When Bryan Robson was dismissed on Valentines Day 2008, Kevin Blackwell was immediately appointed as his short-term successor.
Leading the team from relegation battlers, to within minutes of the play-offs, the former Leeds boss was given the position on a permanent basis, to the delight of Blades fans.
What Blackwell appeared to bring back, was the up-tempo, fortress Bramall Lane, us against the world attitude that had been lost under the previous regime, and when he guided United to the play-off final in his first full season, things couldn’t have been much better.
However, after the whistle, Blackwell quickly announced his resignation from his position, something that was rejected by the Blades hierachy, deciding to give Blackwell longer to build his team, and push for promotion once again.
However, the sales of Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker, as well the departure of Matt Kilgalllon later in the season, combined with a crippling injury crisis, meant that the Blades failed to mount a promotion charge in 2010, finishing the season just outside the play-offs.
Cost-cutting from the board, and the sale of Billy Sharp and Paddy Kenny hampered Blackwell’s summer, and Neil Warnock’s former assistant failed to rebuild, but despite this, United took a point from the opening game of the season at Cardiff City.
Defeats to Hartlepool United, and QPR later in the week however, became just too much for the United board who decided enough was enough for ‘Blackie,’ dismissing him hours after the final whistle on Saturday.
What Blackwell did was revert the Blades back to an untidy, direct, but effective team who were hard to beat, which was welcomed by the fans.
His time was hampered by the sales of key players over his head, with signings made by the board and by the sponsors, of players who he wouldn’t have probably chosen himself.
A win percentage of over 42% is impressive for any club in the Championship, and let’s not forget he got us to within minutes of the Premier League, breaking numerous defensive records in the process.
The issue many appeared to have with him, came in his approach, both personally and on the pitch. Usually without blame, and often arrogant, his post-match interviews after a defeat would not make pretty listening, and his style of football definitely didn’t make pretty viewing.
Overall then, when people look back at Blackwell’s record then he will be seen as a success, but in hindsight, perhaps he should never have been given the long term deal and should have just stayed as the stop-gap he was originally brought in for.
Blackwell’s Record
Games 125
Won 53
Drawn 36
Lost 36
Win % 42.4
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