Brian Howard has become the latest former Sheffield United player to discuss playing under Kevin Blackwell as manager.
Blackwell spent two-and-a-half years as Blades boss, guiding them to the Championship playoffs in 2008/09. He left the club in 2010.
Although solid enough during his time at Bramall Lane, Blackwell clearly rubbed some United players up the wrong way. Lee Hendrie has since described the 61-year-old as “one of the worst managers I have ever, ever been under”.
Jordan Stewart – who arrived in South Yorkshire as part of the swap deal that saw Hendrie move to Derby County – said Blackwell’s team talks were “more angry than constructive”.
Meanwhile, Michael Tonge has spoken about the part he played in the midfielder’s departure to Stoke City in 2008.
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The latest on Blackwell at Sheffield United
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Howard isn’t as scathing as others about Blackwell during his appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast.
The midfielder did, however, reveal some peculiarities about his coaching – or lack of – after joining the Blades in 2008.
Howard says Blackwell didn’t seem to realise that he wasn’t a number 10 and simply assumed he was because of his impressive goal and assist tallies for previous side Barnsley.
The 37-year-old, who has since retired from football, also felt the squad at his disposal should have been promoted.
“I agree with everyone’s opinion of what they’ve said (about Blackwell on the podcast),” Howard said.
“He was really enthusiastic and he was always on the front foot. With his necklace hanging out and his hairy chest and giving it all.
“But with that squad, pick a team, you’ve got good players and let them go and play.”
Howard continued: “He’s coaching me from the sideline and I’m a technical player and I’m not playing my game.
“I disagreed with some of his coaching, but I loved my time there.”
Howard left the Blades after just one season and joined Reading. He says Blackwell was very supportive of his desire to move back South and helped seal the transfer.
