Newcastle United 1 Sheffield United 0: Post-match reaction as Blades equal unwanted record

He’s done well, they’re going to call him up. I thought his all-round game against Newcastle was better than against Everton. He was disappointed at a couple of things in the box to not score and we’ll keep pushing him. He’s taking it all in, he’s trying and he’s seeing the rewards.

I have been pleased with him. He was out for a long time with a couple of complications as well but he worked hard and performed well in both games. It’s a credit to how hard he’s worked that he manged to play 90 minutes twice in three days and he’s determined to be fit and available for Sunday as well.

If there’s any issues they won’t be risked but the lads want to play. If they’re medically fit, I’ll pick from them. No-one is shirking it, they all want to play the last game of the season. I’d welcome anyone back at the minute as we have a big injury list.

Not as it stands. We’ve been resting up and preparing bodies so tomorrow will be the day I’m looking at everyone and seeing who’s available. There’s been two physical games in a week, and we kept more or less the same team. So we’ll see how everyone is tomorrow.

I never met him but I’m well aware with his history of the club, playing 500 games for your local club. The club have put out a fantastic tribute and everyone who knew him can be proud. When you lose a hero of the club it means so much to so many people and it’s a reminder of what football can do to bring people together. He gave great service to the club, he was still playing a role and he’ll be sorely missed.

In terms of planning, there’s decisions that have been made, pre-season and trying to contact players, but I’m not having the final say. Return to training dates have to be there. If the next manager tweaks them then fine but that clarity is needed. We want it to be a strong start next season.

I personally, and I’m not speaking for anyone else, I would like a quick appointment because I think then you can start laying the ground work. Making decision and trying to persuade players to stay if any have their heads turned. It’s the start of a new era. Me being here for quite a long time may have people chomping at the bit for  a fresh start. We need that call now, that decision. In terms of the squad and club, keep it together. We’ve competed with eight or nine first team players missing, use the academy which is the lifeblood of the club. New era, new appointment and sooner rather than later to take all the positives we can into next season.

It’s been tough and I’ve done my best, that’s what I expected from everyone. I couldn’t say that to the staff and players and not give my best. I’m not going to lie, it’s been difficult. It’s different as a caretaker, you can’t make as many changes as you’d want to do so you have to do things subtly. It’s a different skill-set. It’s good that I’ve managed before because you call on a lot of experience and I’ve given my best. We’ve had a couple of wins and want a third. We’ve not been good enough but the players have gone to the wire in every game. We know why we’ve come up short in some games.

I wouldn’t say any added, we were determined to do that anyway. I think it’s bigger than one game. It’s bigger than football, it’s a return to normality. It was enjoyable having them back at Newcastle, the result wasn’t what we wanted but in terms of the bigger picture it’s fantastic.

I wouldn’t say any added, we were determined to do that anyway. I think it’s bigger than one game. It’s bigger than football, it’s a return to normality. It was enjoyable having them back at Newcastle, the result wasn’t what we wanted but in terms of the bigger picture it’s fantastic.