Robson demands more

Blades boss bemoans lack of concentration

Last updated: 4th December 2007

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Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson has urged his players to stand up and be counted in a bid to turn around their dismal home form.

Their 3-0 reverse to high-flying Stoke on Tuesday night meant the Blades have only won three times in 10 games this season in front of the Bramall Lane faithful.

This poor return has led to boos from the fans, who left in droves long before the final whistle after seeing their team go three down inside 18 minutes.

The Potters secured their victory - which propels them up to fifth in the table - thanks to strikes by Richard Cresswell and Ryan Shawcross and a James Beattie own goal.

Concern

Robson said: "I don't know about the fans being frustrated, I was.

"It is a little bit of a concern because that's the last two games we've been beaten at home and for different reasons.

"Against Plymouth I thought we had no urgency and drive and tonight we looked as if we were going to have that drive.

"But a lack of concentration on set-plays cost us tonight.

"So we've got to put that right. There's no excuses when people talk about lack of confidence because the crowd are getting a bit edgy and getting on your backs a bit, you've got to be big enough.

"We've got 25,000 fans at most (home) games and we've got to give them something to shout about.

"They want you to succeed and so it's up to the players to go out there and have that inner strength, that mental strength to get on the ball and play and give the fans something to cheer about.

"The players are definitely good enough."

Stoke gained revenge for a 1-0 defeat to Robson's side at the Britannia Stadium last month.

Gee-up

Welcoming the win, Potters boss Tony Pulis said: "We got beat at our place by Sheffield United recently and we thought we were unlucky, so it was a little gee-up for the players really.

"That spurred the players on and they wanted to get revenge. They had the bit between their teeth and it's been a good week for us.

"We got a great FA Cup draw against Newcastle, so the place is buzzing, everything is buoyant at the moment and the players are showing that by their effort and commitment."

Pulis added: "These lads haven't got as much ability but have great commitment. It was a dream start and really took the stuffing out of Sheffield.

"But I still expect them to be there. I'll be very surprised if Sheffield United are not in the top six by the end of the season. They've got too much quality."