Blades spell that could shape season

The Sheffield United manager took his side to Watford this afternoon for the first in a series of games which he believes have the power to influence the course the club will take for the remainder of the season.

Visitors to Vicarage Road can traditionally expect a brutal welcome as Adrian Boothroyd's men - who like United were relegated from the Premier League last term - look to exploit any sign of physical weakness.

With his former employers West Bromwich Albion the next visitors to Bramall Lane followed by Wolverhampton Wanderers three weeks later, Robson admits to circling this particular period in his diary when the fixture calendar was first unveiled.

But despite reminding his players about the importance of graft, he also wants to foster an environment where craft also features highly on the agenda.

"You need mettle in this division," Robson said, "But I also think you can play your way out of it . You can succeed by playing good football.

"Of course you've got to earn the right to do that but you can certainly stick to your principles."

Having twice led Middlesbrough to promotion, Robson is experienced in striking the balance between brain and brawn as he attempts to help a squad deal with the pressure of expectation.

However, with two of his new signings likely to miss most, if not all, of this critical period, Robson now finds himself grappling with a problem of a different sort.

The presence of Matthew Kilgallon and Chris Armstrong means that Gary Naysmith's absence is unlikely to tempt Robson to delve into the transfer market before this month's deadline but the headache caused by Lee Hendrie's damaged cartilage is undeniably acute.

United's Football in the Community scheme hold a week long soccer school at Sheffield Works Department Sports Ground, Heeley Bank Road next week. The sessions, designed for boys and girls aged 6-11, are priced 10 per day or 45 for the duration.Enroll on Monday at 9am.