'Most important' - Tahith Chong identifies key to Sheffield United's progress aspirations
Tahith Chong will be hoping to play a more prominent role this season after struggling to make an impact in his maiden campaign at Sheffield United.
Winger Tahith Chong believes togetherness and unity within the squad will be key to Sheffield United's hopes of enjoying a successful campaign this season.
After finishing a disappointing 13th in the Championship last season, the Blades enjoyed a strong pre-season campaign, winning four and drawing two of their six friendlies. They concluded their pre-season schedule with a 0-0 draw against VfL Bochum in Germany on Saturday.
Although progress has been slow on the transfer front this summer, and the club faces the prospect of losing key man Gustavo Hamer, manager Chris Wilder's presence has given most supporters confidence that United will enjoy a better campaign than they did last season.
After starting last term with six consecutive defeats under Rubén Sellés in league and cup, the Spaniard was dismissed and replaced by Wilder. The boyhood Blade turned United’s fortunes around, dragging them away from the relegation places and, for a period, even briefly flirting with the play-off positions.
Chong moved to Bramall Lane towards the end of last summer’s transfer window but failed to pull up any trees during his maiden season in S2, struggling for form and consistency. However, following the departure of Andre Brooks, he has been granted a stay of execution and is expected to compete with Romelle Donovan for a place on the right flank.
With the start of the new campaign looming, the Curaçao international has addressed what he believes will be crucial to United’s ambitions of climbing the Championship table this season.
“I think, for us, the most important thing is, and I say this all the time, taking it game by game and winning as many games as you can,” Chong told United’s YouTube channel. “But it's just [about] preparing, and we're going to need everyone, really.
“It’s not only the XI that’s on the pitch; it’s the whole group that has to do it. Being united as a team is very important for every single team that wants success.
“It’s just about being united and being a team, which I think we are.”