Deane: Blades in need of spark

SHEFFIELD UNITED legend Brian Deane has urged the Blades to keep on battling.

Chris Wilder’s men managed an impressive ninth-place finish last season but, with just one point from 11 games, they sit rock bottom so far this term.

Deane (right) who made 275 appearances for Sheffield United during three stints at Bramall

Lane, says the squad must not give up.

“Having a siege mentality is key,” said the former striker.

“I’ve been in similar positions as a player myself. But if they stay together as a group, then there’s always a chance.

“They’ve got to be committed sometimes it just takes one spark.

“I think it gets to a point where there’s very little a manager can do.

“It has to come from within the squad. It’s about who wants to step up and who has got the character to say, ‘I’m going to be the difference.’

“If enough of them have that attitude – and take the bull by the horns – then they will get more points on the board. The team was good enough last year but the players are more familiar to the opposition now.

“That’s why they individually have to start going the extra mile for their team-mates, the manager and the fans.”

The Blades paid a hefty £23.5million to sign striker Rhian Brewster from Liverpool in the summer but he has been used sparingly and is yet to manage a goal for the club.

Deane reckons Wilder might need to scour the European leagues for another new forward once the transfer window reopens next month.

“I can’t see an obvious candidate playing in this country who will be available and able to dramatically change things,” he added.

“If you manage to sign the right players in January then you do definitely give yourself more of a chance.

“It’s also down to the club and whether they want to give Wilder that sort of support. We all know how important it is to stay in the Premier League.”