Paddy Kenny expects his former side Sheffield United to be a force once more next season as the Blades look to bounce back from relegation from the Premier League into the Sky Bet Championship.
The men from Bramall Lane had a year to forget in the top-flight in 2020/21 with form over the first-half of the season giving them far too much to do in terms of trying to achieve survival.
Indeed, a new era now begins this summer with former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic coming in as manager and he'll be looking to adopt the principles that saw him earn a promotion with the west London club a few seasons ago.
It appears, too, that Kenny thinks the Serbian will be able to bring some good times back to the Blades with the intense style of play he likes to employ.
“They didn’t have that intensity last season," Kenny told
Football Insider.
“Look at how well Leeds did when that work rate was there… Wow. They had an amazing season whereas Sheffield United had a difficult season after losing a few early doors.
“Jokanovic has come and set his stall out early doors. It will be different next season.
“It’s the Championship, a level down from the Premier League, so he can get that intensity up and be a force in that league.
“It’s hard playing in the Premier League because you’re playing against better players and better teams. Your mentality is totally different in that league.
“Hopefully they’ll be able to play on the front foot next season.”
The Verdict
Fulham were a real joy to watch under Jokanovic and though his time in the Premier League did not go to plan with them, he's a manager that knows what it takes to get the job done in the Championship.
That is the sole aim next season for the Blades, then, and time will soon tell as to just how close they're going to come to an immediate return to the Premier League.
