Blades’ passing phase was lure to new arrival Kitson

Dave Kitson needed little introduction to his new Sheffield United team-mates yesterday – for he was at Wembley and witnessed their League One play-off final heartache.

The former Reading and Portsmouth striker saw the Blades miss out on a place in the Championship after losing on penalties to Yorkshire neighbours Huddersfield Town.

Kitson is good friends with Simon McCabe, whose father Kevin is Blades chairman, and watched Danny Wilson’s side last season as a club guest.

After spending part of pre-season with Portsmouth, Kitson has been training on his own for the last six weeks but leapt at the chance to join up with the Blades on a short-term contract.

His arrival came on transfer deadline day, after the departures of two United stalwarts, Stephen Quinn and Nick Montgomery.

After watching from the stands as Blades beat Bournemouth in an eight-goal thriller on Saturday, Kitson is keen to get involved on the pitch.

“I know Simon McCabe, and consequently his father Kevin, well,” said 32-year-old Kitson, once a £5.5m signing when he swapped Reading for Stoke in the Premier League.

“I’ve been to watch quite a few Sheffield United games in the past, including the play-off final.

“It’s a great club and I know how intimidating it can be to play here because I’ve done it many times before.

“Enjoyment is a big thing, especially when you get through the first phase of your career, and I’m certain I can enjoy myself here.

“There’s nothing better than that winning feeling – I’ve never found anything to replace that – and I’m sure I can experience it here lots of times again.”

Kitson has been impressed with the passing style employed under Wilson, and said that was another factor in his dropping down to League One.

Along with the experienced Chris Porter and Richard Cresswell, Kitson will be able to help coax along youngsters John Cofie and Nick Blackman. The latter pair have made impressive starts to their Blades careers with two goals each so far this campaign.

“I’ve always played my best football in teams that like to pass the ball around and get it out wide so, the fact that Sheffield United play that way was another factor behind my decision,” said Kitson, who once had a loan spell at Middlesbrough.

“There were other offers but this, for a variety of reasons, was the right one.

“Signing a short-term deal suits everyone concerned. If Sheffield United are doing well then they might decide to really go for it. If not then they might want to get rid of a few players, in which case one of those will probably be me.

“So the fact it brings me right to the start of the next window is the right thing to do. If things go well then I’m sure we’ll sit down and talk, see where we are and take things from there.

“I did a pre-season at Portsmouth and since I left there I’ve been working on my own for five or six weeks.

“I’ve worked hard but it’s not the same and having other players around pushes you on. I probably need a good hard week of training and a few sessions in the gym on my own. Then I’ll be ready.”

The Blades, unbeaten in four matches this season, travel to Scunthorpe United on Saturday having sold out their away ticket allocation.

Before that, Wilson will be honing their defensive skills after conceding three times against Bournemouth.

“It is great that we have managed to knock in five at home and that delights me but some of the goals we conceded were unnecessary and something we have to look to eradicate,” said the Blades manager, who will consider entering the loan market next week to bolster his squad.

“We went a goal down and didn’t get to grips with their right side early on but give credit to Bournemouth. Paul (Groves) has done very well and they are a difficult team to play against.

“Our first goal settled us down. With it coming so soon after theirs it didn’t give people the time to get anxious and we pushed on from there.”

The Blades have been selected to appear live on Sky Sports next month.

United’s fixture against Portsmouth at Bramall Lane, due to take place on Saturday, October 27, will be played 48 hours later on Monday, October 29, kick-off 7.45pm.

This will be the Blades’ first live television appearance of the season.