Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is asked if he wants to keep Phil Jagielka on board next season

Phil Jagielka’s knowledge and experience of Premier League football is indispensable to Sheffield United’s hopes of avoiding relegation, manager Chris Wilder admitted, after being asked if he would like to retain the centre-half’s services in some capacity beyond the end of the season.
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After making a rare appearance in the starting eleven against Manchester United on Wednesday night, being named man-of-the match by the television company which broadcast the fixture, Jagielka is expected to return to the bench at Manchester City tomorrow afternoon following John Egan’s return from suspension.

Speaking after helping United beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side 2-1 - a result which saw them move to within 10 points of safety ahead of today’s return to the North-West - Jagelka admitted “I probably won’t have many more opportunities” to compete at grounds such as Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.

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But after being handed a new short-term contract in August, Jagielka, who turns 39 later this year, could be offered the chance to continue working at Bramall Lane even if he chooses to announce his retirement in May; when the present campaign is scheduled to finish.

Chris Basham and Phil Jagielka (R) warm-up for Sheffield United: Andrew Yates/SportimageChris Basham and Phil Jagielka (R) warm-up for Sheffield United: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
Chris Basham and Phil Jagielka (R) warm-up for Sheffield United: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

“I’d definitely like to keep that knowledge,” Wilder said. “There’s no downside to having that, because of the personality Jags has got.

“He’s not in my office 24/7. He spends more time in the dressing room, socially distanced of course, with the players with his mask on.

“He’s talking to the players because of how he is. He’s approachable. He doesn’t lecture or dictate, but he’s been through the process.”

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Jagielka, who rejoined United from Everton following their promotion from the Championship in 2019, has accumulated 370 top-flight appearances since progressing through Bramall Lane’s youth system. Capped 40 times by England, he has represented his country at both the European Championships and World Cup. Five of Jagielka’s team mates on duty against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have made 15 or fewer outings at the highest level of the English game. One of those, former City player Kean Bryan, finished last season on loan in League One with Bolton Wanderers.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder values Phil Jagielka's input on and off the pitch: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United manager Chris Wilder values Phil Jagielka's input on and off the pitch: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder values Phil Jagielka's input on and off the pitch: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“Phil’s experience is great,” Wilder said. “It’s great for him to be able to pass it on to those who want to listen. Some might not, and I suppose that’s their prerogative. But what I can say, and I’m delighted that I can, is that we’ve definitely got many more here who want to than don’t.”

Despite attracting interest from Burnley and reigning Scottish Premiership champions Celtic after leaving Goodison Park, where he was voted both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, Jagielka is understood to have accepted a significant wage cut in order to rejoin United.

“I think we’d rather have it (Jagielka’s experience) than not,” Wilder said. “We’re not at that stage (of being able to buy proven PL at the peak of their careers) yet. That’s the diplomatic reply.

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“Phil came in, and I believe it was a smart move to do that. We knew, and he knew, that he wasn’t going to be playing 38 games a season. But he brings so much, and something different, to the table for us and the other players can lean on him. There’s nothing like that experience.”

Phil Jagielka is a source of knowledge and advice for Sheffield United's younger and more experienced players, says manager Chris Wilder: Darren Staples/SportimagePhil Jagielka is a source of knowledge and advice for Sheffield United's younger and more experienced players, says manager Chris Wilder: Darren Staples/Sportimage
Phil Jagielka is a source of knowledge and advice for Sheffield United's younger and more experienced players, says manager Chris Wilder: Darren Staples/Sportimage

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