Now Blades require sharp summer work

WHEN sides get relegated from the Premier League, you never know how long it will take them to bounce back.

- Adam Virgo

If they don’t do it within two or three years, the financial consequences can be catastrophic.

That’s the sort of pressure Paul Heckingbottom was working under at Sheffield United, so the 45-year-old deserves a huge amount of credit for winning promotion.

Paul didn’t last long at Leeds. He didn’t last long at Hibs. He wouldn’t be human if he didn’t doubt himself after those experiences, despite everything he achieved at Barnsley. So to perform the way he has is hugely impressive - just like his team.

When you sat down at the start of the season and looked at the Championship, would you have put Sheffield United in the top two? Probably not.

Yes, they’re a good side at this level with experienced players who know what it takes to win promotion.

But, man for man, you looked at the likes of Watford, Norwich and West Brom and they just looked to have that little bit more depth and firepower.

The difference, of course, is that Sheffield United turned up. You can have all the quality in the world but if those players don’t perform consistently you won’t get anywhere.