Under-pressure Robson's patience finally snapped after the club's dismal Steel City derby defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough this weekend.

The former England captain labelled the performance 'unacceptable' and expressed his regret at not ripping up his playing squad last summer.

But Robson could now have major problems on his hands with players looking to leave if they believe they no longer figure in his plans.

And as the manager toils, chairman Kevin McCabe must also decide whether Robson is still the right man to take the club forward after failing to make any kind of an impact in a promotion race they were fully expected to lead.

Robson said: "We have still got a chance of getting into the top six but we are not kidding ourselves. We are over halfway through the season and the league table does not lie.

"We need a change. I think the club needs a change around in personnel and you need time to do that.

"When I gave all the players new contracts in the summer, to keep everyone from last season on board, I am not sure it was the right decision.

"What I have said to the players in the dressing room stays there but our performance was not acceptable.

"Everyone was looking at everybody else to do something or score us a goal. That has happened in too many performances this season.

"Maybe we are not good enough to get up there," he added. "Maybe the expectations at the start of the season were more than the players could take on board. We need to bring in players who can take the pressure off some of the players who have been here quite a few years and who are finding the expectations too much."

The Blades are eight points adrift of the play-off zone in 14th position after taking just eight points from the last available 27.

Robson will want to intensify his search for new players after signing veteran midfielder Gary Speed, defender Ugo Ehiogu, and winger Lee Martin on loan from Manchester United so far in the transfer window.

Luton Town goalkeeper Dean Brill is still on his wanted list but both Gary Cahill and Phil Bardsley have snubbed permanent moves to Bramall Lane in order to stay in the Premier League.

The clear-out has begun with the departure of midfielder Alan Quinn to Ipswich Town on loan but a host of other players are now likely to be sweating over their futures.

For Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws, however, Saturday's result offered further proof that his side are equipped to achieve their first objective of Championship survival.

Goals from Akpo Sodje and Marcus Tudgay secured the 2-0 victory over their arch-rivals and lifted the Owls four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on many other clubs.

Laws said: "It is no good winning the Sheffield derby and getting relegated. We need to take this performance into our next game. When we play like this, it is hard to understand why we are down there in the league.

"It is a fantastic feeling to win a game of this magnitude. There was a lot of pride at stake and lot of pride shown. It was not about football, it was about commitment and desire. The atmosphere made the hairs on my neck stand up and I will savour this for a long, long time.

"It is a massive three points that gives everyone a lift and it gives us belief that we can go into games like this and win," he added. "We were very focused all week, we showed great attitude, great desire, and great commitment and they are the main ingredients that win any local derby."

Laws praised every one of his players but was extra pleased for goalscorers, Sodje and Tudgay.

"I am delighted for Akpo because he has loved coming to Sheffield Wednesday and he has taken it by storm," said Laws. "We know what Marcus is about. He always gives you 100 per cent. Sometimes he has not played quite so well or his touch has let him down but today everything stuck and he was effective. Marcus has come in for criticism because he has not been scoring goals but that goal will mean a lot to him."

Laws wore his heart in his sleeve throughout the game, dashing down the touchline to celebrate with fans after the second goal, and waving a club scarf, supplied by his wife Jane, in the air at the final whistle.

"My wife is a massive Sheffield Wednesday fan," he said afterwards. "She gave me the scarf to give me a bit of luck and I thought I would swing it around and throw it back in the crowd at the end."

Laws added: "She wasn't kidding when she said 'your bags will be packed and at the front door if you don't get a result!'"