Speed happy to lift pressure

Gary Speed stressed the importance of Sheffield United's 1-0 win over Preston, which gave him his first taste of victory in management.

Jean Calve's second-half screamer from 35 yards was enough to settle the game at Bramall Lane and earn the Blades their first victory of the season and Speed, taking charge of his second match following Kevin Blackwell's exit, was thrilled to register the points.

"I'm delighted to get the win. Obviously, being my first one as a manager, it means a lot," he said.

"But it is more important for the team. It's their first one of the season too and that's going to take a lot of pressure off their shoulders.

"It was also doubly important because we are going into the international break now. It's vital to go into that on a high."

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