Sheffield United RECAP: Heckingbottom's pre-Brighton presser | Jack O'Connell injury update | Blades' ESL view

Paul Heckingbottom, the Sheffield United boss, faced the media again this afternoon ahead of his side’s clash with Brighton on Saturday.
Paul Heckingbottom, temporary manager of Sheffield United, during the Premier League match at Molineux, Wolverhampton: Darren Staples/ SportimagePaul Heckingbottom, temporary manager of Sheffield United, during the Premier League match at Molineux, Wolverhampton: Darren Staples/ Sportimage
Paul Heckingbottom, temporary manager of Sheffield United, during the Premier League match at Molineux, Wolverhampton: Darren Staples/ Sportimage

With the Blades now officially relegated from the Premier League, Heckingbottom was asked his thoughts on a number of topics, including the ill-fated and controversial topic of the Super League.

Here’s a recap of what the Blades boss had to say, plus the day’s other stories from your Blades team at The Star.

Paul Heckingbottom’s pre-Brighton presser

There’s no noose around anyone’s neck, it’s gone now and it’s got to be about looking forward. Our fate is sealed, we know it’s done, and I also don’t like ‘nothing to lose’, That can sometimes be construed as it doesn’t matter anymore, that’s not us and I don’t want to hear that. The pressure is off and we know our fate, but it still matters because we have to be ready to go again next season. That’s our aim.

They’re a good footballing team with lots of good ideas on the ball, and I expect a good game. I enjoy watching them play and we’re truing to be positive, playing on the front foot and with energy. We know our fate but we’ve still got six games left and points to win.

PH: Always something to play for

I hate talk of having nothing to play for, there’s always something to play for and anything that goes against that, I’d be against it. You play to win or lose. We’re playing for points, we have to win, and each person has different motivations as well, whether it’s for their careers here or elsewhere. The 14 months have been tough for everyone but there’s only one way out of it, and that’s hard work.

PH on Super League plans

I’m glad there wasn’t a press conference for us amongst it, it was chaos for a couple of days. I think it was wrong and pleased with the outcome so far, but I don’t think it’ll go away. If those owners were committed to the idea, it won’t go away. But I’m pleased with the outcome as it stands. The fans have had a voice, the whole of football has had a voice. And that’s only right.

Hecky has finished his press conference

and here’s a few highlights of what he had to say, ahead of Saturday’s game against Brighton...

What a great day this was

What a sight, what a sound... get us back in grounds!

The inside track on Brighton

Ahead of Saturday’s clash, we spoke to Adam Stenning, sports writer at The Argus, to get the inside track on the opposition...

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