Sheffield United's assistant manager Kevin Blackwell has signed a two-year extension to his Bramall Lane contract.

Blackwell follows Blades boss Neil Warnock in prolonging his stay with the first division promotion-chasers to June 2005.

Blackwell has played under and worked alongside Warnock for more than half-a-dozen clubs and followed Warnock to United from Bury in December 1999.

He was recently linked with moves into management at Huddersfield and Stockport County, but he has opted to stay on as number two with the South Yorkshire club.

"I was flattered to be connected with other clubs, but I feel Sheffield United are moving forward and I've enjoyed my time here," Blackwell told the club's website.

The Blades have also offered a new contract to midfielder Michael Brown, whose current deal expires at the end of next season.