Why John Fleck's decision was significant for Sheffield United's future

John Fleck’s desire to spend the best years of his career with Sheffield United, despite attracting admiring glances from at least one other Premier League club, meant it was easy to agree a new contract with the Scotland midfielder, Chris Wilder has admitted.
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Fleck, aged 28, put pen to paper on a deal lasting until 2023 before starting last weekend’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, which ensured Wilder’s side remained well-placed in the battle for a place in European football next season.

The development appears to have dashed West Ham’s hopes of luring Fleck away from Bramall Lane over the summer, with the Londoners believing the financial muscle they have built up during eight years at the highest level would have enabled them - providing David Moyes can steer his side to safety - to make an irresistible proposition to both the player and United’s board.

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But after hearing Fleck admit he never contemplated leaving the club he joined from Coventry City in 2016, Wilder said: “The attitude of John was that he wanted to commit here.

“We took him on a free and he’s been outstanding ever since, he’s one of those that has been with us on the journey all the way through.

“He fits right in behind the scenes and he fits right in on the pitch too. You saw that (against Brighton) when he was superb in our midfield department, which was facing people as technically strong as Aaron Mooy.”

Fleck’s decision - Arsenal were also reportedly monitoring his progress during the recent transfer window - is a hugely significant moment in United’s bid to establish themselves in the top-flight.

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After finishing the latest round of fixtures in seventh - only four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea - it sends a message to both supporters and Fleck’s colleagues in the dressing room alike that Wilder’s employers are serious about building upon the progress they have made since Wilder’s appointment before the start of the 2016/17 League One campaign.

John Fleck, alongside Chris Wilder (C) and chief executive Steve Bettis(R) signs his new contract with Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/SportimageJohn Fleck, alongside Chris Wilder (C) and chief executive Steve Bettis(R) signs his new contract with Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
John Fleck, alongside Chris Wilder (C) and chief executive Steve Bettis(R) signs his new contract with Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

With a number of other key squad members, including John Lundstram and John Egan, also known to be taking part in negotiations aimed at extending their stays in South Yorkshire, Wilder hopes Fleck’s decision, coupled with United’s willingness to spend £22m luring Sander Berge away from Genk, will reinforce his message they possess both the quality and more importantly the ambition to become a recognised force in the top-flight.

Despite recognising the PL remains, in money terms at least, a frighteningly unequal competition, Wilder suspects offering players the chance to become a part of an upwardly mobile club is arguably his most important bargaining tool; when it comes to attracting new faces and retaining existing talent.

“We’ve talked in the past about budgets and whatever,” he said.

“There’s always a danger that your best players might get picked off by people if they have the dough. But he (Fleck) made it clear he wanted to be a part of things here.”