THERE may not be a handshake tomorrow - but that does not mean a lack of professional respect.

The spat between Stan Ternent and Neil Warnock is something both managers have aired on several occasions in recent times.

Yet Blades boss Warnock has finally confessed to a deep, grudging admiration for the amazing job Ternent had achieved since leaving Bury for Burnley over five years ago.

And Clarets chief Ternent is equally honest when quizzed about the on-field fortunes of Sheffield United under the tenure of his nemesis.

Ternent said: "There is no relationship between us at all, but that's a personal thing and nothing to do with Burnley Football Club, Sheffield United, or either set of players. It's purely personal.

"As a manager though, he has done fantastically well and I've said that on many occasions.

"He has a good side and whenever you play against them it's always a good match. That's the sign of a good manager."

Warnock saw his dreams of managing in the Premiership dashed at the last hurdle last season when the Blades lost to Wolves in the play-off final in Cardiff.

Incredibly, the vultures everyone felt would swoop on United's young stars failed to wing in, leaving quality young Englishmen such as Michael Brown, Michael Tonge and Phil Jagielka still picking the bones of weaker First Division rivals.

Ternent added: "They (United) are having a go this year and trying to get promotion. I suppose when you have good players and keep them there, that reflects in the performances.

"It will be a good test for us because they are doing pretty well and it's not been a happy hunting ground for us.

"But that's not because it's a bogey ground - it's because they have a good side. They have been a good team for a few years now and they still are!"

Ternent would surely have liked to cross the Pennines with more strength in depth following another frustrating week fishing in the loan market.

Sought-after Blackburn defender Andy Todd, who recently enjoyed a month with the Clarets, is unlikely to return to Turf Moor even when Rovers' defensive injury problems ease.

But Ternent is confident of finally landing a catch in the wake of the Blades clash.

He said: "Andy is in the first team at Blackburn and a Premiership footballer, so there's no chance of that happening. No chance whatsoever.

"But there's no doubt I will be bringing somebody in before too long I hope - that's my intention.

"If I could have, I would have, but it's no good just chasing players for the sake of doing it.

"They have to be a certain quality, fit in with the way I want to play and be available and affordable.

"Also we are approaching the run-up to Christmas when there are a lot of fixtures and you get into the first and second crop of bookings.

"That leads to suspensions, so sides are reluctant to release their players because when they come out, they do so for a month minimum.

"There's no way around that, so charity begins at home basically. That's the way it works."