'Certain areas' - key Sheffield United figure makes squad admission as new signings targeted
Sheffield United will be hoping to put a disappointing 2025/26 season firmly behind them next term.
Assistant manager Micky Collins has said Sheffield United’s squad is in a “really healthy position” ahead of pre-season getting underway - but has conceded additions are required in “certain areas”.
United’s players are due to start reporting back to their Shirecliffe training base later this month ahead of stepping up their preparations for the 2026/27 Championship campaign. The Blades are scheduled to play Halifax Town in their opening friendly of the summer on July 4.
The Blades will be looking to revive their promotion aspirations next term after finishing an underwhelming 13th in the Championship in 2025/26. The top eight will each be in with a shot of securing promotion to the Premier League from next season onwards amid the introduction of an expanded play-off system.
The Blades had the ninth-best record in the Championship between manager Chris Wilder’s return to the club last September and the end of the campaign, meaning they will be hopeful of climbing into the top eight and being in with a chance of returning to the top flight at the third attempt.
It is no secret Wilder is determined to put his own stamp on the squad this summer by recruiting experience and players with Championship pedigree. As previously reported by The Star, it is understood the likes of Everton’s Nathan Patterson, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Bramall Lane, Jack Clarke of Ipswich Town and Aston Villa ace Lewis Dobbin are on Wilder’s list of targets.
United are going to need to strengthen a cluster of positions this summer, particularly the heart of their defence amid the recent departures of Ben Mee, who has announced his retirement, and loanees Tyler Bindon and Leo Hjelde. There is also a hunger to strengthen at right-back and on the left flank.
Collins told United’s in-house media: “We have been having chats about where the squad is at and we feel like we are in a healthy position.
“We know there are certain areas that need additions, but I think when you come back in pre-season, and every club in the country will come back in with that enthusiasm, expecting to have a good season, but often very quickly, it doesn’t happen, and clubs realise where they are at.
“But I think with us going into, it we’re in a really healthy position, a really strong position. I’m really excited about getting back in, getting to it and putting right some of the wrongs that happened last season.”