With Johnny Harris back in charge for his second spell, the Blades were outstanding during the 1970-1971 season as they finished the campaign off in second place, earning automatic promotion back in to the first tier of English football. They faced Tottenham in an interesting third round clash in the league cup. They suffered defeat against Spurs and could only manage similar status in the FA Cup, once again suffering elimination in the third round. Their season back in the top flight was a resounding success as they finished the campaign off in the top half of the table, a 10th place finish. They managed to reach the quarter finals of the league cup; however they endured a miserable match against London outfit, West Ham United, suffering a 5-0 hammering.
The 1972-1973 season proved to be Johnny Harris’s final season in charge at the club and it saw a small decline in the Blades performances, suffering a slide in league table ranking by the termination of the campaign, finishing the season off in 14th place.
Ken Furphy took charge at the club in 1973 and his debut season in charge at the club saw a sound improvement in their play, a slight improvement in the league, finishing the campaign off in 13th place. They took part in a thrilling third round FA Cup encounter, coming on the end of a 3-2 defeat against Ipswich town.
The 1974-1975 campaign proved to be Furphey’s last season in charge at the club and it was a great success as they played outstandingly well in the league, deserving their sixth position finish. Tony Currie and Alan Woddward were outstanding for the Blades through out the campaign and Furphey left the club as a strong force in English football.