John Egan says Sheffield United's relegation isn't because of a lack of players' effort

The Blades’ long-inevitable return to the Championship after two seasons at Premier League level was confirmed on Saturday evening, when a 1-0 defeat at Wolves – their 26th in their 32 league games so far this campaign – left them 19 points adrift of safety, with just six matches remaining.

But in reality, United’s fate has been a matter of when rather than if for some time now, especially after they failed to register their first win until mid January.

“There are a lot of reasons,” Egan, who may now attract interest from Premier League clubs at the end of the season, admitted.

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“It’s 30-odd games played now and you are where you are for a reason.

“The reality is we haven’t been good enough.

“There are no excuses or bickering. It’s about performances on the pitch, they relate to points and we haven’t got enough this season.

“I feel like I’m saying the same things a lot of times this season. We’re very disappointed. The writing has been on the wall for a while and we’re all gutted.

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“It can be tough but the lads inside the dressing room are not a big time, arrogant group.

“We are a humble group who work hard no matter what the situation.

“If you watch the game, you can’t see anyone chucking it in. We give our all for the club.”

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