It's not false modesty because the process was kick-started by the manager himself and everybody knows it.

But Blackwell appreciates more than anyone the quality of the squad he inherited. . . largely put together by Neil Warnock and then enriched by his predecessor Bryan Robson, with whom he would also be content to share the credit.

Underlying this is an acknowledgment that the impact of a new manager can only go so far. "It tends to dissipate after a few weeks in the job," said Blackwell. "In our case, the lads here were right at it for four months. That proved the ability was there."

It's why the former Bramall Lane coach has ruled out major surgery, preferring to strengthen the nucleus with a few hand-picked additions. "The upsurge in form went on too long to be put down to the club having a new manager," he added. "The chairman knows I won't be stupid in the transfer market and that if I made wholesale changes it wouldn't make any sense.

"You can't destroy what was built up here. Our only regret was that the season didn't go on for another four months."

But there's no denying - even if he chooses not to make the point himself - that Blackwell's influence has been huge. Players enjoy playing for him. He's an effusive, effervescent character whose man-management skills are entirely natural as an extension of his character.

Around the time of his appointment there were dark rumours in certain quarters that his style might not suit some of the higher-profile players lured to the club by Robson, whose ousting as boss was likely to unsettle them, however briefly. There was also the question of a change to a more direct approach. Blackwell swiftly enlisted their support by explaining his methods and persuading them to relegate the sophistication Robson wanted below the needs of the team as a whole.

Communication was the key and confidence grew from it. Blackwell wants to encourage a more fluid pattern as the next stage of the evolution but for now he'll encourage more of the same - with everyone's blessing.
"You have to practice in the manner that you want to play and that's what we've been doing in pre-season," he said. "They all came back in very good shape and I'm delighted with the way they've worked."

Inevitably, there are still pieces of the jigsaw to be put in place. . . a key player to sign in the hoped-for addition of David Cotterill and maybe one or two more departures.

"I'm not a fool and we've got a big squad," said Blackwell. "I know it can be hard to keep people happy if they are not playing. But nobody has to leave. Each situation will be decided on merit.

A further flank signing beyond Cotterill - and the twin swoop for Sun Jihai and Greg Halford - has not been ruled out.

"The chairman has said there'll be consideration of any move for the right sort of player. If it means we sign two more, so be it. Then again, if we don't bring in anyone else I won't be unhappy. There is a confidence in the squad that is continuing from last season.