Sheffield United: Adams wants to please the new head of United's family

But the Sheffield United centre-forward, whose prowess in front of goal could make him a pivotal figure next season, was mightily impressed by what he heard.

“Any attacking player would like what the gaffer is saying and how he wants to go about things. He wants us all to be positive and on the front foot. He’s not spoken to me too much since coming in but I’m excited about working for him. Especially because of the way he seems to set things up.”

Wilder’s footballing philosophy has quickly struck a chord with supporters and, as Adams’ revealed earlier this week, it has been well-received by the League One club’s first team squad too. The 48-year-old, who led Northampton Town to promotion last season, outlined plans to play forceful, energetic and enterprising football after replacing Nigel Adkins at the helm 29 days ago.

Adams, who scored 12 times in 41 outings under Wilder’s predecessor, thinks that approach, combined with the recent acquisition of former Birmingham City midfielder Mark Duffy, can help put United back on the Championship map.

“I came up against Mark when he was on loan at Burton (Albion) last year and he’s good, really good,” Adams said. “That’s why we’re all really pleased to have him here. Chris Hussey has also come in from Bury. I didn’t play against him when he was there but we’ve all got trust in the manager so you know he’s going to be good too.

“Obviously there are already people here who can get goals but it’s always good to have more too.”

Adams’ double act with Billy Sharp was one of the few positives to emerge from Bramall Lane last season as a team which, despite starting the campaign as title-favourites, limped to an 11th placed finish instead. Very much the junior partner under Adkins, Adams’ challenge is to ensure he enjoys equal-billing this time next year. Providing, of course, he convinces Wilder to award him a starting role.

“This is a massive time for me and for all of us. We have all got a clean slate and we are all starting from fresh.

“There will be lots of new players coming in and we’ll need to time gel. I was disappointed with how many goals I scored last season but I’m at the start of my professional career and so it’s all about building and improving.

“Billy can score goals, Sparky (Marc McNulty) can score goals and I can too.”