Sheffield United: Young Che reveals Campbell-Ryce's key role

Che Adams, the Sheffield United centre-forward, last night revealed his debt of gratitude to team mate Jamal Campbell-Ryce after explaining how the former Jamaica international has become a mentor to Bramall Lane's younger players.
Che Adams (right) says Jamal Campbell-Ryce (left) has been a huge source of encouragement this season 
©2015 Sport Image all rights reservedChe Adams (right) says Jamal Campbell-Ryce (left) has been a huge source of encouragement this season 
©2015 Sport Image all rights reserved
Che Adams (right) says Jamal Campbell-Ryce (left) has been a huge source of encouragement this season ©2015 Sport Image all rights reserved

And Adams, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Oldham Athletic, vowed to follow Campbell-Ryce’s lead by helping the latest wave of Steelphalt Academy graduates selected by manager Nigel Adkins to realise their potential at senior level.

Despite only making his professional debut 15 months ago, Adams, previously of non-league Ilkeston, said: “I learnt a lot from the older players like Jamal when I was trying to come through and, hopefully, I can give something back now. Give the ones coming-up the same good advice that I got.

Che Adams is now a key figure for Sheffield United 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedChe Adams is now a key figure for Sheffield United 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Che Adams is now a key figure for Sheffield United ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

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Sheffield United have relied too heavily on Billy Sharp this season 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedSheffield United have relied too heavily on Billy Sharp this season 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Sheffield United have relied too heavily on Billy Sharp this season ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

“Jamal is brilliant with us young lads and he’s always there for us, trying to help us out. Jamal has always been really honest with me, telling me what I’ve done wrong, what I’ve done right and the things I need to work hard on.”

“It’s good because you can tell with how many games I’ve played that the gaffer likes using young players,” Adams continued. “”I’m really happy and he does lots of one on one meetings which are really helpful.”

Adams, aged 19, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Adkins’ plans after regaining his starting place earlier this year. An England youth international, Adams has a crucial role to play as United, who trail the League One play-off positions by six points with 11 matches remaining, attempt to reduce their reliance on his strike partner Billy Sharp. The 30-year-old has been responsible for scoring exactly a quarter of United’s goals this term while it has been nine games since a player other than Sharp or Adams has found the back of the net although Matt Done has staked a claim to their first during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Fleetwood Town.

Che Adams is now a key figure for Sheffield United 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedChe Adams is now a key figure for Sheffield United 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Che Adams is now a key figure for Sheffield United ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

Adams, who equalised from the penalty spot in added time, hopes his effort will prove the catalyst for a positive sequence of results, saying: “We stuck in there and got the penalty which was good. All throughout the game I thought we played well and dominated. We just have to get ourselves together and keep going.”