Chris Wilder outlines his New Year wish for Sheffield United after remarkable 2019 saw them shine in Premier League

United finished above Yorkshire rivals Leeds United to win automatic promotion from the Championship, alongside Norwich City and play-off winners Aston Villa.

And despite many pundits' pre-season predictions, United have outperformed both of their fellow promoted sides - beating both, as well as picking up impressive results against the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

United's long unbeaten record away from Bramall Lane, which stood for almost a year, was only recently beaten at the Etihad Stadium against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, and the Blades kick-off 2020 with a glamour tie against Champions League winners Liverpool at Anfield.

"I always say the best time for reflection is at the end of the season and the best time to reflect on a career is when it's finished," Wilder said.

"The club has done a hell of a lot of good things in this calendar year.

"We had a terrific campaign in the Championship - we shouldn't have been anywhere near the promotion race but we were, and then off we go on a new journey.

"So far, we've handled it very well. But there's still a lot of work to put in and a lot of games to go.

"We're not sat here comfortable, though. We're happy with what we've done but the key is to kick on and keep improving.

"I've tried to do that everywhere I've been with the resources I've got and the players at my disposal. I want to keep moving it forward and we've certainly done that in 2019.

"Hopefully when fans look back at this year in two, three or four years time, they have some fantastic memories. But we've got to keep creating them as well."

Wilder has presented his list of January transfer targets to the club's hierarchy ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.

Brentford's Ollie Watkins is thought to be of interest, while QPR's Eberechi Eze could also emerge as a target.

"We want to improve the squad and the players and all the stuff we can control, and we'll do our utmost to do that," Wilder added.

"There club's in a great position but I'm never one to sit back and admire. The staff aren't and the players won't.

"We've got some huge challenges ahead and we're really looking forward to them."