. They are doing really well. I’m really looking forward to it, and hopefully can get a nice little reception.”