Sheffield United v Bristol city: Adams still clinging to the hope of better days for Blades

The Blades host Bristol City today knowing their fate is virtually sealed with four games left to play.

Nine defeats in the last 11 matches have left the club sitting bottom of the table and Adams, who arrived four months ago, has been unable to stop the rot.

“Defeats affect different people in different ways,” he said. “You have still got the majority (of players) that think they can get out of it – but confidence is at a premium in the football club because of the disappointing results we have had.”

The Blades suffered a fourth-consecutive defeat last weekend against fellow strugglers Preston North End.

“I would say there is a bit of despondency amongst the lads after events last week. But it is no use feeling sorry for yourself, we have got pick ourselves up and get on with it.” he said. “We would like to win this weekend and feel better about ourselves. I am sure, come 3pm on Saturday, we will be ready for it again.”

Teenagers Harry Maguire and Jordan Slew made full debuts last weekend while striker Danny Philliskirk, 20, made his first appearance as a second-half substitute.

Philliskirk, the son of former Blades striker Tony, is currently on loan from Chelsea but has now signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Blades on a permanent basis this summer.

Defending his employment of younger players after releasing below-par senior professionals including Nyron Nosworthy, Marcus Bent, and Stephen Jordan, Adams said: “I would have done it regardless of where we are in the league. I pick the best team that is available to me in my mind’s eye. I will try and do that on Saturday to beat Bristol City and I don’t care whether they are youngsters or not.

“I am not doing it to hang onto my job,” he stressed. “It is the best team available to me. The future will be bright for Sheffield United. No doubt about that. It’s all despondency and a bit of doom and gloom at the moment but Sheffield United will bounce back.”

Although Bristol are not involved in either the chase for promotion or the battle against the drop, Adams has warned his players to expect no favours this afternoon at what is expected to be a nervy Bramall Lane.

“They can’t afford to think that Bristol City will just hand it on a plate to us. I would think they will want to come here and send us down,” he said. “From a players’ point of view, when you go on a series of results like we have, they don’t see where that next win is coming from but it will turn for them.

“They just have to believe and keep going and work hard for it.”

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