Uncertain future awaits but Quinn is eager to stay and help club battle back with promotion

One of only four survivors from the club’s Premier League season, the Dubliner has spent the first eight years of his career with the Blades.

Whether he will still be at Bramall Lane next season, however, remains to be seen.

Reflecting on a campaign that started with hopes of play-off qualification and ended in relegation, Quinn said: “I thought we were progressing and knocking on the door to the Premier League. I never would have thought it would come to this.

“There is no point in pointing fingers at this stage, but we will have to sit down and assess the season, look at everything, and work out how it all went wrong, how it got to this.

“It’s devastating. It hurts the supporters and it hurts me. I have been at this club eight years and I am gutted,” he added. “Over the last few weeks, we have put up a good battle but, in the end, it was too little, too late.”

Quinn, 25, had been presented with the Supporters Club Player of the Season award prior to the 2-2 draw with Barnsley.

At the final whistle, he was chocking back tears as those supporters showed appreciation for the team’s efforts.

“For them to stay and clap us off was a nice touch,” he said. “We wanted to win this game for the fans and they stood by us, even to the end. When the final whistle went, they were brilliant. Credit to them.”

Although the Blades have only two players out of contract this summer – defenders Rob Kozluk and Ryan France – chief executive Trevor Birch has now confirmed that other players will have to leave to balance the books.

“Hopefully, I will still be here next season,” said Quinn. “We will have to sit down in the summer and see how things go, see what the club says and whether they want me or whatever.”

Praising the club’s youngsters, he added: “It’s a bright future for the club and hopefully we can bounce back.

“Matt Lowton (21) was unbelievable today and big Harry Maguire (18) at the back is going to be an immense player. He looks like a young Chris Morgan coming through.”