Robson takes Blades post

[sticky fingers]

BRYAN Robson has been confirmed as the new manager of Sheffield United.

The former Middlesbrough, West Brom and Bradford boss replaces Neil Warnock, who resigned last week after seven and half years in charge at Bramall Lane.

Blades coach Brian Kidd has been named as assistant manager.

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe said Robson was the man to lead the Blades back into the Barclays Premiership.

“Bryan is an experienced manager but also as we all know was a fantastic player, and we believe he is the manager who will blend the squad and improve Sheffield United and lead us back to where we rightfully belong, in the Premiership, in a short space of time,” he said.

Support

“He will have the support of the board to fulfil that ambition. We aim to be in the top 10 in the Premiership at least within the next three to five years.”

Robson was thrilled to take over a squad who will start next season as one of the favourites to win the Coca-Cola Championship, and he insists he will not need to do much to get them back in the top flight.

“I’m delighted to come back with such an ambitious squad,” he told Sky Sports News.

“It’s a great challenge, we have some good players and with just a bit of fine-tuning they have a great chance of getting back up, but it will take a lot of hard work.

“I would like to keep all the best players and give them the challenge of getting back up, but also build the club so if we go up we have a better chance of surviving.”

Robson admitted that he faced a challenge in inspiring the side after their heartbreaking final-day relegation, but insisted it would be crucial to do so.

Backing

“It’s a case of everybody lifting themselves. You can’t go about feeling sorry for yourselves, you’ve got to get on with your next season.

“We need support and hopefully they (the fans) can pick themselves up and give us that backing for next season.

“At this football club we already have some good players, the budget is pretty good and it gives us a great chance.”

While Robson would not be drawn on the row over Carlos Tevez’s participation in West Ham’s successful survival bid, McCabe reiterated the club’s position.

He confirmed that the Blades were expecting a response from the Premier League today over the issue and told Sky Sports: “We are pursuing the Premier League as a current member still, as the AGM has not happened yet.

“We expect the Premier League board to listen and acknowledge that Sheffield United have been wronged.”