Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick wants to become a Blade for life

David McGoldrick has confirmed he wants to finish his career with Sheffield United, insisting it “won’t be the end of the story” for Chris Wilder’s team even if they are relegated from the Premier League.
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Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool, a match he acknowledges United simply must win in order to retain even the faintest hope of survival, McGoldrick confirmed he is determined to earn another contract at Bramall Lane when his present deal expires next summer.

Describing United as his perfect footballing home, the former Republic of Ireland centre-forward said: “I want to finish my career here, definitely. I love it here. I’m living at home, the way it’s set up, the manager and the staff, it’s all ideal for me. It’s made for me. I don’t want to leave.”

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“This is the best time of my career,” McGodrick, aged 33, continued. “It’s a pleasure to play for the club. I don’t want it to stop. I wish I was 10 years younger. I was mature when I came here, but it’s made me even more so. I have a role to help the young boys. I get a buzz out of helping them.

David McGoldrick of Sheffield Utd (L) loves being a Sheffield United player and believes this team still has a bright future: Simon Bellis/SportimageDavid McGoldrick of Sheffield Utd (L) loves being a Sheffield United player and believes this team still has a bright future: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
David McGoldrick of Sheffield Utd (L) loves being a Sheffield United player and believes this team still has a bright future: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“Coming here helped me get back playing for my country and even though I’ve had to retire from that now, to concentrate on here and for a few other reasons, this club has given me so much.”

McGoldrick has blossomed into one of United’s most influential performers since arriving in South Yorkshire three seasons ago following his release by Ipswich Town. But with injury sidelining other key members of Wilder’s preferred starting eleven, United have struggled to replicate their success last term, when they finished ninth in the table after being promoted. They have prepared for this weekend’s meeting with the reigning Premier League champions 14 points adrift of safety with only 13 fixtures remaining.

Despite their perilous predicament, McGoldrick insisted both he and his colleagues remain convinced they can complete what would be the greatest escape in the history of England’s top-flight.

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Reminding it would be a “mistake” to forget Wilder’s achievements at the helm - United were languishing in League One when he was appointed in the summer of 2016 - McGoldrick said: “You get as many points as you can. If you get on a great run, with momentum, who knows?

Chris Wilder's achievements must not be underestimated, says David McGoldrick: David Klein/SportimageChris Wilder's achievements must not be underestimated, says David McGoldrick: David Klein/Sportimage
Chris Wilder's achievements must not be underestimated, says David McGoldrick: David Klein/Sportimage

“Do you want us to say we are down and throw in the towel? No. If we pick up a win, and then another one and then another one, who knows?

“The manager is always positive. He’s the driving force of this club. He’s always positive and it never changes. That’s why his record is what it is.”

“It’s tough but there’s 13 games to go and 39 points to play for,” McGoldrick added. “Mathematically it’s still possible and while that’s the case, we keep on fighting, The manager wouldn’t let us do it any other way and we wouldn’t do it any other way either. That’s not the way we are made. This isn’t the end of the story.”

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