Speed, 38 who has made 16 appearances (+1 goal) since he joined from the Reebok Stadium in a £250,000 deal last January has expressed his he wishes to carry on playing next season whilst Blackwell believes that the former Welsh international (86 caps, 8 goals) can handle a more coaching role also.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I've got to make a decision on the coaching staff for next season. And I've already given Gary certain aspects of coaching."
"When you get to a certain age you don't have to flog the body every day, fitness is about maintaining the body at that age."