Championship: can Blades boss repeat City feat?

Micky Adams was left frustrated on Tuesday night as Sheffield United failed once again to register their first win under his stewardship, although a late Daniel Bogdanovic goal did earn the Blades a point at home to Reading to aid them in their relegation fight.

Adams' arrival at Bramall Lane bears many similarities to when he was appointed Coventry City manager at the beginning of 2005, replacing Peter Reid in the Highfield Road hotseat. The Sky Blues were embroiled in a scrap for survival at the foot of the Championship and after a quick evaluation of is squad the new manager embarked on a whirlwind of activity in the transfer market.

The likes of Shaun Goater, Trevor Benjamin and Robert Page were all drafted in and all made contributions to what turned out to be a successful escape from the drop, culminating in an unforgettable final game at Highfield Road when Derby were beaten 6-2.

Adams first priority at Sheffield United, as when he came to Coventry, has been to tighten up the Blades defence and by and large that appears to have worked. Up front however his side lacks the threat that the Sky Blues had then through Stern John, Dele Adebola and Gary McSheffrey. The Blades are relying on a loanee strike force of Marcus Bent and Sam Vokes, two players with plenty of pedigree but short on match fitness.

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