Sheffield United: Basham and Blades up for battle

United face second-placed Coventry City this weekend trailing the visitors by 12 points.

But Basham, dismissing claims that reaching the Championship next term is already an impossibility, described last month’s performance at Barnsley as the template for future Blades success.

“After that game, we got clapped off,” he said. “I don’t think there was one fan who didn’t.

“We said beforehand we should go and give them a massive clap because they’ve travelled in their numbers. So let’s show that we appreciate it on the pitch.

“After, we agreed that if that’s what it takes between now and the end of the season, working like that and giving the fans what they expect, then it’s got to carry on.”

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Although United drew 1-1 at Oakwell - Conor Hourihane cancelling out Basham’s opener - Adkins praised the manner of his players’ response following their home defeat by Shrewsbury. However, it remains to be seen whether he will persevere with the ‘midfield three’ which, Basham insisted, “worked well”.

“We had to play with our hearts on our sleeves,” Basham said. “And we did.”