Sheffield United v Bristol Rovers: Grafter Jake Wright determined to take his chance with Blades

The Keighley-born defender started at Bradford City before moving to Halifax Town.

Spells with Crawley Town and Oxford United followed, before a summer move to be reunited with manager Chris Wilder at Sheffield United materialised.

Wright, 30, says: “I have had to graft in my career. I have been in the Conference for a few years, League Two for a few years.

“This is the biggest club I have ever played for, the best opportunity I have ever had. I don’t want to throw that away and look back in a few years and think I didn’t give it everything.

“This is a great opportunity for me. I am buzzing to be here. I don’t want to lose the shirt.

“I had a few years at Halifax, before they went bust. I then had to go to Crawley, then Oxford, and worked my way up.

“We got promoted at Oxford last season and to get this opportunity with this club is fantastic for me. At 30, I still believe I have six or seven years to give.”

United welcome a Bristol Rovers team who were playing non-League football themselves just two seasons ago.

Wright recalls how tough life can be outside of the Football League. “You just have to be grateful for what you have,” he said.

“I come here and the facilities are fantastic. At Halifax, we would train on parks, car parks, anywhere you could find.

“I didn’t get paid in the summer with the club going bust so it makes you realise you have to be grateful for what you have and how lucky I am now to be playing at a fantastic club.”

Last six games: Sheffield United WDWWWD, Bristol Rovers LDDDWW.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffs).

Last time: Sheffield United 4 Bristol Rovers 1; September 3, 1988; Division Three.