Blackwell backs Blades to cut it

18 September 2009 08:36
The Blades conceded their unbeaten Championship record on Tuesday with a 3-2 defeat at Coventry, but Blackwell says there is no better game for his players to respond than in the Steel City derby. "People talk about 'bouncebackability' and that's what we want to do now," Blackwell told the Sheffield Star. "I shouldn't have any problems getting the lads up for this one. Everyone knows what it's all about and what's at stake. "The one thing I can always count on getting from my lads is 100% -that they'll give absolutely everything." United centre-back Matthew Kilgallon, still suffering from the chest infection that ruled him out of the trip to the Ricoh Arena, is a major doubt and after missing out on the loan signing of Zurab Khizanishvili from Blackburn, Blackwell admits he is still looking for new recruits. He added on the club's official website: "The top clubs in the Championship are all wanting the same few players that are available, but I won't sign just anybody for the sake of it." The Owls completed the double over their neighbours last term, and another win tonight would bring the sides level on 12 points. The visitors have lost twice in seven games this season, to Premier League dropouts Middlesbrough and Newcastle, and manager Brian Laws insists he is pleased with his team's start to the campaign. "We've only been beaten by two of the top teams in Middlesbrough and Newcastle, who have wage budgets of £70m and £30m against our £6m so that's the reality of the situation," he told Wednesday's official website. He added: "Sheffield United will give us a different kind of game, they are very strong, powerful and direct. They have had a really good, solid start." Sheff. Utd 4/5, Draw 5/2, Sheff. Wed 7/2

Source: Team_Talk