Sheffield United: Boss forced to put plans on hold

Nigel Adkins has provided a glimpse into his summer recruitment strategy after revealing plans to transform Sheffield United's style of play.
Nigel Adkins says achieving promotion must take priority over transforming Sheffield United's style of play 
©2015 Sport Image all rights reservedNigel Adkins says achieving promotion must take priority over transforming Sheffield United's style of play 
©2015 Sport Image all rights reserved
Nigel Adkins says achieving promotion must take priority over transforming Sheffield United's style of play ©2015 Sport Image all rights reserved

But Adkins, whose team enters tomorrow’s match at Millwall 11th in the League One table, admitted he has postponed the makeover in a bid to salvage its promotion hopes.

“I want us to have the goalkeeper playing out from back,” Adkins said. “Have the team playing through the thirds, penetrating and scoring lots of goals.

Nigel Adkins wants his team to play with passion, power and urgency 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedNigel Adkins wants his team to play with passion, power and urgency 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Nigel Adkins wants his team to play with passion, power and urgency ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

“Like anything, it takes a period of time to stamp that authority on the team and the club.

“If you are not expected to go up or down, then you have more flexibility. That’s not the case here and at this moment in time, we are all about results.

“We’ve got to scramble the points as best we can. Our desire is to get up right now.”

United travel to London this afternoon six points behind Bradford City, who occupy the fourth and final play-off berth, with 10 fixtures remaining. Millwall, who won at Bramall Lane in October, are fifth.

Nigel Adkins wants his team to play with passion, power and urgency 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedNigel Adkins wants his team to play with passion, power and urgency 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Nigel Adkins wants his team to play with passion, power and urgency ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

Adkins, the former Scunthorpe, Southampton and Reading chief, said: “One, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the right personnel with the confidence to play through. Move the ball quickly and brightly, there are people here who can do that.”