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By Paul Holland
July 9 2002

SHEFFIELD United boss Neil Warnock believes his side's friendly against Dutch outfit FC Twente will prove crucial as they prepare to launch their assault on the First Division play-offs.

The former UEFA Cup finalists are set to visit Bramall Lane on July 27, just three days after United return from their tour of the West Country.

But Warnock believes the hectic schedule could turn out to be worth its weight in gold.

United, who are close to signing former Barnsley striker Laurens Ten Heuvel, have already made three major additions to the first-team squad and want to hit the ground running when they open their league campaign at Coventry City a fortnight later.

"It promises to be a good game," said Warnock. "They've got some very good young players and also some established, quality ones as well who our supporters would recognise.

"We haven't had a home friendly in a long time and I wanted to arrange one to give our fans a chance to welcome the new boys.

"This sort of work is crucial to help players see how certain ideas work out in real match situations."

Meanwhile, United skipper Robert Page has celebrated extending his contract by hailing United's recruitment policy.

Several senior members of Warnock's squad were axed at the end of last term following the collapse of ITV Digital but Page, who is now at Bramall Lane until 2006, said: "Like a lot of supporters, I was surprised that so many players were released at the end of last season, but I'm more than happy with those that are being brought in at the senior end – and everyone knows that our Academy pipeline is promising."

United have announced they will accept cash on the turnstiles next season.