Wilson is backed to deliver by Blades chairman

The Blades recorded a third consecutive victory, over Rochdale, to stay fifth in the League One table – four points behind second-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

McCabe’s decision to appoint Wilson, a former Owls manager, initially divided supporters at Bramall Lane.

However, addressing shareholders at the club’s annual meeting this weekend, McCabe had largely praise for the job he has done so far.

“We are getting stronger all the time and the style of football is the healthiest I have seen since the Dave Bassett era,” he said.

“We have seen some ‘iffy’ games but you could say the same for a lot of other teams. We are trying to play better football but it takes time.”

Bassett, the most successful manager in the club’s history, won two promotions and kept the Blades in the top flight for four years before leaving in 1995.

McCabe feels the time has now come for the Blades to embark on a lengthy unbeaten run.

“Where we are in the league is fine,” he added. “I am not quite as perky as I would like to be but we are well positioned.”

“I don’t see why we can’t go on a run,” he added. “We all expect the club to go on a bit of a run now and I have great optimism and great hope.”

McCabe estimates the club have missed out on £200m since suffering relegation from the Premier League under Neil Warnock four years ago.

There is also ongoing pressure to reduce the wage bill with McCabe saying the ‘average wage’ at Bramall Lane is higher than at any other club in the division.

According to chief executive Julian Winter, the Blades are no longer prepared to pay any player more than £10,000 a week.

However, the Blades still have a number of players – including striker Ched Evans and midfielder Stephen Quinn – on wages which exceed that limit.

Although avoiding comment on individuals, McCabe confirmed that there will be changes to the playing staff in the new year.

Shareholders were told that the Blades rejected a summer offer from a Premier League club – believed to be Swansea City – for goalkeeper George Long, full-back Matthew Lowton and centre-back Harry Maguire.

McCabe admitted: “Until we get back in the Premier League, it will always be difficult keep hold of young players if a top-flight club comes along.

“But more and more people are also recognising that it is best to stay with a club that cares and gives young players an opportunity for as long as possible.”

McCabe announced that lifelong Blades supporter Mike Blundell – a leading estate agent in Sheffield – had agreed to join the football club’s board.

Blundell will invest but with no sign of any ‘major’ new cash injection on the horizon, McCabe challenged the football club board to raise money for a ‘marque signing.’

“It was done in the days of (former chairman) Reg Brealey and Dave Bassett and we signed Glyn Hodges. We have got to bring some of that old base back.”

Blades report: Page 4.