First signs of pressure are emerging for Speed

A return of only four wins from 14 games has cranked up the pressure on Speed who, until this season, had sat relatively securely in the position of first-team coach at Bramall Lane.

Now, after stepping up to fill the gap vacated by Kevin Blackwell, the buck stops firmly at his door.

The Blades, who visit Millwall tomorrow, are just one point above the Championship relegation zone and were denied a midweek victory at Leicester City by a controversial stoppage-time penalty.

It was the latest in a series of unlucky breaks for Speed who hates the use of the word 'luck.' Yet there are few who will argue that his luck does not deserve to change.

His captain Chris Morgan has been ruled out for the season by a snapped cruciate and striker Jamie Ward for a month with an ankle injury. His board may have loosened the purse strings to fund the signing of two Premier League players but his squad still lacks strength in depth.

"I have enjoyed management so far but it has been frustrating because nothing has gone for us," he reflects. "They say things even themselves up over the course of the season. Well, if they do, we will get promoted, no doubt!"

The Blades showed quality and character against Leicester to shake off the setback of an early goal and were just moments away from celebrating a deserved 2-1 victory when referee Phil Gibbs awarded a penalty against Mark Yeates for handball. Video replays confirmed that the ball struck Yeates on the breastbone and there was no deliberate attempt to use the arm.

"I didn't sleep last night because I was lying awake thinking about the decision which isn't healthy," Speed said. "I would rather talk about the performance of the players than the referee although it did cost us.

"You can't let it drag you down, you have to take the positives, roll your sleeves up, and get on with it. It will be a bigger test of character now against Millwall because of what happened. We need to stand up and be counted because that was a right kick in the teeth."

Speed's illustrious playing career started in Leeds and ended in Sheffield 20 years later.

"I don't miss playing but the difference between coaching and managing is a lot greater than the difference between being a player and coach," he added. "I didn't think it would be that different but it is emotionally. Now I fully understand why managers get upset as manager, it's your neck on the line."