Bassett helped inspire us, says relieved boss Adams

The Blades ended a run of 15 games without victory by beating Nottingham Forest and are six points adrift of safety with 10 games still to play this season.

“We have got to use this result as a springboard for the last 10 games and see what we can do,” he said.

“There was a massive mental barrier that we needed to break down and hopefully that’s done now. We have smashed it down.

“In terms of the team, it was a massive hurdle but people will stop talking about the ‘run’ now and we can all get on with our lives.”

Adams had waited 14 games for his first victory as manager but the Blades had not won in 15 since beating Swansea City on December 18.

“I was sick of reading about it and seeing it,” he said. “But it’s behind us now and we have got to look forward and give it a go. Ten games. It’s not over yet. We are not dead men.”

Adams revealed that words from his assistant Alan Cork and former manager Dave Bassett at half-time had helped inspire a second-half revival against Forest after the Blades had trailed 1-0 to a goal by Dele Adebola.

“To go in losing at half-time was a blow but a lot of sensible things were said at half-time,” he said. “Not necessarily by me, but by Harry Bassett and Corky. We have all played our part in trying to get that win.

“We were tackling their heads and their body language,” he said. “Things were going astray and we needed to be braver on the ball. It was a difficult pitch.

“When your confidence is not quite there you abdicate responsibility rather than being positive. That’s what we asked them to be second half and I thought they were. I will tell you how much belief it has given us at quarter to five on Saturday after the game against Watford.”

Reflecting on his own low key reaction to the result at the final whistle, Adams said: “I was pleased for everyone, the players, and the supporters, it was terrific. I felt relief but I have tried to remain level-headed when we have lost – which has been difficult at times if I am honest – and I’ve tried to remain the same when we have won.”

The Blades even shook off the disappointment of seeing striker Daniel Bogdanovic have a penalty saved by Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp before winning the game courtesy of goals from Sam Vokes and Matt Lowton.

“For some strange reason, the penalty galvanised us,” said Adams. “We stepped up another gear and we have shown that we can do it against the best.

“Forest have assembled a good squad and spent a lot of money. They are a good side, don’t get me wrong, but they will possibly be disappointed with the way they played. I can’t worry about that.

“First half, they had a couple of chances that whizzed past the post but nothing major other than the goal. I was quite comfortable. The game was scrappy and suited us more than them.

“I’ve been saying the same things week-in, week-out,” he added. “I couldn’t knock the players for their efforts. I would have loved to have gone in and ripped their heads off but they don’t cheat anybody and they always give it a go.”

Adams insisted the players’ spirit has never wavered.

“If we continue to work as hard as we did on Tuesday and pick up more confidence we can take things on from there, but I have never doubted the work ethic of this group of players,” he said.

“There is a fantastic spirit in the camp.

“We will regroup on Thursday and get ready for a really huge game at Watford when we will try and get points to shove us up the table.”

United defender Neill Collins echoed his manager’s sentiments, admitting the win over Forest was a big relief.

“It was so pleasing to get that win after waiting so long and everyone is delighted for each other, and in particular the manager who has worked immensely hard since coming here,” said Collins.

“There has never been a question about the lads playing for the gaffer and, at Fratton Park on Saturday, you could clearly see that.

“It has just been that things haven’t quite happened for us.

“They did against Forest and, hopefully, we can build on that against Watford now.

“Everyone gave their all despite a tough first half and the massive will to win got us through in the end.”

Collins praised United’s two scorers against Forest.

“Sam Vokes deserved his goal and hopefully he can play a big part in helping us get out of trouble,” added Collins.

“Matty Lowton scored a fantastic goal; it was a good delivery from Quinny and a great header, too.

“We have been in the game long enough to know that it is just three points, but now we must focus on going to Watford looking for another massive win because every game is like a cup final.”