Sheffield United: Decision time for Blades over available George Moncur

Sources close to the Weston Homes Community Stadium, where Moncur emerged as one of the Football League’s most exciting talents last term, claim United were among a host of clubs to monitor his situation during the January transfer window before the player committed his future to Kevin Keen’s side.

But with Keen resigning his position soon after Colchester’s relegation from League One was confirmed, Moncur is now also on the brink of leaving Essex with MK Dons and Barnsley reportedly among those preparing bids.

Nigel Adkins pointedly refused to dismiss suggestions he was an admirer of Moncur when questioned on the subject earlier this year. But with speculation about his own future already threatening to cast a shadow over United’s preparations for next season, Adkins is hoping Bramall Lane’s board of directors issue a public declaration of support after conducting their own review into performances during the 2015/16 campaign.

Asked if he wanted to remain in charge despite leading United to their lowest league position since the Eighties, Adkins told The Star: “Yes, absolutely. We haven’t achieved what we wanted to. I never shy away from anything and so I’m not going to shy away from that. But still very excited about the future and some of the things we have put in place.”

“We’ve done a lot of work already and there is still a lot of work to be done,” Adkins, reflecting upon his first 11 months at the helm, added. “We’ve learnt a lot too. But we know what needs doing and how we need to get to where we all want to be. We’re working hard.”

Moncur scored 14 goals in 51 appearances last season, including two during Colchester’s 3-2 victory over United September. The 22-year-old also represented AFC Wimbledon and Partick Thistle before leaving the Boleyn Ground in 2014.

Meanwhile, Terry Kennedy has parted company with United. The defender, who made his senior debut in 2011 after progressing through the club’s youth system, started only two games for United last season before joining Cambridge United on loan.

“It’s been a frustrating season personally as I feel I didn’t get a fair chance but that’s football,” he said. “I wish the club all the best in the future. Up the Blades.”