Trotters midfielder blunts the Blades

pre-season as well,” said new manager Parkinson.

“Jay typifies everything since I have been here. This group want to put right what went wrong last year.

“He has been at the forefront of that with his attitude in training. So, he deservedly takes the headlines.

“But we are not getting carried away. It is the only the first game.

“We said to the lads about making a statement in front of our supporters. It was about putting in a performance of commitment, desire and honesty.

“The lads are out on their feet in the dressing room, but that’s what it takes to get results.”

Parkinson’s only disappointment was to see skipper Darren Pratley carried off late on with a leg injury.

“He felt a crack, but hopefully it is not too bad,” said the Wanderers boss.

“Darren ran himself into the ground for the team, so we just have to keep fingers crossed because he is another one with leadership qualities.”

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, also in his first game in charge after joining from Northampton, was left to rue a lack of cutting edge after seeing new signing Leon Clarke waste Possession 40% Shots On Target 3 Shots Off Target 4 Blocked Shots 1 Corners 3 Fouls Conceded Offsides 1 Yellow Cards Red Cards 11

2 0 60% 0 4 3 8 9 2 2 0 an early header before narrowly missing a tap-in from the lively Mark Duffy.

He said: “We had the lion’s share of the game, especially in the first half, and should have been out of sight after 20-25 minutes.

“Then their boy scored a wonder goal and that changed the complexion of game.

“But we started the second half well and we had enough of the ball and enough in and around the final third without showing the quality we have got.

“We could have caused them more problems and possibly scored.

“Ultimately I am disappointed. The performance was okay, the attitude of the players was good and the biggest thing was the support we brought.”