Sheffield United star reveals why players aren't satisfied with their Premier League season

Despite only being promoted from the Championship 15 months earlier, United finished last season ranked ninth in the Premier League table and having also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Although Basham insisted Chris Wilder’s squad should be proud of their efforts, he confirmed they were upset not to have capped-off what was an otherwise superb return to top-flight competition by qualifying for Europe. United, who earlier this month awarded the 32-year an improved and extended contract, were in contention for a Europa League place until the penultimate match of a campaign disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At the end (of the season), we saw all the messages about us doing unbelievable and we did have to pinch ourselves,” Basham said. “But there was also a bit of disappointment that we didn’t take it to the last day, that challenge for Europe, and that we didn’t get into Europe.

“Okay, it wasn’t talked about a lot in our dressing room but it was there for us to take. This club has been built on success over the last few years, so we were disappointed to come to the end of the season without something. We’ve taken it on the chin though."

Although they attracted an army of new admirers with the boldness and attractiveness of their football, Basham’s comments provide an insight into the mentality which has helped United climb from League One to the cusp of the EL in the space of only five years. With the new season scheduled to start in a little over a month’s time, United are attempting to bring Reading’s John Swift and Matt Cash of Nottingham Forest to Bramall Lane before the end of the transfer window.

“Everyone here is striving for success, on and off the pitch,” Basham said. “The facilities are improving, the staff are improving, the team is improving and, as well all know, this is the manager’s club so he wants to win so much."

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