'Keep moving forward and I'm happy to lead it' - Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reaffirms commitment to Bramall Lane

The United manager was asked if his long-term future lies beyond South Yorkshire ahead of tomorrow’s game against Everton; a match set to have a crucial bearing on the race for European football next term.

Wilder’s side have made an impressive return to the top-flight after winning promotion from the Championship last term, finishing the latest round of fixtures in eighth place having beaten the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent weeks.

Despite acknowledging the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will have a detrimental effect upon his recruitment budget when the transfer window reopens later this month Wilder, who is expected to target Reading midfielder John Swift after signing former Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, said: “I’m happy, I’ve signed a new long term contract and I’m enjoying working at the football club.

“I’m ambitious. I want to succeed. I want to take us to the next level on a lot of fronts. I’m enjoying working here. I’ve not thought about my future to be honest.”

United’s results have also prompted speculation some of their most influential performers will shortly begin attracting attention from rival teams. Together with his board of directors - “They’ve backed me and that’s appreciated” - Wilder has moved to protect United’s investment in the likes of John Fleck, Enda Stevens, Oliver Norwood, Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick by awarding them improved deals. Talks remain ongoing with John Lundstram, John Egan and Chris Basham.

Acknowledging it is important United strive to build upon the progress they have made under his stewardship, Wilder said: “When you talk about players, we’re all doing okay, so if any attract offers it's because they’ve having successful seasons. We are all trying to be successful in the jobs we do.”

“I’m extremely happy and hopefully we can keep moving forward as a football club,” Wilder added, confirming he is also hopeful of renewing Dean Henderson’s loan from Manchester United. “That’s the big thing for me, that we keep improving on the pitch and that I have the ability to do that. Also, off the pitch, that we grow in terms of facilities, infrastructure and everything associated with the club.

“We’re behind in a lot of aspects and that’s not being disrespectful, because it won’t happen overnight. But so long as we show the right attitude and have a work ethic to improve, that for me is the key to making it happen.”

Although Wilder conceded United are powerless to prevent other clubs from submitting offers for members of his squad, he said: “I’m confident the group that starts next season will be stronger than it was at the beginning of this one. That’s what everyone is aiming to achieve here.”

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