Sheffield United v Barnsley: Robins demands Reds show their true spirit again

Although the Tykes are eight points clear of the relegation zone and practically safe, Robins is far from happy with things going into today's South Yorkshire derby.

In a blunt message to his players, Robins said: "We have promised a lot but delivered nothing this season. We have picked up one point from the last four matches and that is not good enough.

"People pay money to watch us put in a spirited performance and we have to get back to the levels which are acceptable for this football club."

Robins may have steered Barnsley out of the relegation zone and, briefly, into play-off contention but last weekend's home defeat againt Doncaster Rovers sparked jeers from a section of the club's supporters.

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell thinks supporters of both clubs need to open their eyes to reality. "I went to the Doncaster game last weekend and the crowd vented their displeasure," he said. "Maybe Mark has built expectations up there a little bit too high?

"He has done a great job and it reminds me of the job I have done here. We both had to turn things around quickly because they were struggling. So I haven't got a clue why some fans refuse to accept what is right in front of their eyes.

"As managers now, you have to deal with major problems that were never previously in the manager's role.

"In the old days, if a club hit financial problems, everyone knew there was a saviour out there. You would blow one bloke's money, and then move onto the next! These days, those saviours are few and far between.

"None of the football managers I know are responsible for the implosion of the world's financial markets," he added. "We didn't get it wrong with the banks – but we are kopping for it. Fans still want to see money spent willy-nilly on players."

Blackwell has already rubbished suggestions of a 'power shift' in South Yorkshire football – made by Doncaster chairman John Ryan – and will want to prove that Barnsley live in United's shadow by winning today. The Blades earned a draw at Oakwell in November thanks to two second-half penalties from striker Darius Henderson.