Jordan Stewart is the latest former Sheffield United player to discuss what it was like to have Kevin Blackwell as manager.
Lee Hendrie recently described Blackwell as “one of the worst managers I have ever, ever been under” in reference to his 18 months with the Blades.
Stewart actually arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer of 2009 as part of a swap deal that saw Hendrie move the opposite way to Derby County.
The left-back spent one unremarkable season in South Yorkshire before leaving for Greece. Stewart explains what it was like playing under Blackwell during that time.
“I think he could rub people up the wrong way with the things that he did,” the 38-year-old told the Undr The Cosh podcast.
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“At half-time he’d come in and start yelling at people. It was more angry than constructive and normally that would involve confrontation with a player.
“But with me personally I didn’t have any issues.”
What happened to Kevin Blackwell at Sheffield United?
(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Blackwell didn’t last much longer at the club following Stewart’s departure in 2010. He left United by mutual consent in August following a 3-0 home defeat to QPR.
That was the beginning of a downward turn for the club, who were relegated to League One at the end of the 2010/11 season. It would take six years before they were promoted back to the Championship under Chris Wilder.
After two years out of management, Blackwell has had just one more job in the dugout since his Blades exit. That came at Bury during the 2012/13 campaign – which resulted in relegation from League One.
Blackwell wasn’t a particularly popular figure, it seems, during his two-and-a-half years at Bramall Lane. He also oversaw Michael Tonge’s departure from the club in 2008.
On the same podcast, Tonge recently opened up about the decision that was made for him to leave. One which the former midfielder had no say in.
