Why Chris Wilder is confident Sheffield United's board share his vision for club's future after unveiling Nottingham Forest's Jack Robinson as latest signing

Chris Wilder is confident Sheffield United's board shares his vision for the future of the club after he unveiled his latest January signing before Tuesday's game against Manchester City.
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The Blades boss recently signed a new four-and-a-half year contract to remain in charge of his boyhood club, and has informed the United hierarchy of his wishlist to improve the Blades on and off the field.

Included in that are new players in the January window and beyond - following the arrivals of Jack Rodwell and Jack Robinson - and also improvements to the club's training academy, as they explore their options to become a Category One academy.

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Wilder, who describes himself as a 'builder', has overseen United's progress from League One to the Premier League and now has a squad packed with valuable assets - including the likes of Jack O'Connell and John Fleck.

Chris Wilder and H.R.H Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder and H.R.H Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder and H.R.H Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

And, speaking after Robinson's capture from Nottingham Forest was confirmed, Wilder said: "I could have spent five or six million but I'd have wasted four and a half of that, because in Jack we've got a boy who's competitive and will push Jack O'Connell.

"I've looked at him for two or three years and I tried to get him when he left QPR. He suits our system and has a great pedigree after starting at Liverpool.

"I'm constructing a squad, which I've always done... I'm a builder. I've got a picture and a vision, and I will maximise what I have been given in terms of budget. If I don't spend it in this window, I'd like the opportunity to go again in the summer.

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"The club isn't daft... they know they have to invest in the squad, in infrastructure, in the ground, in the training ground.

"I've put all that to them and I'm positive and confident they'll see my vision on that.

"We have to improve players and keep going forward. I wouldn't have signed my contract if I didn't believe that."

United return to action this weekend when they face Millwall in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the Den.

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