Blades appoint Adams

Boyhood Blades fan Adams, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, takes up the position vacated recently by Gary Speed to take charge of Wales.

John Carver has been in temporary charge since then, overseeing losses to Norwich and Hull after a victory over Swansea.

He and assistant manager Sam Ellis will be leaving the club, with former Bramall Lane favourite Alan Cork number two to Adams.

Sheffield United chief executive Trevor Birch told the club's official website: "I am delighted to announce we have filled the managerial vacancy. Micky is a top class appointment and the board were unanimous in the decision to endorse Micky in the post at the club.

"It is an exciting opportunity for Micky himself and equally an exciting new era for Sheffield United Football Club. Having said that, it is entirely appropriate I place on record our thanks to Jon Carver and Sam Ellis for the dedication and hard work they have demonstrated in their time with us."

Adams revealed that to manage United was always a dream of his, and that he intends to turn around the South Yorkshire outfit's precarious fortunes this term.

"There is no doubt that my task is threefold: firstly, to ensure that we avoid relegation and there is clearly enough time left in the season to do that," he said.

"Secondly, to help us become a team that can challenge for promotion; lastly, to develop a structure that will see us build a reputation for home-grown talent that fans can be proud of in their team.

"With the support of the board and the football staff, I intend to do everything I can to bring all that about.

"I've always supported the Blades and my favourite player growing up was Tony Currie. He was and still is my biggest idol. When you're a kid you follow your team and I followed Sheffield United, along with my dad and brother - we were all season-ticket holders."

He told Vale's website: "I've made no secret of my desire to manage Sheffield United at some stage in my career and that time has arrived now.

"I've had a fantastic 18 months at Vale Park and I genuinely hope that Port Vale do well this season and beyond, as the club deserves success."

Geoff Horsfield and Mark Grew have been put in temporary charge at Vale Park.

United are 20th in the table, only two points above the relegation zone. Speed was appointed on a three-year contract only three games into the season after Kevin Blackwell was sacked.

Former Fulham, Brighton and Leicester boss Adams took over at Vale Park in June 2009 and has led them to second in League Two this season.

He came through the youth ranks at United before beginning his professional career with Gillingham.