Sheffield United's newly appointed manager Nigel Adkins has said that he is targeting promotion from League One during his first season in charge.

The former Reading and Southampton boss said that the Premier League is his ultimate goal, but he wants to secure a place in the second tier of English football at the first time of asking.

"We know League One having been there ourselves is a massive challenge and we've got to be very respectful of that," PA quotes Adkins as saying. "But obviously from our point of view and for Sheffield United, we're going to be looking at getting promoted this season.

"Sheffield United have been in League One for a few years now. They narrowly missed out last season in the playoffs.

"From everyone's point of view we need to get to the next level, which is the Championship. The end goal is to get into the Premier League, but it's one step at a time."

Adkins has been promoted from League One three times, twice with Scunthorpe United and most recently with the Saints.