The whistle blows for full time, Sheffield United have been blown aside by a newly promoted team in the shape of Southend United, this has a double blow for the Blades, not only have they lost again..... They also have effectively ruined their chances of making the play-offs this season.

The Blades were installed as title favourites when Nigel Adkins took over last summer, but with only 16 wins out of 40 league games, this leaves Adkins side languishing in 8^th place, eight points off the final play-off place with an inferior goal difference.

Despite a good win at home to Walsall last Saturday, few would argue that the Blades actually have a realistic chance of making the play-offs this season.

For the squad that United possess, the bottom line concludes that they should be performing at a much higher standard and delivering better results, United have won four of their last ten games, which isn’t play-off form.

The squad they have includes the likes of Billy Sharp, a journeyman who guarantees you goals, and despite the fact he has scored 18 goals this season, goals must come from all over the team if they are to get results.

The blades also have some young talented players; these include the likes of Che Adams, Jose Baxter and Louis Reed.

The side also boast an ex-Derby County player who was promoted to the Premier League back in 2007, in the shape of their captain Jay McEveley, to add to that, the squad also has within it Alex Baptiste and Conor Sammon, both capable Championship players, alongside Dean Hammond from the champions-elect Leicester City, and David Edgar.

To put it bluntly, this Sheffield United side has a near-Championship squad and should be performing better in the league below it.

Regarding infrastructure, Sheffield United is a moderately-sized club, their ground Bramall Lane can hold up to 32,000 spectators, a feat that some Premier League clubs cannot even boast.

The average attendance at the Lane is 19,000, which is higher than the average attendances from some Championship clubs.

If Adkins and United continue to struggle, and fail to pick up at least 3-4 wins in their next 6 games, Adkins could well be out of a job by the time the 2016-17 rolls around.

Especially with the other team in Sheffield enjoying such a promising and progressive season in the league above, the fans are eager for success, it’s just unfortunate that many may see success with a different manager at the helm.

Sheffield United fans.... What do you think to the criticism levelled at Adkins? Do you agree? Comment in the box below!