Chris Wilder tells Sheffield United players not to be frightened of increased competition
Chris Wilder has warned his Sheffield United players they will have to show consistency and high standards to get into his beefed-up side.
Despite his intentions, Wilder emerged from the transfer window with a bigger squad than he went into it with, but he is not looking to become a "tinkerman" to keep people happy. It is a challenge he says his players should not fear.
Chiedozie Ogbene scored his first Blades goal when he returned from injury as a substitute at home to Oxford United.
But the right winger can expect to be on the bench again for Monday's game at home to Middlesbrough because the man he replaced, Andre Brooks, had already notched his third in as many matches.
Similarly, deadline-day signings Joe Rothwell and Kalvin Phillips both need minutes in midfield after spells of inactivity at Rangers and Manchester City respectively, but getting them will not be straight-forward.
"We want to get into a rhythm and players have got an opportunity to really crack on with the competition behind them,” said manager Wilder.
"I wouldn't be frightened if I was a player and the players shouldn't be frightened of competition.
"This is a club with an expectancy level. It fell well short early on in the season, we've been up and down in my period (since returning in September).
"Now players have to show that consistency and fight to get into the team.
"We're a top-25 club in English football and we have to have competition for places. I thank the owners and (chief executive) Steve Bettis for allowing me to bring winners in and raise the bar."