Frustrated Blackwell sees better times ahead for Blades

The Blades had only 12 senior professionals available for the Carling Cup defeat at Hartlepool United in midweek but their options will be boosted ahead of tomorrow's Championship game against Queens Park Rangers.

Blackwell, who dragged coaches Gary Speed and Paul Crichton out of retirement to sit on the bench against Hartlepool, blames the current financial climate for his player shortage but is also unhappy with international fixtures being played in the first week of the season.

"Sometimes people think you don't know what you are doing – but, if your hands are tied, there is not an awful lot you can do," he said.

"I knew for the first three or four games that we might be short.

"The international break also makes a mockery of things. We have just kicked off the season and I can't put a team out without putting 43-year-olds on the bench. I don't think it is right. I am also having to use kids who have never previously played in a professional game."

Striker Daniel Bogdanovic and reserve team goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu were the only two Blades players away on international duty (for Malta and Estonia, respectively), while striker Ched Evans had withdrawn from the Welsh squad due to an ankle injury.

Defender Nyron Nosworthy and new signing Stephen Jordan were not deemed fit enough to play while Darius Henderson, Lee Williamson and Ryan France are all long-term injury absentees.

Defender Matt Lowton, meanwhile, was starting a three- game ban after being sent off in the opening game of the season against Cardiff City.

With only 22 senior professionals on the books, Blackwell has already stressed the importance of keeping players fit and avoiding unneccesary suspensions.

Teenagers Jordan Chapell and Kingsley James made full debuts at Hartlepool as Jamie Ward and Stephen Quinn were rested to the bench. Teenager Phil Rowe was also on the bench – yet Blackwell was still able to name only six of the permitted seven substitutes.

"Even with Crichton, Speed, and Rowe, we couldn't fill a bench," said Blackwell. "It just shows that we have not got the strength in depth – but finances dictate. You know what you need to do as a manager but you can't do it.

"We havent got a big enough squad. It's happening everywhere, it's not just us."

Blackwell had expressed his concerns to United chief executive Trevor Birch ahead of Wednesday night's game and been told that defeat would be met with sympathy.

Bogdanovic, Evans and Jordan will all be available for tomorrow's game against QPR and centre-back Nosworthy could also come back into contention. Ward is likely to start after being rested to protect a suspect hamstring.

Reflecting on his side's opening two performances, Blackwell said: "The difference between Sunday and Wednesday was like chalk and cheese. Evenings like Wednesday don't tell me anything – but they might well tell a few fans a few things.

"Players have to do jobs they are not accustomed to until we can sort things out."

The Blades are reporting healthy ticket sales for tomorrow's game which heralds the first return to the club of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny following his controversial decision to link up with former Blades manager Neil Warnock at QPR this summer.