Ward happy to roam free under new leadership

Ward has missed only four minutes of Speed's first five games in charge and has been given a licence to drop deep as part of a three-man attack.

The former Chesterfield striker is still seeking his first goal of the season, however, ahead of tomorrow's Yorkshire derby against Leeds United at Elland Road.

"When Kevin Blackwell got sacked, we all knew we were fighting for our jobs again," Ward admitted.

"With the gaffer putting a bit of faith in me, I will obviously work hard and try my best for him every game.

"If I'm doing well for the team, and keeping the manager happy, thats all that matters," he added. "He has not dropped me yet – so he must think something of me!"

Ward, 24, believes the Blades are playing 'better football' as a result of Speed's promotion from coach to manager.

Explaining his own role in the new system, Ward said: "I always knew last season that, if I was playing, I would be playing right midfield! This year I can play anywhere along the front.

"The gaffer tells all three of us to chop and change and not to try and stay there. When play is building up, or we have lost the ball, whoever is nearest to the position fills in there. He sees that as his best formation with the players he has got – but you also see that at a lot of big clubs now like Chelsea."

The Blades were allocated 2,700 tickets for tomorrow's clash at Elland Road and now have less than 500 to sell.

Ward said: "There is rivalry there and it's a big game so we want to send the fans home happy. As players, we want to win every game – but if you send the fans home happy, you get another big crowd for your next game at home.

"Our aim is to get promoted this season and every point counts," he added. "I think it's just another three points."

Chief executive Trevor Birch, meanwhile, says a Malaysian businessman could join the Blades board inside the 'next six weeks.'

Birch confirmed the plan in the Yorkshire Post two months ago and talks have been progressing since.