Sheffield United needs to learn a lesson as a team, if they want to come out of League One. They are a big club, who shouldn’t be playing their football in the third-tier.

This is the Blades’ fifth season in League One after they were relegated from the Championship in 2011. They have achieved a play-off place in three out of their last four seasons, but they have failed to take their chance to restore their club to where it should be.

They are 11th in League One and without a win in four games, and need to pick up some momentum if they are going to challenge for a promotion spot this year.

Nigel Adkins was appointed as the Sheffield United boss in the summer as Nigel Clough failed in his attempt to secure promotion in the Play-offs in May.

Adkins has a good record at a League One level, but something seems to not be clicking in the Sheffield United squad at the moment.

The fans at Bramall Lane have not been happy with the performances and have disapproved with some of Adkins decisions.

Football League World writer, Ashley Williams looks at FIVE issues that Sheffield United must resolve in January…

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE ISSUES!

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Stability and consistency

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Sheffield United have been known to lose to the so called “minnows” of the League.

There were some poor results against some of the division’s less glamorous names last season that undermined United’s bid for promotion during the closing stages of Nigel Clough’s tenure.

United have struggled to get a winning streak together and with some tough games coming up, they will have to beat the sides around them and especially the sides that are struggling down the bottom, if they want to secure promotion.

They need to toughen up

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Adkins needs to toughen up  his team to help put games to bed.

The Blades have been too soft and they need to be assertive and aggressive in their play, physically and mentally.

Sheffield United's recent 4-2 home defeat to Shrewsbury Town showcased this massively.

Sign a defender

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The Blades have talented attacking options in the side, but they have been poor at the back.

They have conceded 25 goals this season, compared to some of the teams at the top of the league who have conceded far less than United.

They will need to bring a leader into that back line that is going to sharpen up their defence.

Get the fans on side

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You can tell that the fans are starting to get fed up; they don’t want to see their team playing League One football.

They have become frustrated and Adkins has received some criticism of late.

The fans have been questioning whether he is the right man to turn things around at the club.

Football supporters can be very fickle, and if Adkins can get a run going, then all that criticism will immediately be forgotten.

He needs to axe some fringe players

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The fans are also questioning whether Adkins needs to get rid of his 'dead wood' in the side, and bring players in who are going to excite the fans.

Adkins will have to have a re-think of which players he wants to have in his squad, as there are evidently players who are not needed in the Blades' setup.

Sheffield United fans.. Do you agree that these issues need to be resolved at the club? What would you do if you were the manager to turn things around? Let us know below!