Prince Abdullah reveals Sheffield United's ambitions after handing Chris Wilder a new deal; jokes 'we want to be better than Manchester United!'

Prince Abdullah, the Sheffield United owner, wants the Blades to establish themselves as a Premier League club after handing manager Chris Wilder a new long-term contract.
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United announced yesterday, before their 1-0 victory over West Ham, that Wilder had agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at United, with the option of an extra year in the club's favour.

The Sheffield-born Blades fan has led his club to two promotion since taking charge at Bramall Lane, while Friday's victory over West Ham sent them fifth in the Premier League table.

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And Prince Abdullah, the Saudi royal who won sole control of the Blades last year after a long court battle with his former business partner Kevin McCabe, joked: "We want to be the best United! [Over Manchester United].

Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd shakes hands with owner Prince Abdullah after signing his new deal: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd shakes hands with owner Prince Abdullah after signing his new deal: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd shakes hands with owner Prince Abdullah after signing his new deal: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

"We're very excited. Chris has been a big part of the club's success and stability is very important. We're very happy with Chris's record and looking forward to more of it.

"I told Chris in the off-season that we'd be coming to him soon, before he approached us for a new deal. He has earned it. For me, the most important piece of any club is good coaching and management so it's good for the club's future.

"We want to establish in the Premier League and I think with our history, we deserve to be in the Premier League.

"We're happy right now but we know the second year is tough as well. But we want to build on our success and become an established Premier League club."

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