Challenge of narrowing fine margins embraced by Sheffield United's Wilder

In a league where clubs splashing out £5m-plus on a player is not uncommon, Wilder – even with an improved transfer budget at his disposal for next season – has a challenge to improve on United’s 10th-placed finish.

The Blades’ chief has been handed more cash to help add “quality” to his squad, but admits he will have to be creative with relegated West Brom, Swansea City and Stoke City all arriving with lucrative parachute payments next season.

“We are never, at the moment, going to compete with the top-end Championship clubs, that’s a fact,” said Wilder. “We are not in position to do that at the moment, the owners know that.

“But we just need to maximise what we have got and attract some decent players here who will make us better.

“We have to bridge that gap to the powerful teams who spend £6m, £8m, £10m.

“The players have to bridge that gap, we have to bridge that gap in a creative way in how we play, what we do on the training ground at Shirecliffe Monday to Friday.

“We are not in that elite group. I am not being critical of anything, but we are not. We are looking forward to the challenge.

“I think there’s more to come from the group.”

Wilder, who ended speculation over his future on Tuesday by signing a contract extension to 2021, says he will not be making big changes to his playing staff this summer.

He said: “We have been looking at it (transfers) for quite a while now and we have been given a number to work with.

“I will always try and get the maximum out of the group. I will not be making big changes to the group.

“They have had a season in the Championship, people like John Fleck, Jack O’Connell, Enda Stevens, George Baldock, Kieron Freeman, Lee Evans, John Lundstram and David Brooks.

“It’s their first year in the Championship, so they will be better for that, and if we can add more quality to the group, so hopefully we will be in a stronger position.”

United will allow George Long, Ben Heneghan, Louis Reed, Nathan Thomas, Samir Carruthers, Caolan Lavery and James Hanson to leave this summer, either on loan or permanent deals.

Midfielder Carruthers is wanted by Oxford United while striker Lavery remains on loan at League One play-off finalists Rotherham United.

Wilder said: “There’s been a couple of offers, but we will try and get the best deals for Sheffield United.

“We have to make decisions on players going out because we want to keep a nice trim and healthy squad together.

“There will be casualties. They will go with our best wishes, but they go when it’s right for the football club, just as much as it’s right for the players.”

United’s promotion push faded away last season, the Blades winning just twice in their last nine outings to end up in 10th spot, six points adrift of the play-offs.

Wilder, though, believes there is no reason United cannot challenge again for a Premier League spot next season.

“It’s fine margins,” he said. “I have always said from A to B we are up there with the best teams in the division. We just need to find bigger moments.

“The stats say the performances from the first part of the season to the second part of the season were pretty similar.

“If we can add a bit at the top of the pitch, and be better in defence, then we can improve.

“We have always shown we are a match for anyone in this division. It’s about the big moments and fine margins. Now what can we do as a staff to improve the team, what can the players do to improve themselves?

“We have got a really good group here, who hopefully we can add quality additions to that will push us on.”