Former Sheffield United favourite delighted that Blades have matched Dave Bassett side's top-flight finish

Chris Wilder led his Blades to a top-10 finish in their first season back in the top-flight, defying pre-season predictions of an instant return to the Championship. At one stage United were in touching distance of the Champions League places, and took their pursuit of a Europa League spot to the penultimate game of the extended season.

And Gage, a member of that Bassett squad that took 57 points from 42 games in '91/92 to finish ninth, wrote in his latest exclusive column for The Star: "You’d maybe expect me to hope that our '91-92 finishing position wasn't matched by this current one. Believe me, nothing could be further from the truth. This current team thoroughly it, just purely based on the performances and the sheer joy they’ve given us this season.

READ Kevin Gage’s full column HERE

"If Covid-19 hadn’t struck I also genuinely think that we’d have been a place or two higher up the league as well, as it took us a few games to fully get back into our stride.

"When attempting to put into words just how damned good we’ve been this season, I’m not even sure I can do them justice. We’ve been utterly brilliant. It really is that simple.

"The level of performances have absolutely blown me away at times. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with all of the best sides in England and not only matched them, but played them off the pitch at times with the sheer quality of our football.

"Players who were outstanding in League One and the Championship have raised their games and now look as if they’ve been Premier League-quality footballers all their career.

"What an achievement from everyone concerned at the club. What a transformation it has truly been."

United will announce the winner of their player of the year award on Friday evening, at 7pm, live on their YouTube and Facebook channels. The winner of the goal of the season and players' player gongs, amongst others, will also be confirmed.

An important message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city. Thank you, and stay safe. Danny.