Speed already looks to have right credentials to make grade at Sheffield United

GARY SPEED can justifiably feel satisfied with his first four games in charge at Sheffield United.

Two wins and two losses represent a solid if unspectacular start and have lifted the Blades up the Championship table.

Although a heavy midweek defeat against Scunthorpe United looked bad on paper, most of those who attended the game at Bramall Lane agree the performance was far, far better than the result.

Speed has stepped up from his position as coach with relative ease and his immediate impact at Bramall Lane is helping the board justify their hasty removal of former manager Kevin Blackwell.

Do not let anyone be fooled into thinking that the hard work is now over. Far from it. It is only just beginning.

Since his appointment as manager just three games into the new season, Speed has benefited from a great deal of the spadework done by his predecessor.

Both Stephen Jordan and Nyron Nosworthy were brought in by Blackwell yet both were unavailable prior to his departure because of injuries.

Teenager Kyle Bartley had only just returned for a second spell on loan from Arsenal and played in Blackwell's final game in charge against QPR.

Those three have formed a revamped back four that also includes Jean Calve – Speed's only signing to date on loan from French club Nancy.

Once again, here was a player initially introduced by Blackwell but his attempts to sign the right-back were initially blocked by the board due to the player's wage demands.

Calve, who was also too costly for Premier League new boys Blackpool, duly scored the winning goal on his debut against Preston North End.

Nosworthy and Bartley have kept club captain Chris Morgan out of the side for the last three games – but that may change tomorrow against Portsmouth.

It was a brave decision by Speed to leave Morgan on the bench. The pair were team-mates only a couple of a seasons ago but, in football, there can be no room for sentiment.

Morgan slipped up on his last outing against Middlesbrough and the mistake allowed striker Kris Boyd to score the goal that condemned the Blades to defeat.

Speed drew a line in the sand by omitting the club's on-field general which sent a clear message to the rest of the dressing room. No-one is guaranteed a place and there is no favouritism.

The timing of Blackwell's departure was a major shock and remains a decision that is difficult to understand.

But it is no criticism of Speed that he has been able to take advantage of the situation.

Signs are emerging that the Blades are playing the game in a different way under Speed and this will go down well with the snipers who labelled Blackwell a 'long ball merchant.' Speed also wants to see a change in the way referees are treated at Bramall Lane, another clear diversion from the past.

Midfielder Leon Britton will play a key role in Speed's master-plan – just as he would have done under Blackwell.

Britton was hailed as the 'missing link' on his arrival this summer from Swansea, someone who could succeed where Brian Howard and Lee Hendrie had failed before him.

Britton has assumed a deeper role under Speed which allows him to dictate the tempo of a game. Alongside that, Speed also appears to be giving Jamie Ward a greater licence to roam.

It will be when injuries, in general, start to bite that the real test of Speed's metal will come.

So far this season, the Blades have been relatively lucky with injuries – they no longer have the strength in depth to cope with a big injury list.

When the honeymoon period is over, Speed will discover that life as a manager gets far tougher than this.

With the promise of funds for a new player, Speed will have to show his eye for a transfer or loan bargain, always an important bridge to cross for any coach becoming a manager.

Yet Speed has done his homework. He has studied intensely and worked under some of the best, including Bobby Robson, Howard Wilkinson and Sam Allardyce.

He may be a 'rookie manager' but he has the respect of those around him and a burning desire to succeed. Given a fair crack of the whip, the Blades may have unearthed a manager with a great future ahead of him.