Neil Warnock isn't everybody's cup of tea, and it's odds-on that he won't be among candidates for Manager of the Season, but there's no denying he has developed something of a Midas touch.

He may have an abrasive attitude and had more than his fair share of brushes with authority, but it looks as though his drive and totally focused approach is finally beginning to pay off as manager of Sheffield United, and his team's midweek victory over Fulham projected them to a position seven points clear of the relegation trapdoor. They now appear to have a genuine opportunity of Premiership survival.

At the start of the season the Blades were given little chance of extending their Premier League stay beyond just the one season, but after a tricky start Warnock has moulded his squad into a side capable of competing at the top level. On paper they have far less resources and quality than teams around them like West Ham, Charlton and Wigan in the lower reaches of the top flight. But Warnock’s faith in giving a second chance to players who have failed elsewhere is so far paying off.

The signing of Rob Hulse from Leeds was called into question after he failed to prove himself in the Premiership with West Brom. Hulse, however, has been a permanent fixture, wading in with six priceless goals and any number of  hard-working displays, sometimes playing up front on his own.

Warnock took another gamble in the transfer window with the signing of Jon Stead, another striker who has a lot to prove at the top level. After a great start with Blackburn his goal ratio for Sunderland was one in 21 starts in his last Premiership campaign.

The early signs have been positive with Stead and Hulse showing, against Fulham, that they could build a good partnership. Stead produced an excellent all-action display capped with a goal, whilst Hulse worked tirelessly and was unlucky to hit the bar with an effort in the second half.