Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins looking to increase points returns for Blades

NIGEL ADKINS is working hard to try and turn Sheffield United's draws into victories as they chase a play-off spot in League One.
Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins.Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins.
Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins.

The Blades have had a three-month spell which can be interpreted in two different ways.

The glass half-full approach, says the Blades have only lost twice since the beginning of November in League One.

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The glass half-empty brigade will point to just four wins in that time frame, and six draws which have crippled their automatic promotion hopes.

It’s those narrow margins, turning a draw into a win, which Adkins is looking to address, starting with Saturday’s visit of fellow promotion hopefuls Wigan.

“We’ve had to adapt the way we play and it might be that we adapt it even more so we can turn some of those draws into victories,” said Adkins.

“Likewise, on a few occasions earlier in the year, if we’d taken the draw rather than driving forward for the win then we might be in a better position now.

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“So it’s all about the mindset. We have to resolve that to try and push on to the next level.

“We are hurting being in League One. So are Wigan who, just a couple of years ago, were in the Premier League and winning the FA Cup.

“If you look at the parachute payment they’ve got to help finance the football club, they’ve put themselves in a strong position. We are in a strong position too.”

Adkins has a full-strength squad to choose from for Saturday, apart from Kieran Wallace (hamstring).

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He said: “Everyone is fit, there’s only Kieran Wallace who won’t be considered for the weekend.

“He’s had a little bit of a hamstring problem but he’ll be okay for Monday.

“Bob Harris has had a couple of games, for the under-21’s, which is very beneficial. The lads are looking fit and sharp. They’ve trained ever so well and now we have to show that on game day.”