Kevin Blackwell confirmed at least eight new faces will be arriving at Bramall Lane this summer as he looks to pick Sheffield United up from their play-off final misery.

The Blades' defeat to Burnley in Monday's Championship showdown prompted Blackwell to consider his future at the club, but the former Leeds manager has since received Blades' chairman Kevin McCabe's full backing.

"I know there's going to be seven or eight new players coming in, which is more than I would have liked, but that's the way it is," Blackwell told the Star.

"It's going to be red hot next season, there's no doubt.

"The three clubs that have come down are going to be fierce competitors.

"It's going to be a very tough league, but last year was tough and we finished third. It's up to me now to get some new players in."