Adkins' record impressed McCabe

Nigel Adkins' proven track record convinced Kevin McCabe that he is the right man to steer Sheffield United out of League One.

Adkins was installed as the Blades' new manager on Tuesday and has signed a three-year contract. Andy Crosby and Dean Wilkins were confirmed as assistant manager and first-team coach respectively. The Yorkshire club will embark on their fifth successive season in the third tier under Adkins, who has twice won promotion from League One with Scunthorpe and once with another of his former clubs, Southampton, who he also led to the Premier League in 2012. "There's no question in our mind that Nigel was the guy we really wanted to come to Bramall Lane, but I do say we had some other excellent candidates who we met," said United joint-owner McCabe. "We have interviewed some very good candidates let me say, but with Nigel, I attempted to make contact with him going back two seasons ago, but at that time he wasn't available. "He's always been on the radar because of the success he created at Scunthorpe United, our near neighbours, and obviously then with Southampton and I'm sure he was on other club's radars as well." Adkins, 50, is the club's fourth manager in just over four years and their eighth since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2007. The Blades had an approach to speak with Bradford boss Phil Parkinson turned down last week and were also linked with departing Brentford manager Mark Warburton in their search for Nigel Clough's replacement. Clough was sacked soon after his side's play-off semi-final defeat to Swindon, and McCabe said Adkins' previous successes were crucial to his appointment. "It's very important and League One is a difficult league as we've found out," McCabe said. "We may have had a bit of bad luck so to speak but we've been in for far too long and someone who knows League One, what to expect in terms of the competition, particularly at Bramall Lane, is vitally important." Adkins will be hoping to turn Bramall Lane into a fortress next season following six home defeats and only 10 wins this season. McCabe added: "We need to get the most out of our crowd because Bramall Lane can be a cauldron if the fans are on your side and we've got to make the most of it. "(Co-chairman) Jim (Phipps) and I are greedy. We want Nigel, Dean and Andy to get us to the Premier League, but stepping stones mean we've got to get out of League One first."