silverfox
Well-Known Member
From the Star..........
GARY Speed, Sheffield United's veteran midfielder, says the attitude of his team mates could be the defining factor in their battle for promotion.
Speed, recently described as a "physical freak" by manager Kevin Blackwell for his tireless performances during pre-season, is adamant that United have the calibre of player required to secure at least a top six finish this term.
But, echoing his manager's sentiments on the eve of today's Championship opener at Birmingham City, the 38-year-old believes the race for the Premier League will be a mental rather than physical battle.
"With the quality we've got here then going up has got to be the aim," Speed said.
"We had a meeting not so long ago when we spoke about our ambitions and we agreed that we should be looking to go up as champions.
"The thing that's really impressed me is the attitude of the lads.
"Everyone wants to work hard, everyone wants to do well in training and, if you've got that combined with the talent, then you'll go far.
"I've been at places where players are content to simply go through the motions.
"But the lads here are spot on and I've told them so."
Speed has amassed a wealth of experience during his 20 years in the game with Wales, Leeds, Newcastle, Everton and Bolton and, as such, is perfectly placed to comment on United's chances.
This afternoon's trip to St Andrews - which is being broadcast live on Sky - sees two of the favourites for promotion come face to face on the opening day of the campaign.
Speed accepts United can not afford a repeat of the sluggish start which affected their progress under Blackwell's predecessor Bryan Robson but added: "I think we're two of the top sides. Birmingham and Reading, for me at least, will be up there and we should be too."
GARY Speed, Sheffield United's veteran midfielder, says the attitude of his team mates could be the defining factor in their battle for promotion.
Speed, recently described as a "physical freak" by manager Kevin Blackwell for his tireless performances during pre-season, is adamant that United have the calibre of player required to secure at least a top six finish this term.
But, echoing his manager's sentiments on the eve of today's Championship opener at Birmingham City, the 38-year-old believes the race for the Premier League will be a mental rather than physical battle.
"With the quality we've got here then going up has got to be the aim," Speed said.
"We had a meeting not so long ago when we spoke about our ambitions and we agreed that we should be looking to go up as champions.
"The thing that's really impressed me is the attitude of the lads.
"Everyone wants to work hard, everyone wants to do well in training and, if you've got that combined with the talent, then you'll go far.
"I've been at places where players are content to simply go through the motions.
"But the lads here are spot on and I've told them so."
Speed has amassed a wealth of experience during his 20 years in the game with Wales, Leeds, Newcastle, Everton and Bolton and, as such, is perfectly placed to comment on United's chances.
This afternoon's trip to St Andrews - which is being broadcast live on Sky - sees two of the favourites for promotion come face to face on the opening day of the campaign.
Speed accepts United can not afford a repeat of the sluggish start which affected their progress under Blackwell's predecessor Bryan Robson but added: "I think we're two of the top sides. Birmingham and Reading, for me at least, will be up there and we should be too."
