Skipper Billy Sharp reveals the secrets to Sheffield United's Premier League success in 2019/20 season

The Blades, widely tipped for an instant return to the Championship after promotion, instead mounted a push for Europe that went down to the penultimate game of the campaign. They ultimately finished ninth.

And Sharp, who scored the first goal of a memorable season on the opening day at Bournemouth, said: "We haven't feared it. Everyone talked about it in papers, on radio and TV. 'Sheffield United will get relegated'.

"We stuck a few bits on the wall and had a laugh about it. We tried to get out of that fear.

"We started strongly and grew in confidence and belief. We were away from relegation all season and fighting to get into the top six. "Right until Christmas, we heard people saying 'they're going to collapse'. But we got stronger.

"People talked about our weaknesses, but every team has them. We need to get better at our weaknesses to improve as a group."

United's success was largely built on solid defensive formations, while several of Sharp's teammates enhanced their profiles with a stellar first season at Premier League level.

"People say we've worked hard but that's not why we've done so well," Sharp added.

"We're actually a good team. We realised we're good players and deserve to be here, but we can't just sit back and relax because that's when you do get sucked in.

"We need to make sure we're on our game every day."

An important message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city. Thank you, and stay safe. Danny.