Finding a successor to Gary Speed; who left to take up the Wales job was never going to be an easy task and they sought after finding the ‘main man’ for the job straight away.
A number of names were touted around; Chris Hughton (ex-Newcastle United), Alan Curbishley, Phil Brown (ex-Hull), Sean O’Driscall (Doncaster), Andy Scott (Brentford) and Alan Irvine (Sheffield Wednesday) were all suggested.
Earlier in the month the Blades had recorded a 1-0 defeat at local rivals Barnsley but managed to get back to winning ways; if only for a brief spell against Swansea City.
Under a temporary leadership team of John Carver, Sam Ellis and Chris Morgan the Blades beat Swansea City convincingly 1-0. Welsh international Ched Evans providing the pivotal strike to win the match in what was ‘freezing’ temperatures.
On the managerial front the board announce that they will not name a successor until early 2011 – though they hold talks with Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O’Driscall. United also announce that they have extended the short term contract of stand in keeper Richard Wright until the remainder of the season.
The Blades come close to claiming a point at home to Hull City on Boxing Day; the Tigers storm into an early lead through Jay Simpson (3 & 45 minutes) but a second half come-back draws the scores level at 2-2 when Ched Evans (62 & 73) nets a brace. With the clock ticking away the visitors break away and net a very late winner, Jimmy Bullard (90) catching everyone off guard to score the winner.
Two days later they were in Championship action again, with a trip to promotion chasing Norwich City and despite leading through an Andy Reid free-kick (17) the home side level three minutes later and eventfully win 4-2.
Richard Cresswell (see picture) had put United into a half-time lead but inspired substitutions at the break won the game for the Canaries; Wes Hoolahan came off the bench to net a (64 pen, 84, 90 pen) hat-trick, two of which came from the penalty spot.
In the final moments at Carrow Road midfielder Stephen Quinn is dismissed for violent conduct whilst after the match it is understood that Andy Reid too was sent off – this would be his last action for the Blades before he returned to parent club Sunderland.
On-loan defender Danny Batth is returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers following the end of his loan spell having played just five minutes of football for the Blades – later in the season he would join City rivals Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
A day later the Sheffield United board announce Gary Speed’s successor; self-confessed Blade Micky Adams is lured from League Two side Port Vale to become the clubs’ third permanent manager of the season. Coaches
Sam Ellis and John Carver leave Bramall Lane following the appointment of Adams with former Lane favourite Alan Cork returning to the club as Assistant-Manager.
Blades-Mad Player of the Month: Nyron Nosworthy