The Warnock Years

Following the departure of Adrian Heath from the manager's office, the Sheffield United board had to look quickly to find a replacement. This period, with the club's position in the bottom two of football's second tier (then known as Division One), was a major crossroads for the club as we faced the prospect of facing another battle against relegation. The importance of finding the right man for the job was paramount and quickly Sheffield born Unitedite Neil Warnock appeared to be the most likely candidate even though he was still under contract at Bury F.C.

Warnock had cut his teeth in football management at Non-League level with Burton and Gainsborough. He then steered Scarborough to promotion from the Conference to the Fourth Division in the late eighties and then gained two successive promotions as he took Notts. County from the Third to the First Division. County however only lasted one season in the top flight and just missed out on the chance of becoming founder members of the new Premier League in 1992.

Following his departure from Notts County Neil had a short spell with Torquay before moving on to Huddersfield and then Plymouth were he gained promotions with both clubs in the mid-nineties. A short spell with Oldham followed before he moved to Bury though clearly he didn't enjoy his time in Lancashire as this was probably his most unsuccessful period in management.

Despite his recent times in the red rose county Warnock quickly became the front-runner to fill the vacancy at Sheffield United and even before he was officially named by the Blades Board the story broke in the press that he had got the job. Perhaps the fact that Neil was saying good-bye to everyone before and after his last game in charge at Gigg Lane may have had something to do with it.

Having given opportunities to three inexperienced managers (Nigel Spackman, Steve Bruce and Adrian Heath) the Sheffield United Board went for an experience manager in Neil Warnock and officially confirmed his appointment at the beginning of December 1999.

My feeling at the time was that previous managers (Nigel Spackman in particular) had been treated poorly by the board with football decisions governed by financial constraints being made without the manager's involvement. I felt at the time that Neil, being a Blade and having being handed his dream job, would be more inclined to put up with board interference more than any other candidate for the job. However, over the years Neil has shown that he is a professional and has developed a good working relationship with a new board which has shown great vision for the club at football level along with the wider aspects of a developing the club.

During the 1999 - 2000 season United continued in the same vein as in the previous seasons with the club selling more of its playing assets. In the last days of the Heath era the club made their record sale of 3 million pounds with the sale of Lee Morris to Derby County. However Lee, son of Blades legend Colin, has been plagued by injury since leaving Bramall Lane. As the new Millennium dawned a new era began at Sheffield United and Warnock steadied the Blades' form on the pitch and eventually ended the season in 16th position.

The 2000-01 season saw the re-introduction of the Sheffield derby games as the club from Sheffield 6 were relegated from the Premiership in May 2000. Neil Warnock's first full season in charge was a year of consolidation and although the club flirted with the play-off positions we eventually finished in 10th place. The highlight though was an April fools day victory a Hillsborough. The Blades had lost 2-1 at Hillsborough in a League Cup encounter in November and the league fixture at Bramall Lane in December had ended in a 1-1 draw. A 2-1 win for the Blades put us into eighth place and still with an outside chance of making the play-offs while the team on the other side of the city ended the day in 17th and were fighting to avoid a second relegation in twelve months. However, as Neil Warnock ran on the pitch acknowledging the Blades fans in the Leppings Lane Stand on that sunny spring day, league positions seemed to count for very little and it was just brilliant to beat the old enemy in their own backyard.

The following season saw United get off to a poor start and by the middle of September we were in 20th position with five draws and one defeat. The first win came at bottom of the league Stockport and though the Blades made a steady improvement over the course of the season finishing 13th any chance of promotion even via the play-offs was a long way off. Both derby games that season ended in 0-0 draws.

The most memorable or infamous match of this season was the home game to West Bromwich Albion on the 16th March 2002, the game became known as the Battle of Bramall Lane. Blades keeper Simon Tracey was sent-off within ten minutes for handling the ball outside the penalty area but midway through the second half the game exploded when George Santos whom United had just brought on seconds earlier, was sent off for crashing into Andy Johnson. Clearly Santos was seeking retribution as Johnson had fractured Santos' cheekbone when playing for Nottingham Forest the previous season and had seriously damaged his eye socket with a swinging elbow. Following the intitial challenge a huge melle insured resulting in Santos and Patrick Suffo another United substitute being sent off leaving the Blades with just eight players on the field.

With the home side trailing 3-0 United then sustained injuries to Michael Brown and Rob Ullathorne and as Neil Warnock had already used all his substitutes the referee had to abandoned the game. The West Brom manager Gary Megson and Neil Warnock were well known not to be on good terms at the best of times but following this game Megson questioned the validity of the last two injuries and accused Warnock of deliberately trying to void the game by reducing his team to six men. Following an inquiry with the F.A. United were fined but Warnock himself had no case to answer. Santos and Suffo never played for United again.

The 2002 - 03 season was one of the most memorable and became something of marathon with the team playing sixty-one fixtures in all completions. United started slowly again with their first three games bringing two draws and a defeat. The third game at home to Walsall ended in a 1-1 draw and brought the first signs of frustration from some of the United faithful who made their feelings known to the manager. When Neil substituted McGovern, United's best player on the day, shouts of "You don't know what your doing" were directed at the United bench. John-Paul McGovern was on loan from Celtic and made his first start for United and equalised an early goal from Walsall with a brilliant individual effort. Despite a good start to his brief career at Bramall Lane McGovern returned north of the border, as he soon seemed to lose his early promise. The winger eventually ended up at Hillsborough.

Two back-to-back wins at Burnley and at home to Millwall lifted United into eighth place. The change in form was mainly due to Stuart McCall's return to the side while Michael Tonge moved out to the left to replace an injured Michael Brown while Tonge played with a freedom of an old-fashioned winger.

Sunday 1st September brought an away trip across the city to Sheffield 6 for the noon kick-off against the old enemy for the 103rd league meeting between the two clubs. United might have gone into the game as slight favourites having won two games on the bounce, while Wednesday had made a poor start to the season and were still looking for there first win.

The game turned into the most extraordinary game that I have witness between the two clubs. The Blades dominated but were unable to find a breakthrough as Tonge in particular playing in his new role down United's left wing tore the Wednesday defence apart. United went closest to opening the deadlock when a McGovern shot on goal produced a good one handed save from Pressman low to his left but the Blades were unable to complete their domination of the first half with a goal as both sides went in at the break level at 0-0.

The second half brought more of the same as United dominated and Stuart McCall came close twice for the Blades with two shots from outside the box, one of which hit the outside of an upright. It was Wednesday though who finally broke the deadlock when a looped header from Shefti Kuchi hit a post and the rebound fell to substitute Lloyd Owusu who headed home with his first touch of the game. Very quickly the Owls doubled their lead when a poor clearance from United's 'keeper Kenny was picked up and crossed by Quinn. The cross found Shefti Kuqi who headed home and United's fate seemed to be sealed. As we trooped home we couldn't believe what we had seen. United had dominated but Wednesday had had only two clear cut chances and had scored from both.

Despite the set back at Hillsborough, the Blades made a good start to the season and by end of October were handily place in fifth position. But it wasn't just the league form that told the story of this season as United were also involved in two incredible cup runs during this term. Early in November Leeds United came to Bramall Lane for the all Yorkshire derby match in the third round of The Worthington (League) Cup. Having replaced David O'leary with Terry Venables as manager in the summer the club had struggled in the league and had slipped into the bottom half of the Premiership. Leeds had gone five games without a win and this appeared to be a good time for the Blades to take on a side from a higher division.

Leeds took the lead midway through the first half when Jason Wilcox whipped in a low cross from the left. The ball came to Blades right back Steve Yates on the back post who was aware of Nicky Barmby coming in behind him on the right flank. Yates tried to intercept but his attempted clearance the hit the post and then hit the back on the net.

By the ninetieth minute of the game Leeds still had the lead and as a few Blades fans made for the exits to beat the rush an additional four minutes of time was added which was just enough time for the Blades to make an unbelievable comeback. Leeds full back Harte headed a clearance that fell to Phil Jagielka who pinged a thirty-five yard unstoppable shot passed the Leeds 'keeper. But the Blades weren't finished there, just as we thought we were heading for an additional thirty minutes extra time United got a ninety fourth minute winner from Ndluvo and the Blades were in the hat for the next round.

The following Saturday we faced Ipswich at home and I was treated to the first of many V.I.P. days at Bramall Lane courtesy of an old friend and neighbour Alan Palfreyman of The Sun. Following the great win against Leeds, the Ipswich game felt like "after the Lord Mayor's show" and the result reflected this as the game ended 0-0 but I had a good day thanks to Alan and The Sun.

United enjoyed a two week break because of a postponed home game against Reading that was called off 45 minutes before kick-off. I remember being in the pub and a friend came in at 2.30 to say the game had been called off at 2.15 due to a water-logged pitch. Unfortunately we just had to stay in the pub for the rest of the afternoon until it stopped raining or until closing time (funny I can't remember which it was).

Two more home ties in the Worthington Cup followed and United swept aside Sunderland (2-0) and Crystal Palace (3-1) and then we had the prospect of facing Liverpool in a two-legged semi-final the first of which was at Bramall Lane at the beginning of January.

This perhaps may have been a good time the play Liverpool as they were currently in the worst run of form in the league for years. Although they had won games in European competition and in the Worthington Cup and had enjoyed an F A Cup win over the weekend away at Manchester City, the Anfield club had not won a match in the League since the beginning of November. While United having beaten Premiership opposition in the shape of Leeds and Sunderland in previous rounds of the Worthington Cup were currently unbeaten in twelve games and had collected nine clean sheets in their last eleven outings.

The Blades welcomed back Wayne Quinn who rejoined the Blades on a month's loan from Newcastle following his transfer to the north east club two years previous. United started the game with Ndlovu, Allison and Asaba playing as a front three. This seemed to leave United a little short in midfield and Michael Tonge who had been playing much of his best football in a wide role for the Blades that season seemed to be drawn into the centre which appeared to take something away from United's creative play. Ndlovu, however showed a lot of endeavour using his pace down the Liverpool left. Although neither side created many clear chances it was Liverpool who went ahead when a free kick for the right was flicked on by Hyypia and Liverpool's young stand-in striker Neil Mellor timed his run well at the back post to head Liverpool into the lead.

Liverpool first choice strikers Owen and Heskey entered the fray from the substitute bench in the second half but did little to impress and as United pressed for an equaliser Liverpool failed to clear properly. McCall fed Michael Tonge in space on the edge of the box and his left foot drive went through Kirkland's legs and into the net. United minutes later went ahead when Quinn's corner was cleared only as far as Tonge who sold a dummy on the edge of the box and produced a right foot shot which Kirkland couldn't stop.

These were heady days at the Lane and although we are only at half-time in this semi-final tie we felt at the time that we had a great chance of getting to a major final for the first time in many years.

The fixture list seemed to throw up one big game after another. Next was an away game at top of the league Portsmouth which was originally due to be played on Saturday tea time and televised by Sky but due to a frozen pitch the match was postponed on the Friday afternoon and with a promise of a thaw hastily rescheduled (with T.V. in mind) for the Monday night. United took all three points at Fratton Park and opened the top of the division into a three horse race with United putting pressure on the top two of Portsmouth and Leicester City.

With United in a promotion push and looking forward to the second leg of the Worthington Cup semi-final to come at Anfield mid January also saw Wednesday coming to Bramall Lane.

The home match against the old enemy from across the city was the third of a series of four in a row live matches for United to be featured on Sky TV and was switched a Friday night. The Blades were keen to make amends for the away defeat in September, a match that they had dominated but lost 2-0. Although Wednesday had been anchored on or around the bottom division for much of the season there were signs that their new manager Chris Turner was beginning to turn things around as the Owls had won three of their last four games. During the week prior to the Wednesday game United had signed Dean Windass from Middlesborough until the end of the season, a player who had impressed during his month loan spell around Christmas and also Tommy Mooney who joined from Birmingham.. Neil Warnock had tried to sign Mooney from Watford eighteen months earlier only for the striker to sign for the midlands club instead.

For long periods in the first half United dominated, producing chances for Windass, Kabba and Ndlovu but Pressman in the Wednesday goal, who has a habit of saving his best performances against United, was once again in inspired form.

In the second half United seemed to be caught cold as Wednesday scored within a minute of the re-start. Alan Quinn played a through ball towards Michele Di Piedi who was in an offside position but running back and was judged not to be interfering with play. Quinn ran through following the ball and for once the United defence looked to be badly positioned. Quinn shot while evading a tackle from Page and the ball went wide of Kenny and into the corner of the goal.

United soon hit back when Steve Kabba met the ball with an instinctive first time shot that gave Pressman no chance. Within three minutes United took a deserved lead when Wednesday under another bout of Blades pressure cleared only as far as Michael Brown on the edge of the box. Brown let loose with a right foot volley which flew past a helpless Pressman.United completed a memorable victory when Steve Kabba terrorised the Wednesday defence down the right and into the box and crossed the ball from the by-line to substitute Wayne Allison who was on hand to finish from close in.

The second leg of the Worthington Cup semi-final was next for United but a war of words between Liverpool and United following the semi-final first leg at Bramall Lane continued during the build up to the second leg at Anfield. Liverpool manager Gerard Houlier had made comments following the Blades 2-1 first leg victory saying that he was "disappointed with Sheffield United's over aggressive approach to the game".

I thought at the time that Houlier's comments were something of a joke because with exception of a Michael Brown challenge on Liverpool's keeper Kirkland, it was the Premiership side who seemed to try to out muscle United. Players such as Diouf, Diao and Traore seemed to kick lumps out of our players. I thought at the time that Houlier's comments were made to try to hide the fact that his Liverpool side was full of players who were all out of form.

United began the second leg of the semi-final with a 2-1 aggregate advantage but it didn't take long for the home side to squared the tie up at 2-2. Riise played a long ball for Owen to run on to. With Murphy backing off the Blades defender could do little to stop the England striker from getting a shot away on target. Kenny produced a good save but the ball ran to Heskey who laid the ball off to Diouf. With Kenny unsighted by McCall he could do nothing to stop Diouf's twenty yard drive which grazed the inside of the post before hitting the net.

With the match all square at 2-2 on aggregate the tie went into extra time. Liverpool eventually won the game when Gerrard set Owen off on one of his characteristic runs and the England striker chipped the advancing United 'keeper who could do little as the ball crossed the line. United had shown great spirit and had given Liverpool a good run for their money. However, United's exploits in cup completions hadn't finished yet.

The Blades easily beat Cheltenham 4-0 at home in the F.A.Cup third round but the fourth round of the competition produced an epic cup-tie against Ipswich.

United had taken a comfortable 3-0 lead and looked home and hosed but the Blades crowd were stunned when the visitors struck back with three goals. The first from a thunderbolt drive from Gaardsoe. Then Miller struck home from the spot and to complete an incredible fight back Darren Bent beat Wayne Quinn for pace and drove passed the Blades 'keeper.

With two minutes on the clock Wayne Quinn delivered a throw in which Allison flicked into the path of Peschisolido who finished from six yards to give the Blades a 4-3 victory.

United were drawn at home in all rounds of both the League (Worthington) and FA Cup this season and swept away Walsall in the fifth round of the F.A. competition by a 2-0 margin and then beat Leeds (again that season) 1-0 in the 6th round to set up a semi-final against Arsenal.

The semi-final played at Old Trafford was the Blades third FA Cup semi-final in ten years having lost to Wednesday at Wembley in 1993 and being defeated by Newcastle in 1998.

Ten minutes before the break the match irrupted into controversy when referee Graham Poll denied the Blades a free kick as Sol Campbell made tackle from behind on Wayne Allison on the edge of the Arsenal box. Poll allowed play to continue with the big striker obviously injured but then to make matters worse, the ref got in the way of United's Michael Tonge as the young midfielder tried to pick up a lose ball in the centre circle. Tonge was clearly impeded by the referee and Arsenal regained possession and continued to advance towards United's goal. McCall probably should have done better when he seemed to have a couple of chances to clear United's lines but Jeffers stole into the box and crossed from the by-line to Wiltord who hit the base of a post. Wiltord was the first to react and eventually found Ljungberg who blasted home from close in. Aseveryone walked towards the tunnel at half-time, fans, players and Neil Warnock in particular made their feeling known to the referee.

Seaman saves from Peschisolido
Blades v Arsenal: F A Cup Semi-final - Old Trafford

In the last quarter of the game Henry and Bergkamp replaced Jeffers and Wiltord but produced little to trouble United. Peschisolido made his usual late appearance replacing Kabba with little over ten minutes on the clock. Then in the dying minutes of the game Tonge took a corner from the right which was met by Page on the edge of the area. Page directed the ball towards goal Asaba tried to help the ball on it's way when he mis-hit a volley. Peschisolido standing just a couple of yards out redirected the ball towards the net but Seaman incredibly got a good hand to the ball and scooped it away just before it crossed the line.

It was heartbreaking for United because overall the Blades did enough in the game to force extra-time and to lose the game following a single controversial goal was hard to take.

The Blades went on to complete their fixtures by winning three of their remaining six games and finished in third position on 80 points twelve points behind Leicester who took second place while Portsmouth won the title. Meanwhile at the wrong end of the table local rivals were relegated

Nottingham Forest were United's opponents in the first leg of the semi-final play-off with the game at the City Ground ending in a 1-1 draw but the second leg was another epic game in this remarkable season. Forest took a two-goal lead but goals from United's Brown and Kabba levelled the tie up at 2-2 on the night and brought extra-time. Peschisolido put the Blades ahead for the first time in the match and with just three minutes left Des Walker scored in his net to put United 4-2 up. There was still time for a late consolation goal for the visitors when Page put passed his own keeper to give the Blades a few last minute nerves. United held on at 4-3 (5-4 on aggregate) to set up a play-off final against Wolves.

"Pesch" puts Blades into the lead and celebrates another vital late goal
Blades v Nottingham Forest: Play-off Semi-final second leg

The Spring Bank Holiday weekend was the usual date for the annual play-off games and with United's game scheduled for the Monday we set off to Cardiff on the Saturday to make a long weekend of it. We stayed in Barry just outside the Welsh capital, a traditional British holiday resort which like so many resorts around the UK had perhaps seen better days. With so many people travelling abroad for their holidays these days Barry seemed to have succumbed to the lack of investment with British holidaymakers spending their money overseas.

The hotel that we stayed in was pleasant enough though with good facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna. Some of the clientele in the hotel seemed to be made up of a few football supporters like ourselves including some Wolves fans along with some QPR fans who had made the trip to see Rangers play Cardiff for the Division Two play-off final on Sunday. All the fans in the hotel mixed without any problem although when Cardiff beat QPR on the Sunday the town did come life with a few rowdy Cardiff fans who seemed determined to keep us awake until the small hours.

On the Sunday as we looked forward to Monday's game we headed away from Cardiff around Swansea Bay as we played tourists for the day eventually ending up in the resort of Mumbles. On the Sunday evening when we got back to the hotel there were a few glum looking QPR fans who had just returned from their match having lost. We wondered if we would be feeling the same way 24 hours later were we to lose the game on the Monday.

Wales Weekend Division 1 Play-off Final - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Click-on thumbnail photos to view full size photos.
Outside Millennium Stadium - Cardiff
Lee & Abbey	Inside Millennium Stadium - Cardiff
Mumbles	Lee & Abbey (with Max & Henry)

I awoke on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday and after a swim and sauna followed by a hearty breakfast we headed towards Cardiff. Sheffield United had had an incredible season including two great cup runs that ended in defeat in two semi-finals and had a great season in the league. The day began with great optimism and United losing wasn't in the script. We had lost six years earlier in a play-off final at Wembley and I felt that this time it was our turn for success, unfortunately it didn't turn out that way.

We arrived in the Park-and-Ride area that seemed to be dominated by Wolves fans and as we made our way to the ground we couldn't seem to get away from the opposing fans as we made the mistake of approaching the ground from the area of the stadium designated for Wolves fans. Although we mixed freely with the Wolves fans without any problem we felt a lot happier when were able to get to United's side of the ground. The Millennium Stadium was very impressive inside and you seemed to be a lot closer to the pitch compared to the likes of the old Wembley.

After the customary pint or four, just to steady the big match nerves, kick-time came closer. As the game got under way all the hard efforts of a long season seemed to be blown away in the first 45 minutes as United's defence failed to cope as Wolves dominated the first period. Goals from Mark Kennedy (6 minutes) and from former Blade Nathan Blake (22 minutes) put the black and golds into poll position but the killer third goal from Kenny Miller just before the interval seemed to seal United's fate.

At the start of the second half Neil Warnock substituted Mark Rankine with a straight swap for McCall who took his place in centre midfield. McCall's vision and control in the engine room of the Blades team had been a huge influence during the course of the season. McCall's presence seemed to make a difference early in the second half.

Within barely three minutes of the restart United were given a lifeline when Wolves right back Paul Butler was adjudged to have handled inside the box. Michael Brown stepped up to take the spot-kick and placed the ball to the Wolves keeper's left. Murray saved pushing the ball to an advancing Kabba who followed in and blazed over the top.

It was absolute despair for Blades fans in the stadium. At 3-1 down United could have still forced their way back into the match, particularly with United's record that season for making comebacks, however now, not even the most optimistic Blades fan could see United turning this game around.

Later when a Michael Tonge free kick was touched on to a post by the Wolves keeper Murray and Page could not redirect the rebound on target it seemed that it just wasn't United's day. Despite a great effort in the second half United could not recover from the disaster that insured in the first half.

Just before the final whistle we left the stadium as we didn't wish to suffer the Wolves celebrations. At the end of a marathon season it is a huge disappointment that there was little to show from all the hard work put in by everyone involved in the club and for all the fans who had enjoyed a memorable but in the end an unsuccessful season.

As Wolves looked forward to the new season in the Premiership, we looked forward to another season outside the top flight.

The 2003-04 season was something of a disappointment. Having been in the top six for much of the season United were unable to build on the previous years third place finish eventually being placed just outside the play-offs in eighth position. Injuries hindered the squad and the loss of striker Kabba for virtually the whole of the season was a major blow. Things got away from United during the winter period having failed to win a home for almost three months and the with United only winning two of their last nine game the season petered out.

	Jack Lester scores from the spot against Crewe in a 2-0 win for United at Bramall Lane.

Nationwide Division One (Top)		P	GD	Pts
1.	Norwich City	46	+40	98
2.	West Bromwich Albion	46	+22	86
3.	Sunderland	46	+17	79
4.	West Ham United	46	+22	74
5.	Ipswich	46	+12	73
6.	Crystal Palace	46	+11	73
7.	Wigan	46	+15	71
8.	Sheffield United	46	+9	71
9.	Reading	46	-2	70
10.	Millwall	46	+7	69
Crystal Palace gained promotion via the play-offs

The season had some positives though with another decent cup run for Neil Warnock side. United beat Cardiff 1-0 (away), Nottingham Forrest 3-0 (away) and Colchester 1-0 (home) before losing to Sunderland 1-0 (away) in the sixth round.

The 2004-05 in many way mirrored the previous year with United in and around the play-off spots and by the turn of the year the Blades were in a handy 5th palce. United had had a couple of heavy defeats in the first part of the season going down 4-0 away at Wigan in September and losing 5-1 at Ipswich the beginning of November. Wigan completed a double over United on New Years Day with a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane but January brought more F.A. Cup cheer as United came back from a goal down to beat Premiership opposition Aston Villa 3-1 at home. The Blades held West Ham 1-1 at Upton Park to force a replay at Bramall Lane in the fourth round and eventually came through the tie by way of a penalty shoot-out after the game was tied up at 1-1.

United were rewarded with a 5th round tie at Arsenal and gained a lot of credit from the game even though it took a late penalty from Andy Gray to force a 1-1 draw and a replay.

Despite a brave performance that saw the Blades hold Arsenal to a goalless conclusion after extra-time, United eventually lost the replay following a penalty shootout.

Arsenal had more than their share of selection problems with Sol Campbell, Thierry Henry, Robin Van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp, Reyes and Peres all out through injury or suspension. While Paddy Kenny came through a late fitness test to return in goal for United.

The Blades started well and almost went ahead within a minute when Andy Gray made a run down the left and crossed for Tonge who blazed high and wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy. The longer the game went on Arsenal slowing began to take control as United defended deeper and deeper, though Jon Harley had opportunities for United, first at the beginning of the second half when he couldn't convert a cross from Montgomery and then in the ninetieth minute when Almunia tipped over Harley's diving header from a cross from Geary.

As the game went into extra-time Arsenal began to camp in United's half as they created chance after chance but great defending from United and number of good saves from Kenny denied the Premiership champions. As the clock ticked on another shoot-out beckoned.

A crowd close to capacity held it's breathe as Gray converted the first spot kick, Lauren made it 1-1, Jagielka missed but then converted when the referee ordered "Jaggs" first effort to be re-taken when Almunia was adjudged to have dived off his line as he produced a save. Vieira made it 2-2 and then Almunia saved United's third penalty from Quinn. Ljunberg scored to make it 3-2 to Arsenal then it looked like the Blades night was over when Harley's kick was saved by Almunia. Cole converted the final kick of the shoot-out to put the Gunners through 4-2 on penalties.

As Winter turned to Spring United lacked consistency that a promotion push required but the beginning of April saw United beat Yorkshire rivals 4-0 at Elland Road. A goal in the first two minutes from on loan striker Danny Webber set the tone for the night, then Nick Montgomery doubled United's lead on the half hour and two goals from Andy Gray in the second half completed a great night for United. The only disappointment was that all their play-off rivals, Preston, Derby, Reading and West Ham all won on the night so after a great away victory the Blades remained in eighth place.

United's push for a play-off place fell away with a crucial home defeat against play-offs rivals Derby who took their twelfth victory on the road that season. The defeat against Derby was part of a poor run that saw the Blades pick up just two points out of their last five games as United finished in eighth place for the second year running.

Neil Warnock's tenure in the manager office's was by now coming under some pressure, if not from the Blades' board, but from an element of United's fans who were always quick to moan about Neil following a bad result or a poor run of games. Of course we were all keen for success but there was a small minority who were quick to forget where the club was when Warnock first took over and what he had come so close to achieving.

With the club completing the key summer signings of Danny Webber and Paul Ifill, Sheffield United began the 2005-06 season with a great run winning eleven out of ten league games and topped the table at the end of September.

United had an opportunity to open up a nine point lead on their season long rivals Reading but the Blades went down to a 2-1 defeat at The Madejski Stadium at the beginning of October and Reading narrowed the gap to just three points. The top two in the division went head to head in a game played at a high octane pace and the match also had its controversy when Paddy Kenny was lucky to escape with just a yellow card when the Blades' keeper handled outside of his box. Also at the end of the game Neil Warnock and Stuart McCall protested to the referee who failed to give a penalty in United's favour following an apparent foul on Keith Gillespie just inside the Reading box.

Despite this set back the team continued their excellent home form and finally lost their 100% home record when Cardiff held them to a goalless draw at the end of October. Although November began well with a 4-0 home victory over Luton and a 3-2 win at Crystal Palace, the month ended badly with speculation over Neil Warnock's future. This coincided with a 4-2 drubbing at Leicester and with Reading moving to the top of the Championship. Clearly press speculation of Warnock leaving to take up the vacant manager's job at Portsmouth had got into the players minds and with the pending visit of Wednesday to Bramall Lane at the beginning of December we all wondered if the local derby would see no-one in the Blades' dug-out.

The board gave Neil permission to talk to the struggling Premiership club but despite a meeting with the Pompey Chairman the Blades' manager declined the offer. Warnock was reported to have turned down a deal worth three million pounds over three years but despite the increased speculation during the build-up to the Owls game, Warnock stated that due to certain "politics" at Portsmouth the move didn't feel right for him and that he was keen to remain at Bramall Lane. Blades fans celebrated Warnock's decision to stay which was also helped by a 1-0 victory over their local rivals.

Despite a Boxing Day defeat at the hands of Norwich, United won three out of their four Christmas/New Year fixtures and started the year in second place seven points behind Reading and eleven points in front of an improving Leeds side who had moved into third place with a game in hand.

With just days remaining before the January transfer window closed, it appeared that Neil Warnock finally got his man when he secured the signature of Ade Akinbiyi for a record Blades' purchase. After having two offers turned down in the middle January, Burnley finally agreed to release the 31-year striker. Speculation of Akinbiyi's transfer to Bramall Lane had been met with mixed views from United fans but he got off to the best possible start scoring the winner in a 1-0 win at Derby County.

Leeds United appeared to be the Blades' main threat for the second automatic promotion slot but Watford also put themselves in the frame when United went down to a 4-1 defeat at home to Adrian Boothroyd's side on a Tuesday night at the beginning of February. In recent seasons United have faulted in February and the team suffered more late Winter blues following the Watford defeat going down 3-2 at home to Q.P.R. followed by a goalless draw at home to struggling Crewe at the beginning of March. However, in the middle of this poor run United completed a double by beating Wednesday 2-1 at Hillsborough.

By the middle of March United looked in danger of being caught by Leeds and Watford but Neil Warnock appeared to go back to the side that had done so well earlier in the season selecting Shipperley ahead of Akinbiyi and leaving out other recent signings for the visit of Southampton. A comfortable 3-0 win over the Saints seemed to put the team back on track. On April Fool's day rivals Leeds were beaten 1-0 at Hull while United had a hard fought 1-1 draw at Stoke. With Watford losing 3-1 at Palace on the Friday night it seemed that both Leeds and Watford were doing their best to help the Blades on their way. Neil Warnock's side opened a seven-point lead over their rivals during the course of the weekend.

A vital 3-2 victory over Hull at the Lane followed with David Unsworth scoring a last gasp winner to seal all three points to put United into a commanding position with just four games to go.

United gained promotion to the Premiership without kicking a ball on Easter Saturday as Leeds slipped up again. A Good Friday victory at Cardiff put the Blades within one point of promotion and with Watford drawing the same day and Leeds drawing 1-1 on the Saturday with Reading, United regained a place back in the top flight.

The Blades had come close to promotion previously over the last few years with defeats in two play-off finals so being promoted in the second automatic promotion place represented a job well done for everyone connected with the club. Although the greatest and perhaps the toughest test of Neil Warnock's career appeared as United faced the challenge of staying in the Premiership.

The 2006/07 season, which turned out to be Neil Warnock's final season with The Blades, began with the visit of Liverpool to Bramall Lane. Coincidently, the last time United were promoted to the top flight back in 1990 United's opening encounter was also against the Merseysiders.

The Blades took the lead early in the second half when Rob Hulse's flying header put United 1-0 up but the game ended in controversy with Neil Warnock protesting the award of a Liverpool penalty which brought the equaliser denying United victory. Stephen Gerrard had made a run into the box and came under a challenge from Chris Morgan. Gerrard went down in the box but Morgan clearly made no contact with the Liverpool skipper but referee Rob Styles awarded the spot kick as he stated afterwards that he believed that Morgan had "intended" to bring Gerrard down.

This incident seemed to set the tone for Neil Warnock's season and he soon gained a reputation of complaining each week about officials' decision making and on Saturday nights the Match of The Day pundits were quick to label him as a moaner. Neil's favourite line was that the big clubs always seemed to get the benefit of the major decisions in games and the penalty award for Liverpool typified this. The penalty on the opening day cost the club two points and arguably influenced the outcome of the season.

Following two fruitless trips to the capital to face Fulham and Tottenham, next were Blackburn at home at the beginning of September. A tale of three penalties would best describe the action as Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers played out a goalless draw but Paddy Kenny saved a penalty for the home side while Brad Friedel saved two penalties for Rovers in a dramatic second half.

A home defeat to Reading followed as United gave themselves another uphill fight after conceding a goal within seventeen seconds and eventually lost to Steve Coppell's side by a 2-1 margin. After losing 3-0 at Arsenal Neil Warnock's side were in danger of going into October looking for their first win but a 2-1 win at home to Middlesbrough on the last day of September lifted them off the foot of the table. Phil Jagielka's injury-time scorcher secured the points.

The Blades got the first victory on the road at Newcastle at the beginning of November after Danny Webber headed home the winner on 68 minutes and United were out of the bottom three.

December saw United take vital victories against Charlton and at Wigan and the club was given a huge boost when a Christian Nade's winner contributed to the downfall of Arsenal on the penultimate day of 2006.

Despite these wins results were at best mixed. The lack of goals particularly away from home was a worry and Neil Warnock's critics had a field day when United went out of the F.A. Cup to Swansea. With The Blades manager apparently only interested in Premiership survival, he selected a reserve side for the third round encounter at Bramall Lane. The fringe players appeared to pick up on Warnock's lack of interest in this competition and produced dismal display and the team from south Wales went away with a 3-0 win.
Individual errors began to creep into United's games costing more vital points in their struggle to avoid the drop. In the home game to Portsmouth in mid January, Claude Davis was largely to blame for and error when he failed to clear a simple through ball into United's box. Hesitancy and a misunderstanding with his 'keeper let Portsmouth in to fire home an equaliser. - Two points dropped.

In the home fixture to Everton at the beginning of March 'keeper Paddy Kenny had an afternoon that he would like to forget when he failed to gather a bread and butter collection. Andy Johnson tried to take advantage of the error but Kenny then seemed to panic bringing down the Everton striker in the process. Arteta struck home from the spot to gain an equaliser. - Two more points dropped.

Despite United's frailties, back-to-back home victories over Fulham and Tottenham put them in a great position over their relegation strugglers'. By mid February United were fifteenth and had opened up a ten-point gap to third from bottom West Ham.
As winter turned to spring both West Ham and Charlton closed the gap while United conceded heavy defeats at Liverpool (4-0) and Chelsea (3-0). Two more loses to Bolton and Newcastle increased the pressure and by the time United were due to face West Ham in mid April Neil Warnock's side had slipped back into the drop zone. Charlton had gone above The Blades on goal difference and West Ham were just two points behind. A spirited 3-0 home victory over the Hammers seemed to put United in the box seat while West Ham appeared to be doomed.

West Ham were also embroiled in controversy with legal implications following alleged illegal signings of two players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. A Premiership tribunal fined the east London club five million pounds but failed to dock them points that would have arguably relegated them.

A point at Charlton and a 1-0 victory over Watford seemed to ease United's relegation fears as Neil Warnock's side were lifted to fifteenth place with a three-point gap to the drop zone. However, a demoralising 3-0 away defeat at Aston Villa on their penultimate fixture meant that United's fate along with Wigan and West Ham would be decided on the last day of the season. The Blades and Wigan would face each other in a relegation shoot out at Bramall Lane while West Ham would travel to Old Trafford. With Watford and Charlton already down these three teams would try to avoid filling the last relegation spot.

In the week leading up to the crucial deciding day it was reported that Neil Warnock had been on the phone to Alex Ferguson to ensure that he would play his first choice side against West Ham. Manchester United had already clinched the Premiership title and with Sir Alex's side due to play in an F.A. Cup final against Chelsea a week later, Warnock was keen that West Ham weren't to be given any favours. On the penultimate day of the season Fulham had beaten a second string Liverpool side 1-0, a win that sealed Fulham's safety as Rafael Benitez saved his first eleven for the European Cup final.

Following Warnock's phone call to Old Trafford it was reported the Warnock had been given various assurances from Sir Alex but when Ferguson's team to face West Ham was announced it was clear that Warnock had good grounds to worry. Giggs, Scholes and Ronaldo were not named in the team to start although all three day make second half appearances from the subs bench.

Despite everything United's fate was still in their own hands. Even if West Ham were to do the unthinkable and win at Manchester United, as long a The Blades didn't lose against fellow strugglers' Wigan, Neil Warnock's side would be safe.

Unfortunately Paul Jewell's side hadn't read the script as they took the lead on 14 minutes through Paul Scharner. Jon Stead equalised for the United eight minutes before the interval after the Blades striker produced a brave header from a Jagielka cross giving the Blades a lifeline to safety. News had began to break that West Ham were winning at Old Trafford and then to make matters worse former Blade David Unsworth scored what turned out to be the winner for Wigan with a penalty in first half of injury time after Phil Jagielka handled Kevin Kilbane's free-kick.

Although the Blades dominated the second half the home side couldn't find an second equaliser, Danny Webber came closest when he hit the base of a post having had a run on goal with only the 'keeper to beat. Clearly it wasn't to be United's day as Webber lifted the ball over an advancing Pollitt only to hit the base of an upright and go wide.

News didn't get any better from the other side of the Pennines as West Ham held on for a win with Tevez's 45-minute goal deciding the outcome. This completed an incredible run of games for The Hammers as they won seven out of their last nine games with Tevez making a huge contribution. For The Blades it had taken twelve years to get back to the top flight only to be relegated on goal difference after just one season.

In the close season The Blades contested Tevez's controversial signing and the Premier League's failure to deduct West Ham points. Sheffield United lost the appeal for the case to be re-opened and had any chance of reinstatement to the Premiership withdrawn. However, the biggest casualty was Neil Warnock when it was announced only days after United's relegation that he would be leaving the club "by mutual consent".

Warnock quits : Video Interview

It had been rumoured that Neil had been offered a new contact in the remaining days of the season but he had rejected it as he had not been satisfied the financial package on offer. The official story was with the club entering a new phase in its history it was time for a change at the helm.

Neil did have his critics but overall he left the club in a much healthy state compared to when he first took over the manager's office. Thanks Neil for the journey and some great memories.