Exclusive: Chris Wilder’s Transfer Plan is Falling into Place for Sheffield United

Chris Wilder has revealed how a deep inquest into Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League has led to a focused path towards promotion a quest for immediate top-flight return.

A Perfect Start to Promotion

The Blades, who began the new Championship campaign with an impressive away victory over Preston North End, surrendered their place in England’s elite division after losing 28 of their 38 matches.

Wilder inherited a team already marooned in the drop zone when he began his second spell in charge at Bramall Lane in December.

The 56-year-old twice led United to promotion during his previous spell at the helm before turning them into unlikely European contenders. Shedding light on the review he commissioned into the reasons behind The Blades’ failure to establish themselves at the highest level, Wilder admitted it unearthed a shortage of one key ingredient in their squad.

“Obviously the lads have got to be able to play but they’ve also got to be able to run about and cover lots of ground because that’s the way the game is going.”

“That’s the trend if you look at it right the way through.”

“Last season, we were poor athletically,” Wilder continued. “Especially towards the end of games.”
 

Image Credits: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Squad Overhaul with Purpose

“We’ve still got work to do with everyone. But we’ve also got young boys like (Oliver) Arblaster and Brooksy (Andre Brooks) who can get about the pitch.”

Arblaster scored the first of The Blades’ two goals at Deepdale, with Brooks also starting the fixture alongside new signings Kieffer Moore, Callum O’Hare, Alfie Gilchrist and Harrison Burrows.

Harry Souttar, Jamie Shackleton and Sam McCallum and Tyrese Campbell complete United’s transfer business so far.

Wilder, who has also managed the likes of Oxford United, Northampton Town, Middlesbrough and Watford, believes the influx of fresh faces helped his squad recover quickly from what could have been a lingering Premier League hangover.

Youth and Fresh Faces Lead the Charge

Every single one of The Blades’ new additions were also required to pass a stringent character test before being offered a move to South Yorkshire.

“We looked at a reset and lads who have to know what they are coming into,” Wilder said.