Captain marvel Robson in pole position to land Blades job

It is understood that the former West Bromwich manager met United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe on Thursday and is being lined up to take control of first-team affairs with current Bramall Lane coach Brian Kidd.

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As a player, Robson worked under Kidd at Manchester United when the former Old Trafford striker was assistant manager.

The two have such a good relationship that they have already had tentative discussions about the type of player they would need in order to get Sheffield United back into the Premiership at the first attempt.

McCabe also considered the merits of former Fulham manager Chris Coleman and Luton boss Kevin Blackwell, who worked at Sheffield United before his time at Yorkshire rivals Leeds.

But Robson impressed so much during talks that McCabe wants him to be the new Bramall Lane boss.

The former England midfielder, who won 90 caps, has experience of managing in the tier beneath the Premiership.

He worked there with West Bromwich and before that when he twice took Middlesbrough up during his seven years in charge between 1994-2001.

McCabe also knows that Robson's playing pedigree and reputation — he captained his country 65 times and won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the European Cup-winners' Cup with Manchester United — will make it easier for the Blades to attract players as they look to make it back to the Premiership after last Sunday's controversial relegation.

Blackwell's trouble-shooting reign at Leeds, whom he led into the play-off final two seasons ago before being sacked in September, meant he would have been a highly popular appointment at Bramall Lane.

He was assistant manager under Warnock there and an influential figure in United's epic season of 2002-03 in which they reached two cup semi-finals and a play-off final.

Warnock's No 2 Stuart McCall, who wanted the Bramall Lane job, now looks set to become boss at Bradford City.

McCabe's insistence that he wants someone with more experience has forced McCall — Warnock's assistant for two seasons — to rethink his future and he now looks set to succeed Colin Todd at Valley Parade.

McCall has gone on holiday to consider his options but is desperate to become a manager in his own right and knows he will be treated like a god at Valley Parade, where he spent two successful spells as a player.

The former Scotland and Rangers midfielder, who holds a special place in City supporters' hearts after visiting fans who were injured in the 1985 Bradford stadium fire, captained the club to promotion to the Premiership in 1999 and made 395 appearances for them.

Bradford chairman Julian Rhodes is keen to secure McCall quickly so he can start planning for the new season.