Kevin Blackwell has been formally confirmed as Sheffield United manager on a permanent basis at a press conference at Bramall Lane.

Blackwell succeeded former boss Bryan Robson in mid-February and took charge initially on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

But the former Leeds and Luton manager has galvanised the Coca-Cola Championship club and a run of two league defeats from 13 matches has hoisted the Blades to within two points of securing a play-off place ahead of Sunday's final game of the season at struggling Southampton.

Blackwell, 49, met with plc chairman Kevin McCabe in New York to discuss his future early this week and has now been handed a three-year-deal.

"I'm very proud to take up this appointment," said Blackwell, who worked as assistant to former Blades boss Neil Warnock. "The club is very close to my heart and I'm delighted to be given the opportunity of delivering the ambitions of the chairman, the board and the wonderful fans of this club.

"I believe we are a top-10 club in the making. With hard work, discipline, the will to succeed, determination, responsibility, commitment to excellence and pride we can get there."