The centre-half believes he has made considerable progress since joining arch-rivals Sheffield United during the summer of 2004 and is looking forward to putting that theory to the test against his former club.

Bromby, who along with Alan Quinn and Derek Geary will be pitting his wits against Wednesday for the first time since moving across the city, admits this weekend's fixture will be an emotionally loaded experience.

"These matches always are for everyone. Of course it will be a little bit strange playing against them."

But, now fully committed to the United cause, he is preparing to do everything in his powers to ensure United claim what would be a morale-boosting and, in terms of the Championship table, crucial win.

Crossing the Steel City divide has proved to be the making of Bromby and handling the inevitable pressures involved has helped him professionally.

Certainly Wednesday's loss has been United's gain.

"I definitely think I've grown-up a lot since then which has really helped my career," he said.
"Obviously us going was a big talking point at the time and, speaking for myself, that meant there was quite a lot to deal with.

"But I've got to thank the United fans for the way they treated us straight away. That really helped us settle in and they were great.

"I also think the Wednesday fans understood why we'd gone - because effectively we'd been told we were going to be madeunemployed.''

"I've developed a lot since then and hopefully all aspects of my game have come on a level.
"When I started out at Wednesday they were in the Premiership and so things were geared a different way, it was all about playing football because that's the way it is up there. There's more time.

"When they dropped down, and when I came here, you realise you've got to adapt to what is needed in this division.

"You can't play exactly the same way - you've got to be a lot more physical.

"Even someone like Rio Ferdinand would have to adapt if he was at this level."

It is a measure of Bromby's success that question marks about his physical prowess no longer exist.
"That was definitely an area where I had to improve, I'd agree with that. But I think I've done it.
"Playing alongside someone like Chris Morgan has helped me do that, seeing how good he is at the physical side of things.

"Watching him has helped me come on in that respect."

Bromby has enjoyed mixed fortunes in derbies, albeit on the blue and white side of the divide.
"I've won, drawn and lost," he revealed.

A picture of his first appearance in one hangs on his wall at home.

"Sheffield derbies are intense. In Sheffield it splits families and you do feel that as a player."
"I remember playing in my first one and I'll admit I was quite scared beforehand.

"But I'm more experienced now and that helps you deal with the situation and play your game."
Like the rest of his team mates, Bromby is adamant that last weekend's defeat at Leicester could actually work in United's favour againstWednesday.

"Our pride was hurt there and that's not something anyone likes. We want to put the situation right, set the record straight.

"Honestly, I couldn't be happier and I couldn't wish to be at a better club."

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