John Pemberton insists that his relationship with Kevin Blackwell is key towards helping the Blades maximise their investment in young talent.

The former Blade and new Academy manager, in his first month in the position, is charged with producing a supply line of potential first-teamers which he says can only be achieved through a shared understanding of how it must be done:

"One of the biggest pluses for me was that I met Kevin during the interview process. He was extremely supportive of my approach and clear in what he wanted from his own vision of player development.

"We got on well through some positive conversation which is vital because we have got to have a good relationship. Hopefully, we can support each other and I will back him in any way I can."

As a former player, long-time Academy coach and member of the England youth coaching set-up Pemberton boasts a strong contacts book which the Club will be able to take advantage of:

"I have seen a lot of players over the years working around the Championship and looking at games internationally. Consequently, I know all the best youngsters working with England, plus older ones who are now at other clubs and it would be silly not to tap into that.

"I have said to Kevin Blackwell and Trevor Birch that I want to help out in whatever way I can because everyone is always on the lookout for players".

Although he will oversee the whole system the new man sees his strength as working on the training pitch and he intends to ensure that his coaching principles are adopted freely throughout the Academy set-up:

"I want it to be open with everybody working with each other. I will let other coaches see how I do things, and I want to hold sessions with the younger age groups as well.

"It is about coaches helping each other and everyone working effectively."