Chris Wilder wanted Sheffield United signings in January but will not sulk after being refused

Chris Wilder says he did not agree with the Sheffield United board's decision not to sign any players in January, but that he will just get on with the job using the players he has.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Chris Wilder unsuccessfully argued for Sheffield United to make signingsRECOMMENDATIONS: Chris Wilder unsuccessfully argued for Sheffield United to make signings
RECOMMENDATIONS: Chris Wilder unsuccessfully argued for Sheffield United to make signings

The Blades had gone into the January transfer window talking about possibly making two loan signings, but the window closed on Monday with no further additions to the bottom-of-the-table squad, despite manager Wilder making the case for them.

The Stocksbridge-born manager has never been one to bemoan his lot, and says he will simply get on with it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I put my recommendation to the board regarding strengthening in January with a couple of deals that I believe would have helped us,” he said. “As much as I respect other people's opinion I think people should respect mine, which was to bring a couple of players in. But the owner makes the decisions at a football club and he has to carry that burned and responsibility to do the best for the football club and I respect the decisions made.

“I get on with my job, I'm a big boy. Things don't go your way all the time.

“I made my recommendations to the board in the best interests of the football club, which I always have done.

“I don't do anything that's personal, I do it to help the group and the football club in every decision I make.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I'm not a yes man, I respect the decisions made but I don't have to always agree with them and I don't agree with this one. But there it is, I get on with it and move on.

“I'll say it as it is and get on with it if it doesn't go the way I want it and accept it.”

WIlder was hoping to bring in a midfielder and the left-side central defender he was unable to persuade the board to sign in October after the injury which may have ended Jack O'Connell's season.

In fairness to Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah bin Musa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud he has sanctioned the club's transfer record being broken six times in the previous three windows, and has to be wary of the huge cost of relegation which for all the recent improvement of three wins in the last five league matches remains the most likely outcome with the Blades 11 points adrift of safety. A global Covid-19 pandemic only makes the financial situation tougher.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That said, a couple of short-term additions with no further obligations should the team be relegated would certainly have helped the chances of survival. As it is, it is the existing crop of players who have given some hope with their recent form.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.