Sheffield United v Swansea City: Chris Wilder annoyed and irritated amid uncharacteristic Championship run-in

Namely, having nothing to play for at the business end of the table.

Back in early autumn, there was some fears that the 'live' issue in the standings might revolve around the Blades having work to do to retain their second-tier status after a disastrous start to the campaign under Wilder's predecessor Ruben Selles.

Wilder's arrival has at least averted that prospect by a distance, as most suspected.

But in a season when several rival clubs have made telling moves in the second half of the season and got themselves firmly into top-six contention, United have lacked the stamina and consistency that you usually associate with them at this level.

An untimely bout of recent homesickness - one win in their past five outings at Bramall Lane - and a propensity to drop points from winning positions, are two of the major reasons why.

Wilder said: "I showed a slide to the team over the last 10 years.

"And taking into account two out of three (were) Premier League seasons - I'm not going to go in a deep dive about that, but myself and Paul (Heckingbottom) were obviously incredibly on the back foot regarding two of those seasons - this has been a winning football club.

"There was only one season, out first season in the Championship, where we consolidated where we finished 10th, and that was off the back of some crucial injuries and just running out of gas.

"But in a lot of that season, we were in and around the top two/three/four, and we just fell away.

"And then we came roaring back the season afterwards and got promoted.

"So this is a winning football club. Whether it was me or Paul as manager, we've won, and the percentage of wins is high.

"And in an honest way I prefer to win than play well.

"We have to find that balance, and if we can't find that balance, then great, but give me a win any day of the week. And we're not winning and that annoys me.

"It irritates me when we do a lot of things right and switch off at a moment, don't deal with one long ball or don't deal with a counter-attack and get punished."

United must make do without striker Tyrese Campbell, who will miss the rest of the season following minor knee surgery.

Kalvin Phillips is still ‘working his way back’ after his own knee issue which has kept the ex-Leeds United and England man out since the Steel City derby in February, Wilder is hopeful he will be involved against before season's end.

Joe Rothwell is in contention for the game against the Swans, while Femi Seriki returns from suspension.

On Campbell, Wilder confirmed: "He's out for the season.

"Tyrese had a minor small operation and we thought it was best that he got that cleared up and get him ready for a tough pre-season in 2026-27.”