Sheffield United legend Michael Brown believes the Blades can make the Championship play-offs - but it won't be easy.
Chris Wilder's resurgent side travel to Charlton on Saturday, hoping to continue their rise up the Championship. The Blades have won seven of their last 10 league games to pull away from the relegation zone and up to 16th in the table, nine points off the play-offs.
Brown, who played 174 times for the Blades, believes there's still enough time for them to force their way into the promotion picture. "Yes, they can make the play-offs," Brown told Mirror Football. "Will it be tough? Yeah."
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United's play-off dream was initially rekindled at the beginning of December following four consecutive wins. Yet that momentum was brought to a halt with a 2-0 defeat at West Brom.
The Blades encountered more frustration two weeks later when they threw away a 3-1 lead at Wrexham, losing 5-3. But they've since recorded back-to-back league wins to get their campaign back on track.
Brown added: "We were getting slightly excited. I covered the game; it was away at West Brom, and that was a big disappointment. Chris reacted and got after a few people... Just reminding everyone that, 'We've gone a long way, but this (league) is relentless.'
"Then, obviously, a disappointing result at Wrexham.
"Home form has been good. A couple of players in the window, and I'm sure they'll be on the right track. You always get someone come in late (in the play-off race)... No one will want Sheffield United if they get anywhere near (the play-offs) and come strong."
The Blades reached the play-off final last season, losing 2-1 to Sunderland at Wembley. Brown knows exactly what it's like to come up short in the big game; he was part of Neil Warnock's United side that lost to Wolves in the 2003 play-off final in Cardiff.
The Blades have never won in the play-offs, losing a staggering 10 times. Brown hopes they can finally rewrite the history books this season.
The ex-midfielder noted: "There's just this massive psychological thing about the play-offs, isn't there? So, let's hope this year is the one they break the duck because every single time it doesn't happen."
Brown was at Wembley to see Sunderland go up at United's expense. He added: "It just wasn't meant to be. You can sort of almost smell it. You always had a feel it was heading that way."
United's next game after Charlton is also on the road, as they head to Southampton on Wednesday. Midnite, United's principal partner and Southampton's official training kit partner, is putting on free luxurious coach travel for more than 100 Blades fans for the match.
There will be music and guest appearances on and off board the Midnite Express, as well as additional activations, all free of charge. Midnite did the exact same for Southampton fans when they travelled up to Sheffield for a midweek game earlier this season.
"It's a great achievement," said Brown on Midnite's initiative. "We're on the bus, going down with all the fans for the game. It's a great initiative that Midnite are doing something with the fans and giving something back. We're gonna have a great night."
Michael Brown was speaking exclusively to Mirror Football on behalf of Midnite, club sponsors of Sheffield United and Southampton, as it brings back The Midnite Express, which will see over 100 Blades fans travel to St Mary’s on luxury coaches free of charge for their Championship clash on Wednesday, January 21.
Midnite continues to bring fans closer to the teams they love with exciting partner initiatives.
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