Blackwell pondering future

Kevin Blackwell insists he has proved himself to be a capable manager despite the crushing disappointment of Monday's Championship play-off final defeat by Burnley.

Blackwell revealed afterwards he is considering quitting the Bramall Lane hotseat, fearing a major restructuring of the club will take place now they have lost an estimated £10million in revenue following the expiry of their their two-year Premier League parachute payment.

"The ramifications of losing are significant, both in monetary and professional terms," he said. "It took me three years to get back here after Leeds lost in 2006 and now I have been in the play-offs three times in the last six years, so I think I can manage. But sometimes these things are taken out of your hands."

He added: "My personal pride is damaged and overall I am a little bit downbeat."

Blackwell's assessment was something of an understatement, knowing his team had been soundly beaten even though they had a couple of plausible penalty appeals turned down.

Having questioned the official's appointment last week, Blackwell saw referee Mike Dean turn down three decent shouts. And, while he did not turn on the referee again, it was difficult to bite his tongue.

"If I am Alex Ferguson I can get away with saying what I want to say," said Blackwell. "If I'm Kevin Blackwell, I can't.

"I can live with myself. Other people have to live with their decisions as well.

"Congratulations to Burnley but I am envious of them."