Paul Heckingbottom reveals how Sheffield United will approach rest of season after revealing motivation to beat Brighton

Paul Heckingbottom insists that Sheffield United will “give everything” between now and the end of the season after admitting his side used questions about their professionalism as motivation to beat Brighton at the weekend.
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United had seen their Premier League fate sealed a week earlier with defeat at Wolves, and interim boss Heckingbottom was asked in his press conference before the Brighton clash if his side had a responsibility to the integrity of the Premier League to not down tools early before the last ball of the season is kicked.

Heckingbottom felt that his side answered those questions in the best possible way with three points and a clean sheet against Brighton, courtesy of David McGoldrick’s first-half winner, a disallowed equaliser for profligate Brighton and some determined defending.

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“The players have answered the horrible questions we’ve been asked, which haven’t been nice,” Heckingbottom said.

“Like are we going to try to compete and play our part in the remainder of the season? That hurt us and is disrespectful to the players.

“We used that as motivation to be honest, because that can never be levelled at these players.

“We’re going to give everything in every game and in preparation for games, but we know how tough wins are.

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“That’s five for the season now, and we’d love to finish with six, seven or eight. But it’s tough, and we’re going to have to give performances like [against Brighton] to stand a chance.”

Paul Heckingbottom on the touchline with coach Jason Tindall: Simon Bellis / SportimagePaul Heckingbottom on the touchline with coach Jason Tindall: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Paul Heckingbottom on the touchline with coach Jason Tindall: Simon Bellis / Sportimage

United return to action this Sunday, away at former Super League club Tottenham Hotspur, before rounding off their two-year Premier League adventure with clashes against Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle United and Burnley.

United still hope to welcome up to 10,000 fans for the final game of the season against Burnley, after The Star revealed recently that plans are in place if the Government gives the go-ahead to the latest stage of its roadmap out of the latest coronavirus lockdown.

The Star understands that, if all goes to plan, the tickets for the lucky 10,000 Blades allowed to attend one of their club’s games for the first time since last March could be allocated via either the loyalty points system or a ballot.

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