Sheffield United

Beattie enjoying life at Blades
James Beattie has has said he feels he has been rejuvenated by his first season at Sheffield United. Beattie's stunning free-kick in the Steel City derby on Tuesday brought his goal tally to 20 for the season. "I've enjoyed this year, with what happened at Everton, where I wasn't being treated very well," Beattie told SSB. "The managers that have been here have treated me very well and with respect, which is all I ever ask." The striker added: "The fans have been great to me too." Beattie was brought to Bramall Lane for £4m in the summer of 2007 by Bryan Robson and has continued to excel under new boss Kevin Blackwell. The frontman's impressive strike rate has come despite missing two months of the season with a knee injury sustained on Boxing Day against Blackpool. "It's always easier when you score but the people around the city have warmed to me and are always very courteous when they see me," Beattie added.

Sharp keen for Blackwell to stay
Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp has said he would love manager Kevin Blackwell to stay at Bramall Lane. Sharp's season has turned around since the arrival of Blackwell, whose deal expires at the end of the season, as Bryan Robson's successor in February. And the Sheffield-born striker believes his boss is already in talks about a new contract to stay on. "I think he's in talks, I'd love him to stay and the fans want him to stay," said Sharp. Blackwell has been linked with a move to Leicester City. But Sharp, who has been a regular in the United side since Blackwell, who previously served the Blades as assistant to former boss Neil Warnock, returned to Bramall Lane is desperate for him to stay. "Hopefully he can get the job and we can be in there next season," he added.

Blades olive branch for Hendrie
Lee Hendrie could still have a future at Sheffield United, insists manager Kevin Blackwell. Blackwell has told SSB that Hendrie will return for pre-season training with the slate wiped clean. "He comes back as a Sheffield United player," he said. "Maybe he'll flourish under a team that's doing well." Hendrie, who has been critical of his time in Sheffield, moved to Leicester on loan in February but was unable to prevent the Foxes suffering relegation. The 30-year-old midfielder has made clear his intention to stay at Leicester on a permanent basis. But Blackwell says Hendrie is still contracted to the Blades and is ready to welcome him back in the summer. "I'm aware of his comments that he didn't like it at Sheffield," said Blackwell. "But he's contracted at Sheffield United and he will do everything that's required of Sheffield United unless he moves on." Meanwhile, Blackwell hopes to appoint fitness coach Dean Riddle on a permanent basis. The New Zealander previously worked at Bramall Lane when Blackwell was assistant to Neil Warnock before moving to Leeds United with Blackwell in 2004. The United boss brought Riddle back to Bramall Lane on a short-term basis towards the end of the season. Blackwell told SSB that he is keen for Riddle to become part of his long-term plans for the club. "We have big projects both home and abroad, " said Blackwell. "And I need someone who has got good vision and put structures in place, which Dean Riddle is exceptional at."

McCabe takes on dual Blades role
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe has also become the chairman of the football club on an interim basis. McCabe will temporarily replace Terry Robinson, who is to step down from the role but remain as a director. Robinson will concentrate on overseeing the running of Hungarian associate club Ferencvaros instead. "As a interim move for next season, I will step in as chairman to provide continuity until a replacement is found," McCabe told the club's website. "It was always the intention that Terry would step down because of other commitments and responsibilities with Sheffield United football business, both here and abroad."

Blades wait on Henderson verdict
Sheffield United are waiting to hear the full extent of striker Darius Henderson's knee injury. The 27-year-old had a scan on the injured knee on Tuesday after damaging ligaments in training and missed the Blades 1-1 draw with Coventry City. "We don't know how bad it is, there was no one around him," Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told Radio Sheffield. "We lose Matthew Spring with ankle ligaments and then Henderson goes down." The loss of Henderson leaves the Blades short of options up front after selling John Stead to Ipswich this week. But Blackwell remains optimistic: "These things happen in football, you've got to be big enough and brave enough to carry on."

Gillespie likely to leave Blades
Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie appears set to leave Sheffield United. Gillespie has been out of favour this season and the club's assistant manager Sam Ellis has said that the 33-year-old is free to look for another club. "Keith is not in the squad at the moment and I would think that will continue to be the case," Ellis told BBC Radio Sheffield. "He is an experienced pro who feels that he would be better off somewhere else. That is the end of the matter." Gillespie's agent Phil Munnelly has reportedly spoken of a "difference of opinion" between the player and manager Kevin Blackwell but Ellis added:"We don't want to air our dirty linen in public". With the transfer window closed until January, Gillespie is likely to seek a loan deal until the New Year. Gillespie signed a new 12-month contract in the summer but his three-year stint at the club now appears to be over.

Blades looks to youthful future
Manager Kevin Blackwell has said Sheffield United should start to see the vast benefits of their investment in youth within the next few years. The club have spent money on developing their academy and setting up feeder clubs across the world, in areas such as Hungary, China and Australia. "The infrastructure is in place and the coaching is excellent," Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield. "Our way is being laid down in other countries. That can only be good." The Blades' focus on youth has already started to pay off with the performances of Kyle Naughton this season. The 19-year-old defender has been with the club since the age of eight and has broken into the the first team this season. Blackwell added: "We have to be patient because we have to develop some youngster and bring them in. "Due to the way the game is going you you keep spending fortunes on players there is only one way we will go and that's broke. "So we are not prepared to do that, we are prepared to invest in our academy. "We have a fantastic facility, the vision is there, as is the scouting and excellent coaching. "To have that replicated in certain other countries will hopefully give us a great benefit in the future." Meanwhile Bramall Lane will stage a international match in November. England Under-21s will face their counterparts from the Czech Republic on Tuesday, 18 November.

Kenny hopes for Republic return
Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has not given up on playing for the Republic of Ireland again. It is two years since the 30-year-old last played for his country, but hopes his form this season will earn him a recall soon. "Everyone wants to play for their country and I'm no different," Kenny told BBC Radio Sheffield. "I just have to keep doing my best for Sheffield United and if they do need me I'll be available."

Morgan fighting for derby place
Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan has revealed he is desperate to start against Steel City rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. Morgan, who has now recovered from a calf injury, is battling with Ugo Ehiogu to play at Hillsborough. "I would love to play but Ugo played in the last game and did very well," Morgan, 30, told Radio Sheffield. "The manager has a big decision to make now but I am sure it's the kind of decision he likes making."

Blades rule out move for Gerard
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell will not be signing midfielder Gerard Lopez following his trial at the club. The ex-Barcelona man, 29, is likely to go and play in the United States. Blackwell told Radio Sheffield that it is difficult for players to show their capabilities in the short time they have on trial. "It's difficult for them to get match fit - they have to impress in two or three days. We have a good squad, it's hard for them to break in," he said. Spain international Gerard has played for Valencia, Alaves, Barca and Monaco and was at Recreativo Huelva last season.

Webber hails Blades keeper Kenny
Sheffield United striker Danny Webber believes the club is lucky to have a goalkeeper of Paddy Kenny's stature. Kenny has been in outstanding form in recent weeks and pulled off a string of remarkable saves in Tuesday night's 0-0 draw against Bristol City. Webber told Radio Sheffield: "When you have a keeper like him it can only build your confidence through the team. "I only realised how good he is when I first came to the club, which I didn't know when I was on the outside."

Tevez High Court case continues
West Ham's battle to avoid a huge pay-out to Sheffield United in the Carlos Tevez affair will continue in the High Court on Tuesday. An independent tribunal ruled that Tevez, who is now at Manchester United, was not eligible to play for West Ham at the close of the 2006-2007 campaign. The decision left the Hammers liable for damages of up to £30m. The Blades want an injunction to stop West Ham appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). As well as ruling on Sheffield United's injunction, the court will also give clarification on the findings of September's independent Football Association tribunal. This could also have a large impact on whether Cas will be able to hear the case. The hearing was held in private, in court 24 of the Commercial Court, before Mr Justice Teare. There is also due to be a separate directions hearing, in which guidelines for the awarding of damages to Sheffield United will be laid out. This will involve representatives of the two clubs and the three-man panel that sat on the original tribunal in September. The tribunal ruled that Tevez had not been eligible to play for West Ham at the end of the 2006-7 season and that he played a key part in the London's club's Premier League survival as the Blades were relegated. West Ham have already appealed to Cas but must overcome two obstacles before the case is heard in Lausanne. The first is obviously to overturn the Blades' injunction, while Cas must also be persuaded that it has the authority to hear the appeal. It is set to decide on this at the end of November.

Striker Beattie signs for Potters
Stoke have signed striker James Beattie from Championship side Sheffield United for a fee that could rise to £3.5m. The 30-year-old has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal. "James is a player who has a phenomenal goalscoring record and I am delighted to have him here," boss Tony Pulis told the club website. "He has averaged more than a goal every other game for Sheffield United, and he has a proven record of scoring in the top flight." Pulis added: "We have signed two fantastic players in Matthew Etherington and James, but we are still looking for two or three more before the closure of the window." Beattie said he was happy to be returning to the Premier League. "I've been brought up to score goals," said the former Everton and Southampton forward. "The gaffer has been great with me, outlining what he wants me to do and what my role will be within the team. "I'm definitely ready to give the Premier League another crack and I'm delighted with the opportunity. "Stoke City have given me that and hopefully I can show the fans what I can do straight away." Beattie joined the Blades from Everton in 2007 and scored 34 goals in 18 months for the Yorkshire side.

Carney completes Norwich switch
Sheffield United midfielder David Carney has joined Norwich City on loan until the end of the season. The Australia international, 25, becomes Canaries manager Bryan Gunn's first signing since taking charge of the Championship club. Gunn told the club's website: "I am delighted to welcome David as my first signing; I feel he will add something positive to the squad. "I hope he is ready to use his ability in the battle we have ahead of us." Carney began his career as a trainee with Everton before joining Oldham Athletic in March 2004. He then had spells with Halifax, Hamilton and Australian side Sydney FC before moving to Bramall Lane in August 2007. "I'm delighted to be joining a club such as Norwich. Hopefully I can do something to help move the team up the table," said Carney. Carney, who has won 17 caps for Australia, will go straight into the Norwich squad for Friday's Championship clash with Doncaster Rovers.

Blades bring in Beattie on loan
Sheffield United have signed striker Craig Beattie from Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season. The 25-year-old, who began his career at SPL giants Celtic, goes straight into the squad to face Plymouth. "Craig is a Scottish international and a player with a proven track record at this level," Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told the club's website. "He gives us much-needed re-enforcements for the run-in." Beattie has scored one Premier League goal for the Baggies this season, in their 2-0 home win over Tottenham in December. He enjoyed a productive loan spell at Crystal Palace earlier in the campaign, scoring five times in 15 appearances.

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