Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder insists they have not failed by missing out on automatic promotion this season.
Sheffield United saw their automatic promotion bid end on Easter Monday as they were defeated by Burnley at Turf Moor. A first-half double from Josh Brownhill either side of Tom Cannon’s first SUFC goal secured a 2-1 home win.
After Leeds United’s thumping win over Stoke City earlier in the day, the result meant the Whites and the Clarets have booked their place in next season’s Premier League via the automatic promotion spots.
It condemns the Blades to the play-offs, a disappointing outcome having been in the top two fight all season.
However, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder insists missing out on the automatics does not make this season a failure.
Having rebuilt the Bramall Lane squad over the course of the 2024/25 campaign, the SUFC chief insists one bad week on the pitch does not define the whole year. As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said:
“It was one week of football, [I] can’t really put my finger on it.
“These weird results happen at the end of the season. This isn’t a failure. The team got put together at the start of the season.”
The Blades’ disastrous week
There is a lot to be admired about Sheffield United and their automatic promotion bid, and rightly so.
Of course, there’s not denying they have spent handsomely in the transfer market across two windows. Such investment was needed though, having seen several players depart at the end of last season while needing to refresh an ageing group at Bramall Lane.
The Blades’ disastrous week
There is a lot to be admired about Sheffield United and their automatic promotion bid, and rightly so.
Of course, there’s not denying they have spent handsomely in the transfer market across two windows. Such investment was needed though, having seen several players depart at the end of last season while needing to refresh an ageing group at Bramall Lane.
The Blades did not drop out of the top two for going on four months before a three-game losing run between April 5th and April 12th. There’s no telling what would have panned out had they not lost those games, but defeats to Oxford United, Millwall and Plymouth Argyle will ultimately be viewed as their downfall in the failed top two push.
Dusting themselves down and going again
Sheffield United have little choice but to dust themselves down and enter the play-offs with a rejuvenated mindset after missing out on the top two.
Wilder has spoken about taking inspiration from Newcastle United in maintaining their momentum after the adrenaline dump of winning the Carabao Cup. Although this emotional release will be one of disappointment for SUFC, they’re also determined not to lose sight of their ultimate goal after a season-defining moment.
Up next are clashes with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers to see out the season. Whoever finishes 6th will face SUFC in the play-offs given that they already have 3rd place locked down.
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