Sheffield United v Walsall: Only promotion will banish the blues for Blades, admits Collins

After the misery of last season, such an impressive start has acted as the perfect pick-me-up for supporters, players and staff alike.

Ask Neill Collins, however, if sitting second in the fledgling League One table has gone some way towards banishing the relegation blues and the Blades defender is in adamant mood.

“No it hasn’t,” states the 27-year-old Scot in a matter-of-fact tone. “I don’t think we truly will until we get promoted.

“It is only then, when we are back in the Championship, that I will believe we have turned things around. Then, we can say we have achieved something.

“Being in this division just isn’t right for a club like Sheffield United. It doesn’t sit well with us because the minimum that we should be is a Championship team.

“As players, we take our fair share of responsibility for relegation and we want to put the record straight.

“Having said that, we have adapted well to the demands of League One. We always knew it would be tough but we are a tight-knit group who are all very committed to getting this team up this season.”

United, who travel to Everton in the Carling Cup next week, will look to extend their 100 per cent winning start to the league campaign tonight when Walsall come to Bramall Lane.

With striker Chris Porter (dead leg) and winger Ryan Flynn (hamstring) again major doubts, manager Danny Wilson is set to name the same starting line-up as last Saturday when goals from Richard Cresswell and young strike partner Jordan Slew secured a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Following on from the opening day triumph at Oldham Athletic, the convincing manner of the Blades display against Uwe Rosler’s men bodes well for the challenges that lay ahead in the club’s first season at this level in 22 years.

Collins knows all about the demands of a League One promotion race, having joined Leeds United just before the transfer deadline in the season where Simon Grayson’s side finished second behind champions Norwich City.

He said: “There are going to be ups and downs along the way but we are all very pleased with the way we have started and we are quietly confident, especially if we can keep hold of our good players.

“We have got quality players here like Stephen Quinn, Richard Cresswell, Matty Lowton. We want to keep hold of them.

“However, if we do lose anyone, then we will just have to get on with it, which is something we are ready to do.”

Cresswell has netted in both United’s League One outings this term and manager Wilson, who once signed the Bridlington-born striker when manager of Sheffield Wednesday, said: “Everyone told me that he can’t score goals any more but he has done fantastically well for me. I know exactly what I am going to get from Cressy.

“He is committed, strong and very physical. He also has that ability to always upset opposition centre-backs.

“He may be the wrong side of 30 but he is a very fit lad. He runs the channels well and puts people under pressure. If anything, he is more effective now than he was when he was younger. That is because he has the experience to know when to make runs and how to pace his game.”

With trips to Tranmere Rovers and Yeovil Town next week sandwiching Wednesday’s Cup tie at Goodison Park, the Blades have a golden chance to lay down a marker in the promotion race before the end of the month.

Collins believes Wilson’s men can do just that and, in turn, lay the foundations for a season that could act as a springboard for continued success down the Lane.

He said: “You look at Norwich and Leeds, who both came out of this division on a high and then pushed on last season.

“Southampton and Brighton are the same in that they went into this season on the crest of a wave after going up last term and have set off like a house on fire this time around in the Championship.

“It would be great to see Sheffield United doing the same this time next year.”

Last six games: Sheffield United WDLWDW, Walsall DWLWLD.

Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Sheffield United 2 Walsall 0; December 9, 2003; Championship.