But he believes that Posh can establish themselves in the second tier of English football as long as they go back to basics and retain the club's awesome strike force.

And Eaden, who moved to London Road from Kettering alongside new manager Mark Cooper this week, knows what he's talking about.

In 10 years of Championship football as a full-back with Barnsley, Birmingham and Wigan, Eaden (36) was promoted three times and lost twice in the play-offs.

He was also involved in a successful relegation fight with Barnsley in the 1993-94 campaign, a season when Posh did go down.

Match coverage and live updates: Sheffield United v Posh.
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Eaden said: "No matter whether you are at the top of this league or at the bottom, this is a very tough level of football.

"You can't guarantee the result of any fixture, but you can guarantee that every match will be a scrap.
"You have to work and fight hard for every point. It's dog eat dog and very competitive, but in a week I've seen that we have the qualities to do well.

"This first season may well prove to be the hardest. If we can get out of trouble this season I believe we can establish ourselves as a Championship club which would be a great achievement.

"I have enjoyed some success in this league and there really isn't any great secret.

"If we can get the basics right and defend properly we will start winning games regularly.

"When we were struggling at Barnsley that season we couldn't score goals and that was worrying, but we don't have that problem here and that gives us a great chance in every game.

"We are not planning to become a defensive team, but we are going to play a little less loosely."

Eaden has a second reason for wanting a Championship win at Sheffield United today. He was born in Sheffield, but grew up in Barnsley and the rivalry between the football teams was intense.

Eaden added: "Barnsley and Sheffield United players used to boot each other all over the pitch in my day and nothing's changed.

"As a Barnsley lad I certainly want to beat United. I have been involved in some massive battles with them as a player.

"You could go to Bramall Lane as a top team or a team at the bottom and you would get a fierce contest.
"That's just the sort of place it is."