Adams refuses to panic and promises fresh recruits to bolster Sheffield United squad

The Blades, who were beaten 2-1 at home by third-placed Norwich City, are now just one point clear of trouble.

Adams is still without a win after five games in charge but

described Saturday's performance against Norwich as 'the best' since his arrival at Bramall Lane.

There was also controversy surrounding both Norwich goals with Adams insisting referee Andy Haines should have blown for fouls.

A defender is likely to be his prime transfer target but Adams confirmed that he is currently looking to bring two new players to the club.

With no game next weekend due to their lack of FA Cup involvement, the Blades have another eight days to prepare for the visit of play-off chasing Leicester City a week tomorrow.

"Whenever you join a club in the bottom four or five, it's going to be hard work," said Adams. "But that was the best we have played since I have been here and I am encouraged more than anything.

"We have a pace and a tempo about our game now – it's not slow, slow, slow – it's quick, high-tempo football. We are winning tackles, getting further up the pitch, and limiting the chances to the opposition. We deserved something against Norwich but football is a cruel game."

Adams admits he was upset by the performance of referee Andy Haines who he claimed missed fouls on goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, defender Kyle Bartley, and striker Ched Evans in the moves that led to Norwich's goals.

"Too many managers moan about decisions that go against them," sighed the Blades manager. "I trust referees to go out there and make the correct decisions and he got it wrong. What can I say? I am upset."

Although refusing to specify which areas he intended to strengthen, Adams is aware that his defence – which currently boasts an average age of 20 years six months – is possibly the youngest in the club's history.

"We are looking to strengthen in all areas and I think it's fair to say we want more experience," he said. "There might be another couple of additions and maybe one – a permanent deal – before Leicester."

Striker Marcus Bent, who has returned to his former club on loan for the rest of the season from

Birmingham City, played 60 minutes of the Norwich game alongside Ched Evans in attack before limping off with cramp.

"You are only as good as your front men and there were signs of a decent partnership developing," said Adams. "Marcus gave us an extra dimension and we stretched the opposition which helped us. But he got cramp and we have got to be careful. The next 10 days will be critical in his fight for fitness and I would expect him to get through 90 minutes next time."

Reflecting on his side's defeat, Adams said: "We played a top five side and, at times, we made them look average. When you are down at the bottom it goes against you but you hope it evens itself out over the course of the season.

"I hope the Sheffield United fans have gone away encouraged because I thought that was a good performance. We had chances and, with a bit more clinical

finishing, we might have won the game quite easily.

"We have got to stick together – all the old cliches – and what they need now is strong leadership and they will get that from me.

"There were a lot of encouraging signs but, ultimately, we lost. The one thing they will get from me is someone who won't panic. They don't need someone who is going to crumble."

Adams revealed that midfielder Lee Williamson had been rested to the bench after playing four games in quick succession following his return from back surgery in the summer.

Norwich manager Paul Lambert, meanwhile, expressed sympathy for Adams over the controversial goals but tipped the former Coventry City and Leicester City manager to steer the Blades to survival.

"I can understand if Micky has grievances, I would have been the same." said Lambert. "But Micky will turn it around here, he has got the crowd on his side.

"We knew that everything would be stacked against us because Sheffield United had a new manager, the crowd was vibrant, and a new player (Marcus Bent) had just given them a lift. But I knew, if we could hold out until half-time, we would perform in the second half shooting at our fans.

"The lads were excellent in the second half."