New Sheffield United deal as Enda Stevens enjoys the ‘journey’

Enda Stevens signs a contract extension at Sheffield United. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The Republic of Ireland international, a hugely consistent figure since signing for the Blades from Portsmouth in the summer of 2017, has been in discussions for some time and has now agreed fresh terms, committing him at the club until June 2023.

Dublin-born Stevens, who turns 30 in July, is currently sidelined with a calf injury which forced him off in last weekend’s home victory over Norwich City, but is expected to return in a few weeks’ time.

On his deal, Stevens said: “I’m obviously delighted. It’s something I’ve wanted do get done for a while now, so I’m just pleased it’s finally over the line.

“As a group, we’ve built on the success of last season, but we don’t want to stand still. We want to continue to do well and finish as high in the table as possible.

“The manager is building something special here. He’s keeping the core group together and now adding to it to make us even stronger and everyone is happy to be involved in the journey.”

Wilder added: “Enda has become one of the top players in the division, in his position, in our opinion, and he deserves rewarding with a new contract.”

The Blades – who agreed a new deal with influential midfielder John Fleck late last month – remain in discussions with Stevens’s compatriot John Egan and John Lundstram regarding new contracts.

Meanwhile, Wilder has voiced his support for striker Lys Mousset, who revealed earlier this week that some family issues have been affecting his form.

The former Bournemouth frontman, who gave an interview to a publication in his homeland of France, spoke of some difficulties he is currently going through in his personal life that had affected him.

Wilder said: “It has been okay. We’re really open and honest. We think an awful lot about Lys as a player and a person.

“When supporters are stood there and having a pop at players about this, that and the other, sometimes there’s underlying things that happen in people’s and player’s lives.

“Things happen to people and players are human beings. He’s had some really tough times, but he’s got the support of the players, the staff and I am sure, most importantly, the supporters of Sheffield United.”