United finally moving to the Beat'

REGIME change can be a notoriously difficult process but Bryan Robson took a giant leap towards capturing Sheffield United hearts and minds by claiming his first league victory since taking charge.

The result, courtesy of James Beattie's expert finish during the closing stages of the first half, saw United take their first steps along a road they hope will lead back to the Premiership and, of equal importance, also marked the moment when Robson's footballing philosophy was finally woven into the fabric of the South Yorkshire club.

Indeed, although he was understandably relieved at reaching this confidence-enhancing landmark at the third time of asking, Robson gleaned as much satisfaction from the manner with which West Bromich Albion were desptached as he did the eventual outcome.

"Obviously we're delighted to get that first one out of the way," he said. "It will do wonders for the lads' belief.

"But, for me, I was also pleased because that was much, much closer to the way I want us to play.

"And, importantly, it came against a very good team.

"I want us to play with focus and drive but also to retain possession well, and that's what we showed a lot more of out there.

"We've been working hard on the training ground to try and get that across but, of course, it takes time.

"But the lads have also concentrated hard and showed a willingness to take it on board, which has has been really encouraging."

Even at this embryonic stage, Robson had cautioned against falling too far behing the early leaders.

While United lie 16th in the table, Beattie's intervention means they lie just three points behind Coventry in first.

"At the end of the day, this is just three points and one win so we won't be getting too carried away," Robson insisted.

"But it means we are in touch because, even though its a long hard season, it's important to do that.

"We'll have a better picture of where we are and where we are going after 10 or 12 games.

"We are in touch now but by then I want us to be right up there on top."

Robson is a manager bursting with bright ideas and good intentions but, until Saturday evening, had struggled to translate them to his players.

A draw with Colchester followed by defeat at Watford had hardly aided his cause.

But, with Keith Gillespie and Michael Tonge demonstrating some delightful touches, United came close to discovering the fluency which should serve them well throughout the remainder of the season.

Tonge, displaying a purpose which has been missing from his game in recent months, reminded Robson that the solution to the creativity conundrum gripping United's midfield might yet be found within the walls of Bramall Lane but it was Gillespie who produced the pass which allowed Beattie to score for the second time following his 4 million transfer from Everton.

The Northern Ireland international may have lost a yard of pace since he terrorised Premiership defences as a raw young winger at Old Trafford and Newcastle, but his brain remains as alert as ever and, after delving deep into his reportoire, he produced the free-kick which Chris Armstrong returned and Beattie, displaying tremendous strength and control, headed beyond Dean Kiely.

Robson was controversially sacked by West Brom almost a year ago, and only the coldest of hearts among the travelling support would have begrudged him the clenched- fist salute which greeted his Bramall Lane breakthrough.

"I said when I bought James Beattie that I thought he can score 20 or 25 goals in this division," the United manager continued.

"Everyone keeps telling me that I've got a lot of great strikers, and I have, but you are nothing unless you are scoring goals or working hard for the team.

"I thought James led the line really well, Billy Sharp connected well with him and when Jon Stead came on he also worked the line well.

"When Rob Hulse comes back (from a broken leg) we'll have even more firepower because he's a terrific player.

"It will give us really good competition, and there's even more to come from James."

West Brom, who had earlier seen Craig Beattie shave the crossbar, could count themselves unfortunate to fall behind but after that Tony Mowbray's men were decidedly second best.

Kevin Phillips found himself forever on the periphery of the action while the introduction of Nathan Ellington had little effect until the inevitable late push.

Despite constructing some threatening cameos - Carl Hoefkens testing Paddy Kenny's reflexes from distance - the visitors never look like producing the form required to live up to their lofty reputation nor stake a serious claim for promotion until United's goalkeeper was forced to make a superb save during the dying moments after Tonge had gone close.

Boss's View

I said when James (Beattie) came here that I thought he could score 20 to 25 goals in this division. He's been

really good for us in two-and-a-half of the three games he's played for us. Just as importantly for me, he's also settled in really well with the rest of the lads as well. And he can still get a lot better.