Chris Wilder outlines Sheffield United squad balance plan as Tom Davies decision signals future approach
Chris Wilder admitted to frustration on all sides after Sheffield United opted not to renew Tom Davies’ deal at Bramall Lane, with injuries and squad balance ultimately forcing a decision that feels as unfortunate as inevitable.
A mixture of availability issues and Sheffield United’s desire to slim down their squad in the summer was behind the decision to call time on Tom Davies’ Bramall Lane career this summer, manager Chris Wilder has admitted. The Blades confirmed this week that Davies’ contract would not be renewed when it expires in June.
The former England under-21 international has made just 11 starts since joining United back in 2023, with just 25 further appearances off the bench. In an emotional statement posted on social media, Davies told Unitedites it had “been a genuine honour to represent this club, this city, and our supporters.”
He also signalled his intention to continue his playing career elsewhere, convinced he still has something to offer a new club despite his recent injury struggles. And wherever he goes, he will be wished well by most at United.
“I had a talk with Tom last week and I thank him for his efforts,” Wilder said. “I think there's obviously a huge amount of frustration from him in terms of his availability and the injuries that he's suffered. And for me, a huge amount of frustration because I've got a lot of time for him as a personality and a character.
Chris Wilder outlines Sheffield United squad balance plan as Tom Davies decision signals future approach
“I was really looking forward to working with him when I came back, when we were in the Premier League. But obviously that's been limited, to say the least. I think he's shown glimpses and contributions. He's played at the highest level.
“But unfortunately, he's been on the receiving end of a really disappointing situation regarding the injuries that he's picked up. And we have to make those decisions. We're well stocked in that area.
“We'd have loved to have worked with Tom even longer. He's due a bit of luck, but we have to make those decisions. I'll be keeping in contact with Tom and hopefully he has the luck that he deserves as a personality and a player.”
Davies’ departure leaves United with four senior options in midfield, barring any summer sales. Oliver Arblaster and Sydie Peck are part of that cohort along with experienced teammates Joe Rothwell and Jairo Riedewald, whose contract option will be taken up to tie him to Bramall Lane for another year.
“We've got to be tight,” Wilder added. “We're going to have a tight group next year. We're going to be running with 22 and 23 players, so we're not going to go anywhere near the numbers that we've got this season. And everybody has to be available.
“Unfortunately, it was a decision that was made in conjunction with the rise over the last 18 months of Oli and Sydie as well. And signing Joe Rothwell on a permanent deal, which I felt was important.
“And Jairo has been excellent for us. So we've got a nice balance there between two senior players and two younger players. So we have to make sure that the balance of the group is right. We don't need five players in the middle of the park. And we've got Gus that can play in there as well.
“So we understand that balancing the squad off is important. But I wish Tom all the best. He's really disappointing because I think he's got a good rapport with the supporters. And hopefully between now and the end of the season, in the two home games, they'll either see him floating about or in and around the squad, or on the pitch, to say his goodbyes.”