Sun shines light on key strategy for Adkins

Manager Nigel Adkins insists Sheffield United will not show complacency against Crewe.

However, he says the Railwaymen play “really good football” and that his side travel to Gretsy Road expecting a difficult game.

The Blades have only won five of their last 10 games, and Adkins feels that highlights how difficult League One is as a division.

He said, “It’s competitive. I keep talking about Sun Tzu, The Art of War: ‘never, ever underestimate your opposition’.

“We’ve done a lot of work in preparation for Crewe. Yes, we know they sit bottom of the league, but if you actually watch the games and watch the threats they’ve got, maybe they’ve not scored as many goals as they could have done; that could have totally changed the complexion.

“They’ve not had a hiding. I think one goal could have been the difference in a game, and they keep really good possession of the football.

“If you think you’re just going to go there and be gung ho then you’re going to have a rude awakening.

“Crewe play really good football. They notoriously have done, ever since I played against them and Dario (Gradi) was the manager.

“I give everyone the utmost respect, but likewise, we go to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, we’ll be expected to beat Crewe Alexandra, and I’m looking for us to do that.”

Adkins also took time to praise the addition of Dean Hammond, and the effect that he has had on the squad.

He says the club could bring in further players, although none are likely to arrive imminently.

He added: “We need to improve and give ourselves an opportunity.

“I’m delighted with Dean Hammond’s signing; it took a long time to get that one over the line. That’s going to add to the group.

“We want it all yesterday but it can take time. We can see already the benefits that Deano’s going to bring to the group.

“We can do that in one or two situations, if they arise, but we’ve already talked about the fact we’ve got a lot of players here who are good football players.

“Whoever we bring in, they’ve got to be better than what we’ve got here, and not just a number or body for the sake of it.”