STEVE Davies reckons he would have been lining up for Sheffield United tomorrow if Nigel Clough had still been in charge.

The City striker spent 15 games on loan at Bramall Lane at the end of last season under his former Derby boss.

But Clough's sacking by the Blades after their play-off exit saw him join City instead once his Blackpool contract was up.

Davies said: "When I went to Sheffield United, it was all geared for me to be there this season. But then the manager changed and the circumstances were different.

"He's someone I've got a lot of time for and always stuck by me throughout my career.

"You never like to see anyone losing their job and his record there wasn't too bad. They had some great cup runs, got to the semi-finals, went to Wembley and a fifth-place finish last year wasn't the worst, considering how many games they had."

Davies scored in Clough's final game – the wild 5-5 draw in the play-off second leg at Swindon which consigned the Blades to another year in League One.

"We were in the dressing room after the game and the board came down and thanked everyone, especially Nigel," recalled Davies.

"To be 3-0 down after 20 minutes was a big shock to everyone and I think it made the mind up for the top people at Sheffield United that they wanted to change it.

"On a personal level, he did a great job in there. He steadied the ship and gave them some great days out. If they didn't have as many cup games last season, they'd have definitely been top two."

Davies, who is likely to be on the bench this weekend, admits that it will be "strange" playing against so many familiar faces.

He said: "There are a lot of friends who I've had some great times with – not just at Sheffield United but Derby as well. I've spent five or six years with these lads at different clubs.

"We're all good professionals, so you put your friendship aside for 90 minutes and get on with the game. Afterwards it's back to normal.

"It's more of an issue for families because you build good relationships off the pitch as well. There are a lot of people I get on with who'll be sitting with my family."