by Ciaran Baynes, 15 February 2008 [Setanta]
Former manager Bryan Robson aimed a parting shot at the 'vitriolic' Sheffield United fans, as Kevin Blackwell takes the reins at Bramall Lane.
Blackwell, who served as Blades number two for four years under Neil Warnock, will take charge until the end of the season, assisted by Sam Ellis.
The former Manchester United and England captain, who turned down the opportunity to be the club's director of football, pointed to the club's run of one defeat in eight games and the injury to James Beattie as reasons why the club's supporters should have kept faith with him.
"The fans have made it impossible for me to stay as manager," Robson told the Daily Mail. "The way they protested with such vitriol last week has made it difficult for Kevin McCabe and Terry Robinson. They offered me a fantastic job as director of football, but I've decided it would be best to leave.
"The pressure came from the supporters. There's a lot to be said for fan power, but they don't always take into consideration the full workings of what goes on behind the scenes at a football club.
"It's a shame, as it's a great club and I was confident we would eventually get back up and stay there.
"The results weren't what we wanted but it was still only one defeat in nine and we were still in the FA Cup. James Beattie was getting fit again, Rob Hulse was improving all the time and I'd brought in quality players such as Gary Speed. I've actually brought in £6m from sales of players in the process.
"But I don't blame Kevin or Terry. They are great people to work for. The club has the foundations to move forward. The role they offered me was fantastic, but it isn't what I want in my career at the moment."
Former manager Bryan Robson aimed a parting shot at the 'vitriolic' Sheffield United fans, as Kevin Blackwell takes the reins at Bramall Lane.
Blackwell, who served as Blades number two for four years under Neil Warnock, will take charge until the end of the season, assisted by Sam Ellis.
The former Manchester United and England captain, who turned down the opportunity to be the club's director of football, pointed to the club's run of one defeat in eight games and the injury to James Beattie as reasons why the club's supporters should have kept faith with him.
"The fans have made it impossible for me to stay as manager," Robson told the Daily Mail. "The way they protested with such vitriol last week has made it difficult for Kevin McCabe and Terry Robinson. They offered me a fantastic job as director of football, but I've decided it would be best to leave.
"The pressure came from the supporters. There's a lot to be said for fan power, but they don't always take into consideration the full workings of what goes on behind the scenes at a football club.
"It's a shame, as it's a great club and I was confident we would eventually get back up and stay there.
"The results weren't what we wanted but it was still only one defeat in nine and we were still in the FA Cup. James Beattie was getting fit again, Rob Hulse was improving all the time and I'd brought in quality players such as Gary Speed. I've actually brought in £6m from sales of players in the process.
"But I don't blame Kevin or Terry. They are great people to work for. The club has the foundations to move forward. The role they offered me was fantastic, but it isn't what I want in my career at the moment."
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