Following their elimination from the Carling Cup at the first stage at Hartlepool United, (0-2) Blades boss Kevin Blackwell slammed International friendly’s which prevented him from fielding a strong squad and along with injuries and suspensions saw at least eight first team players missing for selection.
The following Saturday the Blades took to the field against Queens Park Rangers for their first home fixture of the new 2010/11 season; little would known that this would turn out to be quite memorable.
For the home fans the game itself would be unbearable with the visitors storming into a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes; Hogan Emphraim (11 minutes), Jamie Mackie (20) and Adel Taarabt (23 penalty) handed the Hoops a massive mountain for the Blades to climb.
However to their credit United did bounce back and produced good football although Paddy Kenny; who received raptures of boo’s kept the Blades at bay with his trademark stunning saves.
Little would known that within 30 minutes of the game ending that Blades boss Kevin Blackwell would be handed the exit door and told to clear his desk; he left the Bramall Lane club after two and a half years of service; winning 53 out of 124 games (drawn 36); which by no means was unarguably a better record than the clubs previous five managers.
It was also understood that Assistant-Manager Sam Ellis handed in his own resignation following the dismissal of Mr. Blackwell.
Whilst names frantically threw around the message boards with Alan Curbishly, Gareth Southgate, Phil Brown, Steve Coppell, Sean O’Driscall and an ambitions Martin O’Neil the job, which took two days to appoint went to the obvious Gary Speed who was already with the club as a coach.
The former Leeds United and Newcastle United midfielder would take charge of the club on a permanent basis and start his managerial career away at Middlesbrough the following Sunday with the game also selected for live TV.
Scottish international striker Kris Boyd took full advantage of a mistake from Chris Morgan to fire home his first goal of the season for his new club and the only goal of the game.
Speed drafted in full-back Jean Calvé on loan from AS Nancy for the entire season; he had played for United in a pre-season friendly at Nott’s County. He made his debut at home to Preston North End and celebrated his debut in style by smashing home the winner with a thunderbolt 35 yard strike!
In other news former striker Martin Smith joins non-league club Kettering Town on a non-contract basis whilst Izale McLeod has seen a trial at Southend United go unsuccessful.
Blades-Mad Player of the Month: Ched Evans