Ipswich Town v Sheffield United: Blades tie Speed to long-term Lane deal

The former Welsh international had reached the end of his existing contract as player-coach but ended speculation about his future by committing to a new three-year deal.

Blackwell held talks with chairman Kevin McCabe in Brussels this week and is now planning for a summer of change at Bramall Lane.

With 11 players out of contract and six loanees, Blackwell has the ideal opportunity to rebuild his squad and hopes the next few months will also wipe out the club's injured list.

"I don't want to start next season like we have finished this one," he said. "All the injured players have been told that they cannot go on holiday until they are fit. I want everyone fit and raring to go when we return for pre-season training on June 28."

Eight senior players are ruled out of today's final game of the season at Ipswich Town and Blackwell intends to take a look at some of the club's younger players.

Academy products Matt Lowton, Nathaniel Foster and Kingsley James have all been included in the squad while Estonian international goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu is also likely to get his first taste of English football at some stage in the game.