Sheffield United: Slow summer is a positive for Blades, says Chris Wilder

Chris Wilder has made no apology for Sheffield United's quiet start to this summer's transfer market.
MK Dons Kyle McFadzean.
Picture : Jonathan GawthorpeMK Dons Kyle McFadzean.
Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
MK Dons Kyle McFadzean. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

Instead, the Blades manager insisted it underlines the days of Bramall Lane being held to ransom by financial mercenaries are over following his appointment as Nigel Adkins’ successor nearly seven weeks ago.

Despite taking an axe to the squad which finished 11th in the competiton last season, the 48-year-old has signed only two players - Mark Duffy and Chris Hussey - since taking charge although MK Dons defender Kyle McFadzean could soon be granted permission to hold talks after asking to leave Karl Robinson’s side.

Blades boss Chris WilderBlades boss Chris Wilder
Blades boss Chris Wilder
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Having previously stated that he wants to complete the majority of his business before United’s preparations for the new campaign begin in earnest with a friendly against Stocksbridge Park Steels next month, concerns have been expressed that Wilder could travel to Bolton Wanderers on August 6 lacking the strength in depth to mount a serious promotion challenge.

Dismissing those claims, he told The Star: “It’s important, vitally important in fact, that we bring the right people in.

And by that, I mean people who want to play for this football club and be proud to represent it rather than simply coming here for the money.”

“We’ve held talks with lots of people and some of them we’ve rejected because they had demands we simply weren’t prepared to meet.

Blades boss Chris WilderBlades boss Chris Wilder
Blades boss Chris Wilder
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“I’ve always maintained that you should pay the going rate, which we will, but not go above it.

“That’s something, for the right reasons, I’m not going to do.”

Former Cardiff City centre-forward Alex Revell, now of Northampton Town, was scratched from Wilder’s wanted list after holding talks earlier this month.

McFadzean, who graduated from the Steelphalt Academy before arriving at Stadium MK via Alfreton and Crawley Town, hopes to join United although Robinson would prefer not to sell the 29-year-old to a divisional rival.

“There’s lots going on behind the scenes,” Wilder said.

“We hope to get a few more bits done pretty soon. Everyone is focused and working hard on trying to get them across the line.”