Sheffield United vs Preston North End

UTB 05
Paul Heckingbot tom
MANAGER’S NOTES
Well, where do I start?! It’s been a
whirlwind couple of days but
today we return to action with
objectives to meet and points to collect.
We have to maintain our professionalism
with another bumper crowd inside the
Lane expecting us to win.
There have been numerous interviews
since the final whistle in midweek and, no
doubt, you’ve heard or read everything
that I’ve got to say but as this is my final
programme notes of the season, I feel it
is important to thank and congratulate
everyone who has contributed to our
success this season.
Personally, what gives me the most
satisfaction, regardless of other factors,
is that we’ve kept that focus and
determination to achieve our goal. We’ve
had injuries, setbacks and challenges
to deal with, but huge, huge credit must
go to the players. They’ve been pushing
so hard this season after the scenes
at Nottingham Forest last season, and
they’ve been rewarded.
The attitude and application of the
group has been phenomenal, week
in, week out.
Let’s not forget, this league is tough, the
margins are so fine, but we found a way to
win a lot of matches and in midweek, the
game summed up a lot about what we’ve
done well and right.
West Brom are no mugs, they came to
win, they wanted to spoil the party and
hurt us, but we found a way to get over
the line, we changed our system three
times to make sure we stayed on the front
foot. Everyone on the pitch and the bench
was on board with it and trusts each
other, believing in themselves and people
around them. We back ourselves to go out
there and perform and we got stronger as
the game progressed, just like we have
through the season.
Also, a major part of the process is the
staff. Jack and Macca are huge influences,
they have been great for me personally
and lead a bigger team who are fantastic
operators in their respective fields in
preparing the players for battle every
couple of days.
I was glad to see Prince Abdullah and
the board were in attendance to enjoy
the celebrations. They deserve credit for
standing strong and holding their nerve
when, for the business, other decisions
could have been made – ultimately,
returning to the Premier League was the
goal and that’s been achieved.
It’s been a team effort and last but
certainly not least, the fans deserve
promotion. Numerous times I’ve called on
the supporters to help us because we’ve
needed it – you really don’t know how
much of a factor you are!
The noise generated in midweek was
different level. At kick-off, when the goals
went in and at the final whistle (many
thanks for staying off the pitch, by the way,
it’s great to see Sheffield United setting
the standard), it was an experience that
none of us will forget in a hurry.
Simply, the scenes of the other night
is what it is all about, moments like
these have to be earned and everyone,
and I mean everyone, at this club has
contributed.
Hecky
SHEFFIELD UNITED vs PRESTON NORTH END